Menopause at 41??? - Portsmouth,VA

I thought I started menopause in my late 30's and it was over in my 40s BUT apparently (since they have now diagnosed me with an underactive thyroid) THAT also may have caused it. So, before just accepting, get your thyroid checked and maybe have your doc do a full physical.Good luck ... although I must say I've thoroughly enjoyed the lack of periods for quite while now.

R.:)

Hi T.! I had my son at thirty and my family lives in another state. I am now fifty two and my son is going on twenty two so maybe I can guide you through some issues from time to time. I know how you feel when it's just you or just you and your husband. About menopause; what did your gyn. think might be going on? Did she suggest checking hormone levels? Also, what are your symptoms and are you under a lot of stress right now. Stress and too much dieting (malnutrition) could stop your flow.

Max

My grandmother went through menopause at 35 and my mother at 38. There are a number of reasons why you could be going through the change early. In my grandmother's case, she had her first child(my mom) at 15 and my mom had me at 19. There are other reasons such as having an early sex life or an early period. And then there is always genetics. Has anyone in your close family gone through the change at an early age?

My advise: Don't freak out. It is a normal part of a woman's cycle. Me personally, I'm going to have a party!

As far as raising a baby without a mom, that can be more of a challenge. You've taken the right step by reaching out. I've gotten lots of great advice from the ladies on this site. Sometimes if I have a question, I will look at past requests and realize that other women are having the same problems I have. I will read the responses to those requests and get the advice that I need, without asking. That's so cool.

Just remember that you love your baby so much, you are willing to open up to a bunch of strangers to ask for help. In my eyes, thats a good mother. Congratulations on the baby and keep in touch.

The only thing I have ever heard is the later you start your cycle the earlier you will end- could be a myth, not very sure.

T.,

it probably seems strange to you, since inside you do not feel like you are old enough to be entering this stage of your life. personally, when I look at myself and think of my age, I am amazed that I am as old as I am. On the inside I still feel so young (smile), in fact, I remember 16, like it was yesterday, lol.

Two years ago, I hit perimenopause. I fought with my doctor over it as he was hung up over my age, and my being too young to begin this. but the symptoms didn't lie, and in the end, he was the one amazed. I was 35 years old. Now, here I am at 37,in full blown menopause. I do not think that we can go by our age, but perhaps it is just an inner body timeclock...how much we have "used" our bodies, or perhaps it is more a matter of how well we have tended to our health, i.e. eating and exercising. The best part of it all, imho, is no longer running out to the store for femine products!!! I feel a bit free-er....

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go jump into a cold shower as the hot flashes are attacking!

B.

I am 32, have a 8-month old, and about 4 months ago, I also stopped having my period (after resuming my cycle 6 weeks after the baby...arrggh!!). I figured all this was normal, considering I didn't know what to expect after having a baby! I went to my primary dr about 3 months ago, after experiencing painful kidney stones. A cat scan of that area revealed a huge ovarian cyst that had stopped my cycle. Like most cysts, it is benign and going away on its own. However, the moral here is that there could be an underlying cause as to why your cycle has stopped. Definitely get a second opinion. It won't hurt a thing and will put your mind at ease.

Early mentapause is a lot more common than most people think. Many times a shock to the reproductive system (such as having a first child further along in your reproductive years) can throw your body into mentapause early. This is not first hand experience but my very close friend went through this as well. If you are having other symptoms I would not bother with a second opinion...hope this helps.

Hello! It's your body, so get as many opinions as it takes to assure you of the diagnosis. Do you know at what age your mother went through it? At 41 it's not unheard of. From what I understand peri-menopause can start in the 30's. It's good to be sure though, if you're not planning on any more babies. That said, it seems that God has blessed you with a beautiful baby boy just under the wire. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what a blessing that is. If you need any advise, or just some adult conversation, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. :o) ____@____.com

Best of luck!!
-J.

Hi there, T.. My mom just turned 40, and she has begun menopause, too. It's actually normal for a woman to begin anytime between 35 and 50 or so years old. My grandmother started when she was about 38. Some doctors are eager to diagnose menopause prematurely. If you haven't already, I would have them test your estrogen/hormone levels. That, coupled with the other symptoms, is more difinative.

I saw that someone else mentioned hormone replacement therapy. It is actually BAD for your bones--reducing bone mass (which is a prime cause of osteoperosis). Talk to a gyn or dr about it. It is usually for women who suffer severe symptoms.

I am only 24, and I had amenorrhea (absence of periods) for about 4 month after getting off depo. If you were on birth control recently before missing your cycle, that could be the cause rather than menopause.

I hope this helps you. Email me if I can help any further: ____@____.com.

W.

T., Women go through menopause at various ages. I knew one woman that started menopause at 26! However, that is not the norm. Many women begin experiencing early signs of menopause in their 30's and more women actually stop menstruating in their 40's. I strongly recommend you visit your gyn doc very soon to see if you need hormone replacement therapy which will help protect your bones and your emotional well being.

My cousin just turned 30 and is in the beginning stages of menopause. It is possible to go through it early I guess. I don't have any other information for you, but I just thought I would share what she's going through.

T.,
I am now almost 55 years old. I had our last son when I was 35, so I am in the same boat as far as having a child after 35. I had my last period when i was in my 40's, as well. Don't worry about it. I am glad I no longer have that. ;)
Spend the rest of his life at home enjoying him. They are surely a huge blessing.

A friend of mine went through menopause at 29 so yeah its possible.