Going through 'the change' questions

[tbb113]

Okay, I'll be 50 in September (how can that be, I was a teenager just a short time ago ;)). I've been on BCP for the last 7 years to control fibroids and decided to go off them the end of April. I spotted a little bit in May and June (less then 1 day each time) and got a period on the 4th of July. I still have it...very light for the last two days but it still is there.

Does this seem normal to you? I know that my periods will be different off the pill and that going through the change will may make them even wonkier but I don't ever remember having a period for this many days.

Also...in the slim chance that I have sex during this time period, how do you know you aren't pregnant when your periods are completely random? Do you trust your birth control method or do you just keep taking pregnancy tests and being relieved when they are negative?

[Mary Ann]

Also...in the slim chance that I have sex during this time period, how do you know you aren't pregnant when your periods are completely random? Do you trust your birth control method or do you just keep taking pregnancy tests and being relieved when they are negative?

I'm glad you asked this, because I've been wondering the same thing. I'll also turn 50 in September, and will be going off the pill then. I planned on asking my Dr. about it at my visit in September, so I'll be very interested in the responses. I've already warned my co-worker to be ready for me to be freaking out the first time I don't get my period!

[LakeMartinGal]

Okay, I'll be 50 in September (how can that be, I was a teenager just a short time ago ;)). I've been on BCP for the last 7 years to control fibroids and decided to go off them the end of April. I spotted a little bit in May and June (less then 1 day each time) and got a period on the 4th of July. I still have it...very light for the last two days but it still is there.

Does this seem normal to you? I know that my periods will be different off the pill and that going through the change will may make them even wonkier but I don't ever remember having a period for this many days.

Also...in the slim chance that I have sex during this time period, how do you know you aren't pregnant when your periods are completely random? Do you trust your birth control method or do you just keep taking pregnancy tests and being relieved when they are negative?

This seems completely normal to me... everyone's different, of course, but the 'sputtering' periods are completely normal as your body adjusts to the lack of the pills and the changing natural hormone levels, and it could take several months! If it keeps up or gets heavier, though, you should probably at least call your GYN -- talk to the nurse, and she will tell you if you need to come in.

I'd also ask her about the pregnancy tests during the change... seems I read somewhere that the accuracy is limited.

Probably not what you want to hear, though... HTH

[wallycat]

Welcome to perimenopause :D:D

Bleeding will be odd for many women because estrogen/progesterone are not balanced. This means that some months, the lining can get very thick (and some women bleed so much they become anemic). I will spare you the FSH/leutenizing hormone combo tossed in there, suffice it to say, mechanisms that tell your body to start re-forming the lining are also off.

There is no way to know if you are PG or not in peri, which is why the info out there is to assume you still CAN get pregnant and take precautions.

If the bleeding lasts too long, you should go and have yourself checked...RARELY, it can mean something else...in this case, I think it is just the BP pills altering too much stuff.
If you continue with heavy bleeds, you can have a LEEP type procedure that removes the lining of the uterus and stops the buildup and therefore the bleeding...unless you think you may want to get pregnant :p, which this would also prevent.

I'm sure there will be other women chiming in with their experience. We women are so amazing that not one of us is alike :cool:

[TKay]

If you do not want to get pregnant (and it sounds like you don't), I would recommend you use backup BC. I know this is anecdotal, but it's true. My aunt had six kids, thought she was through menopause and ended up pg with number 7--at the age of 47. So be careful.

As for the bleeding, I feel like I am constantly spotting. My ob told me that spotting here and there is normal, but if I get real periods and they are less than 21 days apart, that that's not normal. It wouldn't hurt to call your gyn and discuss your situation with him/her. FWIW, my regular doc was more concerned with my bleeding than my ob was. But then, the ob/gyn sees this kind of thing more.

I would agree that this is all probably quite normal, but I'd suggest you talk to your doc just to be on the safe side. Good luck!

[tbb113]

If you do not want to get pregnant (and it sounds like you don't), I would recommend you use backup BC.

I have every intention of using some form of BC. Unwed pregnant 50 year old sounds really stupid ;)

My question was...since my cycle is all over the board, how would you know that the backup BC worked. Do you just keep taking a pregnancy test every couple of weeks?

[wallycat]

I have every intention of using some form of BC. Unwed pregnant 50 year old sounds really stupid ;)

My question was...since my cycle is all over the board, how would you know that the backup BC worked. Do you just keep taking a pregnancy test every couple of weeks?

The newer preg. tests over the counter, are supposed to be more accurate at earlier dates; if you are really concerned, blood test is the most accurate.
If you are using BC and at "our" age are dating men about your age or older....odds are all in your favor that skipping periods is just the peri ;)

[generic]

Tyra,
I don't know about the whole BCP thing as I haven't used the pill for ages, but I'm about 3 years younger than you, and have been in peri for YEARS. A year or two ago I had a period that lasted about two weeks and really scared me. Much of that time the bleeding was quite heavy, such that I was afraid if it went on I might end up iron deficient. I've had such bad luck with doctors in general that I chose to just ride it out, and it's never happened again. Just a lot of fluctuation in length, heaviness and frequency of periods during peri, I guess. I choose not to see it as a "disorder." That said, I know nothing about how the BCP usage could affect your situation.


Unwed pregnant 50 year old sounds really stupid ;)
This made me laugh so hard I had to walk away from my computer!! :D:eek::p

[doggerham]

I'll throw in my .02. I'm 46 and been going through the peri thing for awhile. Since I've used BCP forever, the bigger issues has been the hot flashes/night sweats. In April 2008, I changed BCP to the one where you only have 4 periods a year -- mostly to see if that would help with the hot flashes/night sweats. Doc told me it might take a little time to adjust, but that was normal. She was right, and things went along OK (though it didn't really help the thermostat issues that much) until March/April of this year, when I basically had a period for a month. After that episode, she put me back on a tricyclic BCP. Haven't had a period since mid-April. She told me to call if things didn't settle out in a few months.

So, I called the doc this week, just to check in. The nurse advised me to take a preg test, just to rule out the obvious, and it was neg. When I reported that, she told me the doc said that the Loestrin would typically produce very light or skipped periods, and not to worry about it unless there was some kind of big change.

Anyhow, here's a funny. I got a phone call at work, in the middle of an event from DH, who had the morning off.

DH: um honey, I'm really concerned about this empty box in the trash in the bathroom (voice shaking a bit)

Me: (Wild laughter) No, no, no, no, no!

I went on to explain the whole thing to him, and he was much relieved. I hadn't gone into anything earlier because 1) he kind of glazes over when it comes to women's health and 2) I wasn't particularly concerned, just doing a follow up.

Poor thing, I think he was afraid of starting over at nearly 57, with a grown son of 37 and 2 grandchildren already on board!

[wallycat]

I'll just post this...
the newer, low dose BCP have allowed some women to get pregnant....just an FYI

[VictoriaL]

This seems like a good place to ask a question since I will not be seeing my GYN until October.

First, I am a few months over 51 and have been taking bcp for 10 years. Is there a problem with taking this when you are over a certain age?

Also, when I had my physical last month the nurse had me step on the scale, said "okay, 114...", wrote it down, then something caught her eye and she looked at me and smiled. "You haven't gone through menopause yet, right?" No, I replied. "Well", she said "enjoy being at this weight while you can because I gained 30 pounds in a month when I started the change". My jaw dropped and she continued "well, you might not gain so much but it will happen, you can't avoid it".

Um, really???? I wanted to ask my GYN, but perhaps some of you have an answer. Thanks!

[Mary Ann]

First, I am a few months over 51 and have been taking bcp for 10 years. Is there a problem with taking this when you are over a certain age?



My doctor wants me off it at 50. My understanding is that as long as you are on the pill, you will continue to have a period, so you will theorectically not go through menopause while you're on it. Definitely check with your doctor.

[generic]

Also, when I had my physical last month the nurse had me step on the scale, said "okay, 114...", wrote it down, then something caught her eye and she looked at me and smiled. "You haven't gone through menopause yet, right?" No, I replied. "Well", she said "enjoy being at this weight while you can because I gained 30 pounds in a month when I started the change". My jaw dropped and she continued "well, you might not gain so much but it will happen, you can't avoid it".
Hogwash! It's not inevitable. I know because my mom found it much EASIER to stay thin after menopause. She's been telling me for years, "Oh, I hope the same thing happens for you! I hope you find it easier to keep your weight down after the change." How hateful of that nurse to tell you that. She just wants you to suffer like she did. Medical personnel, GRRR! :mad:

[TKay]

I have every intention of using some form of BC. Unwed pregnant 50 year old sounds really stupid ;)

My question was...since my cycle is all over the board, how would you know that the backup BC worked. Do you just keep taking a pregnancy test every couple of weeks?

You're right. Wasn't trying to be condescending. :o

[Gilgamesh37]

Hogwash! It's not inevitable. I know because my mom found it much EASIER to stay thin after menopause. She's been telling me for years, "Oh, I hope the same thing happens for you! I hope you find it easier to keep your weight down after the change." How hateful of that nurse to tell you that. She just wants you to suffer like she did.

Well, the nurse certainly handled it poorly (and shouldn't have commented in the first place, unless you'd specifically asked) but to be fair, most women do gain weight after menopause---the Mayo Clinic even lists it as one of the "complications" of menopause on their website:

Weight gain. Many women gain weight during the menopausal transition. You may need to eat less — perhaps as many as 200 to 400 fewer calories a day — and exercise more, just to maintain your current weight.

[wallycat]

The studies I read for breast cancer survivorship, which in effect puts a woman into menopause (if she is er/pr positive) states 15-30 pound weight gain "with treatments."
I sobbed when I read it.
I've gained about 13 pounds and hate it. I think I hate that more than losing my breasts. Worse yet is that the fat is on my waist. It is less healthy there and clothing size is more affected, not to mention my yoga :( .

I'd like to think that I will be able to lose it once my body adjusts to this, but I am not hopeful.
My derm did say that the last continuing ed course she took talked about aging and one of the slides showed a man and a woman from the back, and after 65, she said it was hard to tell which was which :eek:

And I walk 4 or more miles daily, do yoga, etc.....but I am not willing to cut back on too much more food. I figure my life may be short as it is and I am fully aware my metabolism is slowing down. The price I will pay to live long enough to complain :)

[tbb113]

My doctor wants me off it at 50. My understanding is that as long as you are on the pill, you will continue to have a period, so you will theorectically not go through menopause while you're on it. Definitely check with your doctor.

I read somewhere that menopause can happen will you are on the pill. It masks the symptoms since you still have a period but it is drug induced not your body inducing it. I actually thought that I might have entered into menopause already because last year I skipped one cycle as a test and get my period as usual 1 month later. I had high hopes when I barely spotted in May and June ;) I'm still spotting...but not enough to worry about. I think I need to buy some pantiliners and just deal with it. Last time I had more period for this long...I had given birth :eek:

[JulieM]

Also, when I had my physical last month the nurse had me step on the scale, said "okay, 114...", wrote it down, then something caught her eye and she looked at me and smiled. "You haven't gone through menopause yet, right?" No, I replied. "Well", she said "enjoy being at this weight while you can because I gained 30 pounds in a month when I started the change". My jaw dropped and she continued "well, you might not gain so much but it will happen, you can't avoid it".

Such crap. Sounds like she was just jealous you were at 114 and she's fat and looking for an excuse for herself. It was an irresponsible and uninformed statement meant to make you react exactly as you did. Everybody is different. Look at your grandmother, mother or older sisters if you have any and that might tell you something, depending on their lifestyle factors. I agree with Wallycat that in some people that may be the case, but you certainly can't dump every woman into that mold. I know scads of women past menopause that are thin and fit and NOT on HRT or BHRT.

[VictoriaL]

*whew!*
:o

I was kind of stunned when the nurse said this. I have found it very difficult to maintain my weight during the past couple of years, and the thought that it might just skyrocket out of control was almost to awful to bear considering. Thank you all so much for your insight.

When I see my gyn in October I'm sure she will take me off of the pill for a while to see what happens, as she mentioned this last year.

[TKay]

I have heard that weight loss is more difficult with age, but didn't realize it could be so closely related to menopause. I have read that the weight gain around the middle was menopause-related. I have found it intensely difficult to shed pounds now that I'm peri-menopausal. But you know, it's no double-blind study. I keep thinking, maybe I'm eating more than I realize. Maybe my workouts aren't as long or as tough as they used to be. Maybe I'm simply not as active. Then, discouragingly, I think, maybe it's the peri-menopause.

Thanks for the frank discussion. I'm glad to know I'm not alone.

[generic]

TKay, there's no question that a lot of women struggle with weight because of hormonal fluctuations. However, I think there are other factors that contribute, which is why I get annoyed when people "blame" it on menopause. Our metabolisms naturally slow down as we age, regardless of hormones. It happens to men, too. :p Like you said, it's no double-blind study.
Mostly I'm just irritated by people like Vicci's nurse who make unhelpful, unsolicited remarks that only make folks more anxious during a time of life that is difficult enough for a lot of women.

[clairea]

I'm 39 and have been in surgical menopause for a year, so my experience is a bit different than what most of you are discussing. I wanted to chime in on the weight issue, though. I have actually lost weight quite easily since entering menopause (which may be because I feel so much better and am able to be much more active). However, I am definitely "thicker" around my waist which drives me crazy.

Someone mentioned hot flashes and night sweats being her biggest problem. I have seen a couple of reports lately that fish oil may help with this, and have started taking it. I'm not sure if it helps, but figure it can't hurt. I highly recommend a remote control attachment for a ceiling fan, though. DH installed one for me a couple of months ago, and it has been a lifesaver!

[TKay]

Mostly I'm just irritated by people like Vicci's nurse who make unhelpful, unsolicited remarks that only make folks more anxious during a time of life that is difficult enough for a lot of women.

Totally agree. I equate that nurse's remarks to some of the comments you get when you are expecting a baby. I actually had people say to me, "Enjoy it now. Because when you deliver, it's a pain like you've never known before." Really? Cause that helps? The most helpful remark I got was, "Don't listen to what people say to scare you. You'll do fine. You'll get through it."

Incidentally, I saw a commercial (of all things) this morning that inspired me. It was an athlete endorsing the Livestrong Foundation. She was saying something like, "You're stronger than the pain. Tell yourself you're better than (whatever it was)." And I thought, yeah. I'm stronger than the perimenopausal symptoms. I'm stronger than the weight gain.

Okay. My sidebar is over. As you were.

ETA: Claire, I started taking fish oil several months back. One reason was for mood swings that felt like PMS (which are probably related to my body's hormonal changes). I swear I sleep better now.

[clairea]

ETA: Claire, I started taking fish oil several months back. One reason was for mood swings that felt like PMS (which are probably related to my body's hormonal changes). I swear I sleep better now.

I forgot that it is supposed to help with mood swings as well. You'd have to ask my family about that one;). Going from no peri symptoms at all to full menopause with only extremely low-dose HRT (as my gyn says, just enough to keep my bones safe and to keep me from being homicidal:D) has been quite a ride. At least there is no doubt about what is going on, though, and that is nice.

[TKay]

as my gyn says, just enough to keep my bones safe and to keep me from being homicidal:D.

LOL! Aren't hormones amazing (and powerful) things?

[cchhbb]

Reported as spam.

[Laurielee]

Someone mentioned hot flashes and night sweats being her biggest problem. I have seen a couple of reports lately that fish oil may help with this


My wonder pill for this is called Drenamin, its an andrenal glad supplement from Standard process. A month after I started taking it my symptoms went away.

Sorry this is long but wanted to give background
I started the night sweats about 8 months ago, and had been taking fish oil and no change, it was awful, It wasnt the night sweats the but anxiety that came with it that was miserable waking me 3 times a night, then the hot flashes started coming during the day

So this is really wierd but my vet suspected my dog of onset cushings, which can affect the adrenal glands, there s a supplement for dogs for this. I contacted SPs vet and because of his size, he said to put him on Drenamin. Well a friend of mine who is health practitioner had given me this a few years ago, she had me taking it for a sluggish system.

I stopped taking it along time ago I still had some left. So I started giving it my dog and I started taking it again
Like I said, my symptoms went completely away so I told her this and she said when you start going through menopause it affects the adrenal gland a lot and thats why it helped with my sweats and hot flashes.

So I am still sympton free from that, I also didnt have a period for 6 months and was doing the happy dance when 2 weeks ago I started, it lasted 8 freakin days, I stopped and 3 days later started again! Hopefully this isnt going to be the norm!

Laurie

[TKay]

Ran across this (http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause-specialist/calorie-intake-after-menopause.aspx?xid=nl_LosingItWithJillianMichaels_ 20090721) today and thought I'd share.

[tbb113]

Bringing this thread back up as my saga continues. The period in July was 3 weeks and I didn't call the dr since it never got heavy. Had two more normal periods 6 weeks apart (sometime in August and end of Sept). Started my period again 3 weeks later. This one started the same as my July one...but last night I started passing blood clots and bleeding very heavy (soaking a pad within an hour). Went to the doctor this morning and am now on Provera to stop the bleeding.

So...if anybody experiences HEAVY bleeding that continues to soak a pad an hour (for 2 or 3 hours) or has large clots. CALL your doctor. If the provera doesn't work, I'll need to see a gyn and then probably have a "procedure" done. Plus I need to make sure I don't feel faint or short of breath because that would be a sign that I need a blood transfusion. (I currently feel fine).

[wallycat]

If it were me, I'd try the cryo where they remove a thin layer of your lining. NO MORE periods....

[tbb113]

If it were me, I'd try the cryo where they remove a thin layer of your lining. NO MORE periods....

I'll mention it when I go for my yearly physical end of December. Another cycle like this one and I'm all for it!

[wallycat]

My friend had it done and she said it was a life saver.
Spares you the ordeal of drugs and all the side effects.
I believe it is an outpatient procedure.

[clairea]

The procedure wallycat is talking about is called endometrial ablation. I know it has been discussed on the boards before, so you might see if you can bring up those threads.

[leebee]

The procedure wallycat is talking about is called endometrial ablation. I know it has been discussed on the boards before, so you might see if you can bring up those threads.

I'm having this done in a month, specifically the Nova Sure procedure. I've had irregular/heavy periods all my life. They've been getting steadily worse in the last several years. My gyno put me on BCP to see if it would help--slightly lighter, but still large clots, etc. Then, I had a straight 6 months of bleeding--heavier than breakthrough bleeding, sometimes quite heavy. I'm so over it. I'm done. But just an FYI, it's not a guarantee that there will never be another period. It is more likely in my case that I will have much, much, much lighter periods of a shorter duration (mine were typically 14-16 days with about 3 weeks between). And, the ablation isn't optimal if you have large fibroids. I have a couple that are just under the recommended limit. It is an outpatient procedure here, but you are put under sedation--this is different in other locations, I'm sure.

[suebear37]

leebee, I had the NovaSure procedure 2 years ago at age 51. Wish I had done it sooner!

[leebee]

leebee, I had the NovaSure procedure 2 years ago at age 51. Wish I had done it sooner!

Thanks! I'm cautiously optimistic. I just wish one of my previous doctors had TOLD me about it sooner! I know I'm supposed to be my own advocate, but really, it would have been nice. I do finally feel hopeful about getting this under control.

Being a girl is hard!

[tbb113]

Okay, I was informed today that I also could have endometrial ablation done. I told her I would think about it over the weekend and let her know.

Off to do some more research

[Valerie226]

I didn't have time to read all the posts previous to this, but although a lot of women gain weight after menopause it's not inevitable.

the available amount of body fat tends to want to shift around a bit, heading toward the waist, etc. you need to exercise at least as much as before and probably eat less. your body will lose muscle quickly if you don't so that even if you weigh the same, it won't look the same. weight training will help if you're willing, and maintaining your muscle mass will help with weight control and loads of other things.

the thing for me was that the weird food cravings I used to get around period times (which made weight control difficult) seemed to go away. I find it much easier to eat the right foods and don't get insane cravings for rich, calorie laden fare. so I've actually lost a few pounds. everyone is not the same. I weigh a few pounds more now than in college but not that much, 5-6 or so.

[leebee]

I just wanted to pop back in because I had the Novasure procedure done two weeks ago. I should be due to have my period any day (I think, I've never been regular so it's hard to tell). The procedure was a breeze, recovery was a snap, and I'm feeling very positive about the outcome. I had one fibroid that was right on the high side of the limit for the procedure, but Dr. is reasonably optimistic that it has been, in her words, "Obliterated." I may have "regular" periods or none at all. I'll take regular, be ecstatic to have none. Anything would be an improvement for me! I'm off BCPs forever (DH has been snipped, so birth control is not an issue), which I am so, so, so happy about. My tummy bloat has dropped, and I just feel better all around. Anyway, just wanted to report back that the procedure itself was easy-peasy, and the prognosis is pretty positive.

[TKay]

Leebee - Thanks for the update. Glad everything is going well for you. Whew! You must be so relieved. :)

[tbb113]

Thanks for the update. I'm scheduled for a procedure on 12/29 and I am SO ready to be done with this crap. I have been spotting/bleeding since Oct 20 and that includes being on Provera non-stop for the last 40+ days.

[leebee]

Thanks for the update. I'm scheduled for a procedure on 12/29 and I am SO ready to be done with this crap. I have been spotting/bleeding since Oct 20 and that includes being on Provera non-stop for the last 40+ days.

Before my procedure, I had a 6+ month long period. Every day. And not just breakthrough bleeding. I was anemic, I was irritated, and I was just sooooo over it. I'm pretty sure that I did have my period. Hee, hee. It was almost cute. And I think it's already winding down. So, three days of almost not-there, as opposed to months & months of heavy, crampy bleeding? And, the bloat is still gone, plus I've dropped 3 pounds. Oh, I am a happy girl! Good luck. I hope your experience is as good as mine!

Oh, and TKay, I am not just relieved. I'm dancing on air. This is a huge thing for me! It's like an early Xmas present!