Menopause Support Group
Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.
Okay, I will be 50 next month. Twelve years ago, my hubby had a vasectomy. The only real menopause symptom I have had is that my hair seems to be falling out. For about a year, I would sometimes skip a period which was usually followed by a month when I had two, a couple weeks apart. I have now not had one for about 4 months. Is this normal? Am I done with menopause now? I can't be pregnant. Can I? I have been absolutely faithfull to my husband.
That said...if your ONLY symptom is that your hair is falling out....that might not be menopause. Have the doctor check your thyroid (simple blood test) as if it is off, that can fool with your cycles and it makes your hair fall out and can make your nails brittle too. (the hair and nails thing can happen to men too who have thyriod problems).
Your doctor will ask about family history of when your mom and other family (women) went thru meno and how they did and at what age. Then they'll probably check your hormones also--either blood (so-so accurate) or a pap smear (can tell what cells are changing and ageing).
So---maybe your heading down that path, and I wish you a smooth one. Ya never know what mother nature is gonna do....the deffinition of Menopause is no period for 12 monthes (tho you still could I guess have one shortly after) and my longest was 11 monthes....and as I was ready to breathe a sigh of relief...tah dah....one more. So the calendar is restarted...hmmm
Good luck and keep us posted.
I was told that its a process of things shutting down....and there could be some starts and stops...depends on your body and if your on HRT or meds also.
So, yup, even tho it was light spotting--Ihad to reset my clock and count again...sigh. But I guess with some of the negatives that go with being post-meno that is a plus. I mean I can tolerate 1-3 periods a year....
Good wishes...