Once a YEAR???

[historyteach]

OK, folks;
I haven't had my period since last May. The 14th to be exact; I just looked it up.
Prior to that, it was 11 months since the period before that one!
What the heck!!!

I just got my period again...
I get my period once a year now???

Doc said I probably won't be getting it again after last year's surprise. And he said that smoking causes early menopause. I've been through perimenopause for @7 years now.

Is it possible that quitting smoking caused it to return?

And now, on top of all the other shyte in my life, (see mental health; bringing it all together), I have THIS to deal with now too!!!

I need my calgon...

Shalom!

[Ann]

For me it was similar, was right on the mark for many months, just stopped completely for 7 months, had one then went another 8 months and had another one and never had one since. It's quite a "surprise" isn't it

Another thought, did you just start hormone replacement? There is one kind of "junior" hormone that may bring periods back (I adamently refused that one, LOL) but the regular hormone replacement doesn't cause this, makes your life much better and unless you have a family history of breast cancer, the risk is minimal and the good news is it protects our bones, our heart and reduces the risk of bowel and cervical cancer.

Hugs,

[historyteach]

Good question, Ann....

I am not on any hormone replacement therapy, (HRT). Years ago, when I first entered this phase of my life, I was on it. When the women's initiative study came in with the bad news, my doc and I decided to see how I did without it. WIth the exception of a few hot flashes, much more minor than the originals, and a few night sweats, I've been fine. Nothing worth going back on HRT again, though.

I suspect that this hormornal displacement may have a bit to do with my emotional swings, though...

Ah, the joys of womanhood...

Shalom!

[namommy]

I have a friend who just went through the same thing. The doctor told her that if she went 1 year without a period she probably wouldn't get another one. At the 1 year mark, she got it. Now she has to go another year to she if she doesn't get it again. The doctor said she is probably done though.

[clancy]

Thats kind of what it was like when I started my periods...got one...thought the end was nigh (was expecting 'egg'' in my knickers, not with shell(LOL)but no one told me about the blood!! or the pain!! they just said 'once a month an egg ,minus shell will come out'

Terrible scene, like 'Carrie' but worse. anyway the drama was only repeated once every few months at first. Boy it was horrible.I was hoping the the other end would be more peaceful. Over here HRT is not used so much. it seems to be kind of a 'posh ' womans thing, maybe thats just the way im seeing it.. Ive always thought it best to go along with nature...but then isnt that a typical sentiment from an addict? ive a friend who will jam any old horror into her arms,but selects her food with great care, got to be macrobiotic,vegan, perfectly balanced,rawfood....duh? shes not the only one either. I guess I will decide when the time comes....when is a normal time to 'stop,' like 45.50? x clanc

[historyteach]

Laurie;
The doc told me last year it would probably be my last time...
Surprise!!!

Clancy;
Menopause is normally, here in the US, anyway, according to my doc, in the mid 50's. Smoking does cause an early menopause, and I smoked all during my reproductive years. That's why he said I went a little early. Perimenopause, the period leading UP to menopause, (meaning full cessation of the menstrual period), can last up to 10 years, he said. Since I've been doing it already about 7 years, looks like I'm in for the running there too!

Clancy, I'm soooo sorry you went through that type of misunderstanding. And people honestly wonder why schools teach sex ed??? :nono:

*sigh*
It is what it is.

Shalom!