Periods and Menopause

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Hi, just wondered if anyone has experienced this?

I haven’t had a period since I started chemo in November 2006, last year they confirmed via blood tests I was now post menopausal and I was referred to a menopause specialist for this. I use a low dose topical oestrogen pessary once a week to counteract any flushes, dry vagina etc. This is half what is recommended as you should use it twice; I also take a break from it for a few weeks and start it again when I need it. This was what the oncologists recommended when I was discharged from their clinic last year.

Anyway, to cut a long story short I am having a period today! I have felt a bit funny all week, headachey, a bit constipated and bloated, generally out of sorts. At the beginning of the week I had 2 very strong hot flushes accompanied by dizziness - very unusual as I only really get a minor flush about every 6 weeks which passes after 10 minutes.

This period is like what you normally get at the tail end - very light flow, but dark coloured blood. In the past couple of hours I’ve started getting period pains as well. Have got a GP appointment with the woman in my practice first thing on Monday as I want to request a smear test and she handles all the well woman stuff.

Has anyone else had a period after nearly 3 years? I’m 48 btw, so not that old. Annoyed as well as I thought I was finished with all that, I had very heavy periods before BC and was perimenopausal, so I was glad to be rid of them.

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Hi Cherub

I am not in your position but it sounds like you are doing the right thing in getting it checked out. I have heard of periods restarting for us “younger” women,maybe it would be a good idea to ask BCC?

Wish you well

Jane x

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Hi Cherub,

I’ve just posted a question in the younger women section as I’ve just had my first period in two years (I’m 46). I would be interested to hear what your GP says.

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Thanks Roadrunner, I’ll check out your posting. It just seems very strange to me as it’s nearly 3 years since I had a period, also with the blood tests confirming things were finished with (I saw the oncology Registrar after I had the blood tests done and he said to me it was confirmed by the results that my ovaries had shut down completely). I’ve felt iffy all week tbh. A friend has suggested maybe I need a D and C or something.

As it’s like dark, old blood my OH said this afternoon that he didn’t like to think it had been up there for 3 years trying to get out. It seems to have tailed off a bit now, was out for dinner this evening and I’ve had to take a couple of paracetamol again as I’ve got abdominal cramp and a headache. Think I will check out a couple of menopause sites over the weekend.