Friday, February 05, 2010 amItooyoung asks

Q: At 37 my periods came closer,and now at 39 I am on a 21 day cycle. Am I in early menopause?

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Answers (4)

Dorian Martin, Health Guide

2/ 8/10 4:14pm

Hi, Amitooyoung,

I found that prior to entering perimenopause, the days of my cycle would vary, depending on stress levels and other physical health factors. So you may be in perimenopause (or you may not be). I'd suggest talking with your doctor when you get your next check-up so he/she can make the official determination.

Take care!

Dorian

jammie1

2/ 5/10 10:47pm

you could be going through perimenopause..so many times i bled for over a month at a time... so be careful.. they said i had a hormonal imbalance at the time.. i had a feeling it was perimenapause... i got tired of the problems. i was having such as terrible cramping in my abdomen.. and large fibroids... so i had a hysterectomy... i had no other choice..good luck

amItooyoung

2/ 5/10 10:55pm

Thank you so much for your reply.

I am having a similar experience,its very uncomfortable. Everyone kept telling me I was too young because this started at 37. Perimenopause sounds about right to me.

Thank you for your advice.

jammie1

2/ 6/10 5:50pm

no problem.. i wish i had people like my self and others to help me lol , im glad i can help any way i can...

Sandy Greenquist, Health Pro

2/15/10 5:41pm

Hi Amitooyoung, Your hormones normally start to change around age 35, so symptoms can start around that time too. For many women, this first means changes in their menstrual cycle..periods closer at first, then farther apart and then skipping months at a time. Cramping often gets worse and bleeding may vary from lighter to heavier. Many women will have breakthrough bleeding (and often other premenstrual symptoms) in mid-cycle. All of this is because of progesterone levels declining. Since progesterone is also important to sleep and mood. I see many women still in their 30s with mood swings and sleep issues. Progesterone replacement can be very helpful in this time. I would recommend you find a provider knowledgeable about menopause and bioidentical hormones and get the information and/or help that you need as you continue down this hormonal path.

Thanks for writing,

Sandy Greenquist, nurse-midwife and menopause clinician

amItooyoung

2/15/10 6:52pm

I appreciate that reply,Sandy.

I am going to research progesterone, as I would prefer as an herbalist to avoid anything synthesized (although im not opposed to it either).

Finding a provider is not an option , so places like this are invaluable to people like me without health insurance.

Thank you so much.

-Lori