What Causes Irregular Periods With Family History Of Early Menopause?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

Question: I am 39 years old. I have been experiencing irregular periods for about 9 months now. Prior to having my daughter 2 1/2 years ago my pwriods were every 28-29 days and 3 daya in length. Now they closer together, further apart, heavier and lighter. I also have a watery discharge which varies from clear to pinki to brown at times. Sometimes it smells and others it doesn't. No pain, no cramping. I have trouble staying asleep at night, headaches, issues concentrating and a lot of anxiety. I have noticed my skin is spottier than it ever used to be. I have been u der a lot of stress over the last 3 years including splitting with my husband, financial issues, being a single parent to a toddler, work streaa and a mother who went through chemotherapy and subsequent open heart surgery. My mom started menopause at 38. My last pap 3 years ago was normal and my yhyroid was checked and apparently was fine. Could this be peri menopause ?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be perimenopausal but gynecological examination advisable

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
With a family history of early menopause, you may be perimenopausal.
However, the stress you are going through also can affect your menstrual cycles.
It would be good for you to see a gynecologist and be examined and tested.
You ought to have a pap smear also as the last one was 3 years ago.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (14 hours later)

So how do I reduce the amount of stress in my life? I have noticed when I have very stressful days my symptoms are worse.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can do it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
The methods to reduce stress are easier said than done. However there are things that work. If you can change the stressful environment , that is the best but is not practical in most situations. So what is pragmatic, is to strengthen yourself to withstand and overcome the stress.
First and foremost is a positive outlook. Come what may and what all difficulties may arise, you are not going to give up and are going to come out victorious. The stress relieving measures that can be learned and practised with good results include yoga, meditation and relaxation exercises.
Along with these your food should be wholesome and should be just sufficient. Avoid caffeinated beverages and excess alcohol. Exercise for minimum of 30 minutes a day at moderate intensity and sleep 8 hours a day.
These measures would you a lot.
Best wishes,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (27 hours later)

What could be causing the watery , smelly vaginal discharge. Sometimes its clear, sometimes light brown, sometimes pinkish and sometimes not at all???

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Requires examination

Detailed Answer:
It may be only a normal pre menopausal discharges or it may indicate something more sinister. It would be better for you to see a gynecologist, get yourself examined and also a Pap smear done.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar