Hello,
Thanks for the query to H.C.M. Forum.
Let me explain you that menopause don't belong to children ( have or not).
This is absolutely a different natural process as age advance, due to depletion of certain hormones ( as estrogen ) and atrophy of ovaries.
Perimenopause refers to the time period preceding menopause, when fertility wanes and menstrual cycle irregularities increases ( as you noted in your case), until first year after cessation of menses.
This condition remains 2-8 years. ( average 4 years).
You may feel hot flushes, night sweating, vaginal dryness, mood swings, depression like menopause syndrome.
Please be aware about this as all things are normal.
Don't take any tension as time will pass you will feel better.
Good luck.
Dr. HET

Hello

Thank you for writing to HCM

Missing just one period is not considered menopause
If you do not get cycles for one year then its called menopause.

After the age of 45 women start showing symptoms of irregular cycles and bleeding disorders

If your pregnancy test is negative you can wait for a week to days from the expected date of the period and then can consult you local gynaecologist

They will plan and do an ultrasound of the pelvis and may suggest blood tests depending on the findings if necessary

Menopause is not different in women who have had children from the ones who do not have

Menopause is a complete stop of the ovarian function and the eggs from the ovary are all used up, this causes low hormones and a woman becomes menopausal

Hope to have answered your query

Dr Nandita Thakkar
drnanditathakkar@hotmail.com