Concerned: 43, Am I Going Through Early Stages of Menopause? Can I Conceive?

J., I also have an 18 month old and am 44. My cycles are also a bit more irregular now than in the past. I think that is normal as you age, but does not mean you are necessarily going through menopause. One month I can have a short cycle, next month long, etc. and my periods can be longer or shorter too. Have you tried using the Clear Blue fertility monitor? I think this is an excellent device and it tells you more about when you ovulate and high and peak fertility times, etc. I used this to get pregnant the first time around and am still monitoring my cycle now 'just in case'. Let me know if you would like to stay in touch as we have things in common. Please feel free to send me a private message if interested!

It sounds more like perimenopause which is just the beginning stages. That can last a great many years. Our bodies do become less fertile as we age. But many twins and triplets come to woman in their 40's. The body can release more than one egg and often does it more with older woman.

I want to say that you are my hero! I am 43 and would love to have another of my own. My kids think I'm weired and my husband says no way. They are always telling me I'm too old.

I met a lovely lady who had her son NATURALLY (no drugs or fertility treatments) at 50!!!! He was perfect!

.

hello..... stop the presses!! you may or may not be beginning the stages of menopause and only a blood test for your hormones can truly indicate as such.. HOWEVER... even "if" you were beginning peri-menopause...... as long as you are still ovulating, there is still a chance of becoming pregnant as will all women tell you especially those whom at this time are in their 40s and trying to conceive.... With that said, your doctor may tell you that it does become harder to become pregnant in your 40s... which of course, you are probably already aware. Periods do change throughout one's lifetime and could be that yours are in fact changing and yes, things like stress can affect it.. I would suggest a couple of things, one DO get those blood tests... two, once you stop breastfeeding, DO chart your cycles to truly find out IF you are ovulating... and this way, you can get a better and bigger picture of what's going on from month to month with your cycles. A good book is , " Take Charge of Your Fertility" it's good even IF one isn't trying to become pregnant in that I think some women (not all) think the period is the main event, when in fact it's merely only part of it... especially when trying to conceive as you begin to learn that ovulation is VERY important and or progesterone levels and estrogen....
Lastly, now, this is just my own personal opinion.. but IF you are considering having another child.. start now........................ not sure if you conceived your first one easily and hence there could be this thinking that it will happen easily again and not to discourage you, but .... it doesn't always happen as easily on the second try... I say.. start now.... of course, see what your doctor says.. Also, there are many websites out there these days filled with women in their 40s who are or have conceived.. one of which is fertileover40... many of those women have been told.. you hit menopause.. don't even try.. or your too old, your chances are slim to none.. but those women have proven the doctors and naysayers wrong..
try and remain positive and realistic...... the both come in hand ...

best of luck to you

I would ask your OB/GYN what signs to look for in perimenopause. They'll also be able to explain the viability of eggs and the risks (which you likely know with an 18 month-old).

It's completely possible - I know of several women who began the process of menopause in their early 40s, but it's not typical.

Here's what WebMD says about the signs of Menopause (that affect all women different). Irregular periods can be one sign.
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/default.htm

The obgyn won't have anything hopeful to tell you. After 30, a woman's egg supply begins taking a nose dive. However, some women still conceive so there's no absolute.

Also check into alternative medical options as well. You may find a nice fit with accupuncture or a naturopath, for example. Each has their own area of expertise and an accomplished doctor in any field will be a good resource.

Good luck, relax and take care of yourself along the way.

Friends can be a great support system when we need them but they can offer bad advice and/or suggestions causing needless concern and / or worry. What makes your friend qualified to determine that you may be in early menopause? If it's God's will for you to conceive, then you will conceive. Talk to your doctor as he/she will be the best to help you determine where your body is.

Of course you can!!! There are so many people out there that have what is called menopause babies. Remember it only takes one egg so if you're still getting a period, you can get pregnant. I wouldn't stress out over it; enjoy your baby and if it happens, it happens; unless you want to speed it up and do IVF.

I have heard of quite of a few women who thought they were done and got pregnant late fourties, and at fifty.

Babies are a blessing.

I wouldn't think of peri menopause yet unless you've begun with hot flashes. And as long as you are still having periods, it's possible to get pregnant. It might be harder to get pregnant as you get older but it's not impossible. If you want another child, you should probably start trying asap, and ease off the breast feeding. 18 months is a pretty good run. Your OB/GYN and a few blood tests should be able to tell you the specifics of what's going on with you.

After three years of hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods and down to three or four periods a year, guess what? Pregnancy tests came up negative, so I didn't worry. My fifth month of no period, my daughter started kicking :) My girls are 27, 26, 24 and 6.

My hero as well, I'm 43, have 3 teenagers, am now in a MUCH better situtation than I was when I had my youngest, now 13, and had my tubes tied. I have hot flashes, irregular periods and crazy mood swings, still, if the tubes were still there, I'd be trying for a fourth...good luck to you mom, your babies are lucky kids indeed!