Menopause Starting? Breakthrough Bleeding Twice in One Month

I am 44 and believe I have been changing for about 2 years or so. Since I was exclusively breastfeeding twins, I didn't have a period for 1.5 yrs., but I have the irritablity. I am having hot flashes off and on as well. Just now, I got my period on day 18, when it should be 27. Also, I always got a migraine the day before my cycle began, and now I get them during and more than one a month. It's terrible. I just feel weird ~ hard to explain. I definately have to see the doc and make sure everything is ok. My M. said they can test your blood to see how far along you are. I have heard that you tend to mimic your mother and my mother started at 42 and ended at about 50. I can remember how short she was with everyone and she says she is amazed that my step-father stuck it out. Oh the perils of womanhood....I still wouldn't want to be a man, although I love and appreciate them.

A lot of my breakthrough bleeding came from fibroids.... it got to the point where I was bleeding at least 2 weeks a month, and several days was really heavy (to the point of flooding through tampons if I didn't change them every hour).

I had the option of hysterectomy, but looked into Uterine Fibroid Embolization..

I chose the UFE.... much less recovery problems, and I still have all my female anatomy.

That was probably 5 years ago.. it lightened up my periods considerably, (eliminated them for probably 6 months), and now I get occasional breakthrough spotting, but I am 54 and almost through completely.

You are also at an age when you might develop autoimmune issues. For me, adding magnesium (to make up for a deficiency common with those with autoimmune problems) and getting on synthroid made my periods regular again. I think it could be so many things, you'd have to get a thorough check up to really figure it out.

Added after your SWH - The fibroid could certainly be the reason for your bleeding. I'd get a second opinion about it. I'd look into what Malia is talking about. And if you still have your kidney doctor, talk to him or her about taking calcium supplements and vitamin D again. It's important to get enough of it to prevent osteoporosis. I can't quite remember what the vitamin D is for (my rheumatologist has me on 1000 mgs per day, and my gyn told me that it is SO important for women to get) so I'm sure it's important for you too!

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Do you drink a lot of tea? I am wondering about the calcium and the (kidney?) stones. They have found that people who eat lots of ice cream and drink tea develop kidney stones.

You do need calcium and vitamin D. If you drink a lot of tea, try quitting that and drinking water instead.

I think you possibly are in peri-menopause, but you don't want to be taking HRT yet. You're too young for that. They don't recommend it for too long.

The doctor can do a blood test to see if you are still ovulating. I have been going through this for several years, and my blood work 2 years ago showed that I was not yet in menopause. But I have had hot flashes for 4 years now. Ugh!! I get more blood work done next month, so we will see what the doc says. I had break through bleeding on and off for 2 years, and next month will be one year since I have had any period at all. FINALLY! (No more worrying about birth control. My hubby is grateful!)

Do some research on foods to eat that help with peri-menopause symptoms. That will help.

Good luck!
Dawn