Dear Dr. Seibel,
I am 46 years old, perimenopausal, and have a question about the stages of perimenopause. My history includes regular cycles since age 13 of approx. 28 days length and 5 to 7 days duration with heavy flow and severe uterine cramping; laparoscopy & hysteroscopy 8 years ago for endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and polyps (this temporarily reduced the worst of the heavy flow for 2-3 years); borderline low-normal thyroid function; and no anemia but below-normal mean platelet volume counts. Family history is unknown due to multigenerational hysterectomies for fibroids and heavy flow problems.
For the past several years I have been hot at night one-third of each month; over the past 2 years I have gained 15 pounds despite increased exercise and have had flooding periods lasting 7 to 10 days with large clots the size of raw eggs; and for the past 3 cycles my periods are now coming 18 to 20 days apart with the worst cramping I have ever experienced but thankfully now only lasting 5 days. My emotions range from apathy to jittery anxiety, and I have had dizziness and actual vertigo intermittently for the past 3 months. There is also a history of breast fibroadenomas and multiple surgical biopsies, the last of which for microcalcifications showed precancerous atypical cells, perhaps facilitated by the worsening estrogen/progesterone imbalance.
I read somewhere that once the monthly cycles begin to become irregular, this is a sign that the last period before menopause is only 6 to 12 months away. I know that every woman is different and you have no crystal ball, but in your experience is this true? Do you think that by my description I am in early or late perimenopause? I need some hope that this ongoing torture could be over soon! Thank you very much -- I appreciate your feedback.