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Last Updated:
Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53
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Question
I am 47 and have 5 kids, the youngest being 13. We've used NFP all along. I've always had about a week-long period and never missed one except during pregnancy and after childbirth and once when I had a volleyball-sized ovarian cyst removed four years ago. I had absolutely no symptoms of the cyst except for my gut starting to stick out until severe pain sent me to the emergency room. Since then, my cycles have gotten a couple of days shorter on average.
Twice in the last six months I had cycles 2 and 3 weeks longer. One was a week-long period followed by 6 days of dribbling (enough for 1 or 2 panty liners total) followed by mucus buildup. The other was a week long followed by two separate build-ups (split peak, I guess). My last period a month ago was the normal week-long affair plus dribbling again for 6 days after that. This month I have had no mucus at all for the first time. I have had slightly warm flushes for a year or so.
Is this menopause, or is it another cyst on my remaining ovary? Can periods just end that abruptly?
Mary
Answer
Dear Mary,
Thanks for your question.
The average age of menopause is around 49 years but the range can be from 37 to 56 years of age. Menopause has been reached when one year passes without a period.
The time leading up to the menopause is called peri-menopause, so from your symptoms of warm flushes and changes in your cycle such as dry cycles, mucus right after your period, split peak and abnormal bleeding, you are peri-menopausal.
Regarding a cyst on the other ovary, you may need to see your gynecologist and have an ultra sound done to check the other ovary. This could be done on day 5 of the cycle. In addition if you experience any abnormal bleeding heaver than the dribbling you saw this needs to be brought to his attention as well.
If you do not have a NaProTechnology-trained MD in your area you may want to contact one from our CANFP web site. If you do have one he/she can recommend treatment.
Congrats on your use of NFP!
Wishing you all the best.
Theresa Mitchell
Theresa Mitchell is an RN and Natural Family Planning Practitioner teaching in the office Of Dr. Mary Davenport, at the Northern California Fertility Care Center, in El Sobrante, California.
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