I'm nearly 44 and have always had regular periods. Lately, I've been having heavier ones, which I've attributed to "the change" that is most likely coming, but today I've actually started my period two weeks early! It's normal-looking and I even have cramps... what does this mean? It's never happened before. Should I be concerned?

By Debbie on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 11:38 am:

Janet, I don't have answers, but I have been experiencing changes in my period lately too. I am 38 and have actutally been having symptoms of menapause too(night sweats, etc). When I talked to my ob/gyn about it, she said it is very common to have changes in your cycle before menapause. Also, she said diet changes, exercise changes and stress can also effect your cycle.

By Kaye on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 11:50 am:

I woudl suggest check with your doc. But that being said It is very normal when you are starting menopause to "dump" eggs. This means your periods can get closer together and heavier. It is probably normal and just part of getting older. But it could always be a sign of something a bit more serious and you should be checked out.

By Janet on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 12:05 pm:

LOL Kaye, I'm sorry...but that made me laugh!
Come to think of it, I've been having the night sweats for a while now, but I've just assumed I have too many blankets. Hmmm. Don't they have a name for this? Perimenopause, I believe? I should read more on this.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 12:42 pm:

I agree it would be a good idea to check with your GYN. I'm 42 and have been experiencing perimenopause, however, the changes in my period were caused by an ovarian cyst that wouldn't go away. After months of careful monitoring via ultrasounds and an MRI my GYN decided it was best to remove it. Turned out to be endometriosis. Something I've never had in the past.

Isn't it fun being a woman?! LOL!

By Ilovetom on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 01:32 pm:

I have the same thing. 43 here. Long ones, short ones, heavy ones, light ones. Some with blues spots, some with yellow.

My GYN said it was normal, but you might want to ask yours.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 05:52 pm:

I'm almost 46 and my periods come a little closer together, than they used to be. The first day or two, is heavier and crampier than it used to be, too. I'm looking forward to the day that they start to spread out a little more. They still come every month like clockwork. I'm so ready to be done.