BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids CFBC - Do you think you start menapause sooner?

I haven't spoken to a doctor yet, but I thought I would just see what others think first. I'm approaching my late 30s and have noticed my mood swings around my menses getting more and more erratic. My mom was horrifying when she went through it in her mid 40s, but she also had her last child at 28. I don't know if my system is simply experiencing a new cycle, or if possible I'm heading to the next "stage" of growth. I'm pretty much just trying to gather some info from maybe some who have gone through it already. And their personal thoughts.
Thanks.

most women go through it around the same age as their mothers. my mom and her mom both went through menopause in their late 30s. i've been having hot flashes, and my cycles haven't been as regular as before for a few years now. the bad thing is, the transition can take anywhere from 2-8 years. ugh.

are you on the pill? sometimes you just need a switch. if you're not on the pill, it might be a good idea to get on it. it will keep your hormones regulated, so the mood swings and erratic periods will get under control again.

hth

Being a smoker, the pill was never really an option. Have cancer in the family. I suppose I'd best get off my [censored] and talk to my doctor. Thanks!

[color:"orange"] I'm only 23 1/2, but you should see a specialist and be checked out. [/color]

I'm 41 and haven't really noticed much that way yet, except in 2005 I stopped taking the pill (it's been 20 years on for me, and I had gotten really lazy about it... preg. wasn't a big risk - long story/fam. hist.). My periods stopped (I'm thinking "cool") but my dr. freaked out b/c none of the other signs were there. She did the blood test which came back neg., so back on the pill I went - religiously again for the first time in years. I have no idea what the "natural" age in our family would be for meno. b/c I will be the first woman to NOT have had a complete hysterectomy before 35. My mom had hers at 35 and went cold turkey - no hormone therapy. It was hell for a while, but we all survived. My aunt was 20 something (after her 2nd kid) and I have no idea what she was like. I have friends (all early 40's) who are just starting into it now with hot flashes, mood swings, etc. It's terrifying, and frankly, if staying on the pill til I'm 97 will stave it off, I'm all for it!

I would highly recommend reading "What your doctor won't tell you about menopause" by John Lee. If you do a search, you will find lots of information.
I am 27 and my hormones are in disarray but his books and a like minded practitioner in Australia has helped me alot. Good luck xx

I'll have to look for that book. Thanks everyone for the input!