confused and scared

Hi,
I am 45 years old, and in good health. I get a pap smear every year and try to keep up with my health. Recently I had a hemorroid flare up and had rectal bleeding for four days. My period was due at the time of the rectal bleeding but my period never came. Since then I had a colonoscopy and was told that the inner hemorrhoids were the cause of the bleeding. However I still never got my period. It is now 2 and a half weeks late.
Blood test were done. Not pregnant and not in menopause. Also my husband had a vascectomy.

I started reading about endometriosis and wondered if that could cause these symptoms?  As a teenager I had very painful periods (nausea, vomiting and staying in bed) These symptoms always subsided as the period subsided. And my periods were always on time. I got pregnant for the first time at age nineteen and after my son was born the painful periods improved. I had my second child seven years later, and still my periods were much less painful than they were in my teens. Sinse my second child was born my periods have always been on time. I did notice however that sciatica is another symptom of endo. I have suffered through sciatica pain every so often but never thought it had anything to do with my period. I read about endo becoming very serious and breaking through to the bowel. On occasion a few years ago I had painful diahrea during my period, however those symptoms have diminished.

I always get my period every 24-27 days a month. I have never been late except when I was pregnant. I am scared and confused. My gynocologist is not concerned about it. My last pap smear was six months ago and all was normal. I have never had any cysts either. Please help me understand what may be wrong with me. I am confused and worried. and need some peace of mind.
I also wondered why the only way to diagnose endo is through invasive surgery. Arent there any less invasive ways to rule this out?
Thanks

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
It is quite common for women to miss a period every now and then.  In fact, I would estimate that I spend about 1/2 my time in this forum answering questions about missing periods.  Especially in the 40s the periods become increasingly irregular.  This is not a sign of endometriosis.  Sometimes it can be a part of the perimenopause.  Most of the time the next month's period comes on time and everything is fine.  
In order to have a period, ovulation usually must occur.  If you don't ovulate (because for example you are in your 40's, or under stress, or many other reasons ) you may not have your regular period.  That is usually all that is going on.  If it becomes a pattern though, call your doctor back again.
Good luck!
Dr B

[tara1414]

But wouldnt my hormone levels be higher if it was perimenopause. I have no period and my blood tests for hormone levels were normal...and if it was stress then wouldnt that affect my hormones?