Could it be menopause?

[diamondgirl7]

I am 47 and generally in excellent health. I had an ovarian cyst for 2 months and during that time had 2 normal on-time periods. This month the ovarian pain is gone and I had a complete gynecological physical and tests came back fine. I have had no period. Do periods just stop abruptly when entering menopause? THroughout my life I HAVE ALWAYS HAD ON-TIME NORMAL PERIODS. So this is weird! I have had other symptoms of pre-menopause throughout the past year like hot flashes at night, but that's about it. THANKS for any news on this. Is 47 too young for menopause?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 but the average range is from 45 to 55.  Even going through menopause at age 40 is considered “normal”.  Menopause is usually a transition that lasts for years and periods don’t usually stop abruptly.  However, given you age of 47 and the fact that a portion of your ovary could have been removed with the cyst, you might not have a lot of ovarian tissue remaining. The fact that you have had hot flashes and other symptoms suggests that at some time over the next  year or so, it is likely that periods would have become more irregular even if you didn’t have the surgery.  The typical pattern is they get lighter, then they get closer together and then they get farther apart.  This isn’t true for everyone, of course, but it is typical.  

Now is a good time to discuss routine things that occur around menopause, like getting a bone density, taking calcium if you aren’t already, getting mammograms and a colonoscopy.  In the meantime, wait and see if your periods come back.  They likely will, at least for a while.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[timebomb]

Has anyone had any positive results from using antidepressants or antianxiety medications for perimenopause.  Specifically, Zoloft.  I am totally in need of some help.  Thanks

[48]

I went in to my OB for something to help with my ever increasing "edge".  I'm 48, and my PMS or "bleak week", as my husband dubbed it, has been expanding to almost every day of my cycle.  I'm angry, irritable, and feel more violent than I used to.  So I started taking 25 mg of Zoloft for 10 days of my cycle, day 16 til my period.  Then I'm supposed to stop.  But this month I realized I like myself a whole lot better on the Zoloft than without it.  So I started back on it on day 4.  I'll check in with my OB, to make sure it's safe, but there is a difference, it really takes the edge off.  I've only used it for three cycles, but so far it's helped.  Now I've got to make sure it's safe to use it through the month.  Check it out with your Doctor.