having irregular menstrual cycle

[PRINCESS 34]

Im'34years old,& have 7 children.I had 2 babies that were born prematurely. One that is very ill. WE'LL i had my tube tied a year ago now my stomach swelled up like im pregnant.Also when i have my menstrual cycle i have wear 2 to 3 pads and have to change them evey 5 minutes.My stomach cramps really bad i feel like im having labor pains. what can that be can you please help me.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

First, have a pregnancy test. Sometimes a tube that is tied still lets you get pregnant. It is rare but it definitely happens and your seem very fertile. It also seems like you should talk with your doctor who tied your tubes to see what he or she thinks because they can do an exam.

Sometimes after tubes are tied, the menstrual period changes because one of the blood vessels around the tube is also tied and this changes the blood flow to the ovaries. You should also ask your doctor to check your blood count to be sure you aren't anemic (low blood). You might be low on iron (you can check this with a blood test) or on vitamins and that can increase your menstrual flow. Taking a multivitamin and iron tablets from the drugstore and take one to three of them daily often helps stops increased menstruation in situations such as your.

Your bleeding could be due to stress. I would imagine that being 34 and having 7 children, one which is very ill, is very difficult. Trying to get help from your family or social services might be very helpful.

Poor diet and nutrition can also cause your stomach to swell and your periods to be abnormal. Are you eating well? Is there enough food for everybody?

Again, I would suggest you go see your doctor for an exam to be sure nothing bad is going on to cause your stomach to swell up.
Machelle Seibel, MD

[Annie62]

If you haven't had a period in four months and have been irregular for three years and are starting to have hot flashes, then you could very well be going through premature menopause at 38.  I had irregular periods for six years starting at age 37 and went through menopause at 43 (am 44 now).  I had mild intermittent hot flashes for the past three years (nothing much) but just recently started to get them bad.  It's been almost a year for me, so once it is a full year and I haven't had a period I will know I've gone through menopause--the same for you.  38 is young, though.  I would let your doctor know if you haven't already done that.  Sometimes early menopause or premature ovarian failure is linked to other endocrine problems (autoimmune hypothyroidism, etc.) or sometimes it just runs in families (if your mom or grandmother went through an early menopause).  

[robo 12]

iv been irregular this past 3 yrs. this year so far my last period was jan near the end of the month. i havent had any sign of one iv had bad flushes i know im not pregnant because im sterilized do u think it cld be the start of menopause im 38.