Menopause

[PatriciaTurnbull]

Hello.  I'm 51 and I've never been diagnosed with Menopause, I didn't even know that was possible.  I have a problem or perhaps not with my period.  I started today 1/9/2016 and when I wiped as we all do, I noticed it was brownish in colour, I do know that it is normal for the end of a cycle but have never had that happen at the beginning of a cycle.  I'm bad for not seeing my doctor on a regular basis as I think sick should see him not the healthy. Ya I'm odd that way.  I'm pretty sure my Menopause cycle has come and gone or is here now, but how can I tell? and why is my period brown and not red? I just came from my doctors today, I have been seeing him a bit more due to other complications I'm experiencing hence the reason for ruling out colon cancer, but that's another topic all together. My period brought me to this site today. Thank you for all the help you can offer or even suggestions on the possible reasons of why. Take care and be safe out here xx

[AnnieBrooke]

Brown blood is common both at the very beginning of a period and at the end.  It simply indicates that the endometrium has sat a little while before shedding from the uterus.  

Menopause is defined as having no more periods for a year.  Some women get to that point and then suddenly have an unexpected period, the count starts again when that happens.  Some women don't completely stop having periods for a lot longer than age 51, I had a friend whose last period was when she was 73!

Average age of menopause is around 51 or 52, in the United States.

There is no such thing as a "menopause cycle," if you are having any kind of bleeding, it is still having periods.  Menopause is simply when they stop coming.

[PatriciaTurnbull]

Thank you xx