Late onset menopause

I had awful hot flushes and night sweats in my early 50s. I phoned my mother (who was 78) and asked how long they went on for. 'Oh, I don't know - I still get them!' she said!

I was bang on average at 51 but the strangest symptom I've experienced is that I have never been cold since, and I'm 76 now. I can go out in tee shirts in the middle of winter and the neighbours comment that it must be really freezing if they see me with a coat on. I think my internal thermostat has been permanently set to hot flush. Saves on the heating bills!

I was like that, too, but had the most terrible heavy bleeding/flooding, for a few years (I hope you don't), and eventually, it all stopped (after various medication) properly a year ago, when I was 59

The average age is between 45 and 55. I was told the fitter you are, the later you start. Don’t know if there’s statistics proving that though. My mother died from breast cancer, so I’m probably more diligent about that than I would have been. I’ve not taken HRT just in case, even though more recent research seems to dispel those findings. I think we just get what we get, and have to find the easiest way of dealing with it.

I'm not quite sure what the average age is for menopause. What we do know is that later menopause can potentially be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in women who have not had children. It seems that the longer the body is exposed to estrogen, the higher the risk of breast cancer (although, saying that, HRT doesn't seem to increase the absolute risk for breast cancer; if you were going to develop breast cancer anyway it seems to happen earlier if you're on HRT, but if you weren't going to get it it doesn't seem to increase the risk).

You do have the benefits of a potentially lower risk of osteoporosis and a potentially lower heart disease risk.

I started stopping at 57 and was a year clear just recently at 58. I thought I'd had no symptoms but looking bad, I had aching joints a lot (elbows and shoulders) which is apparently a symptom. I have also put on the dreaded midriff spread which is devastating. (I had back surgery the year before which didn't help, but I'm finding it really hard to shift.)

I thought I was really late starting, 57, but that was when I noticed a change in my periods and started to feel really different. When I thought about it, I realised I’d probably skated around the edges back in 2012, with a short bout of what I now know was depression, then back to normal for a few years until 2015, when I started getting insomnia. Then another short gap, and then my periods started changing, and then I really was thrown fully in by the time I was 57. It can be very slow, but you’ll most likely know it when it happens. It’s not called “ the change “ for nothing!

Had ectopic pregnancy at 45 which halted menopause symptoms for a few years but they began again & I did have periods. Sounds as though you have escaped clear

I'm 57 and was on HRT from age 30 until last year, I had a hysterectomy when I was 30 so haven't had any periods since the op.
I have recently, as in the last week, been having hot spells, and haven't decided if it is menopause related, so, I'm planning on going to get it checked at my Dr's as this is the only symptom I can think of.
Sleep is often an issue with me with bouts of insomnia and has been for years.

It's an excellent time for you to enter the menopause as there's so much more known about symptoms now than when I entered it 13 years ago as a 52 year old. Stupidly seeking advice from my GP, he said,'it's not an illness!' End of advice. I got much better support and advice from contemporary female work colleagues.
The health impacts post menopause won't affect you either until much later so , don't worry- celebrate!

I’d be devastated if this is true!
At age 42/43 my periods started to be erratic. I went to the Drs who sent my bloods off for testing but when the results came back they said my hormone levels were normal.
This went on for another year with periods here and there but as before no other symptoms.
I then discovered I was pregnant (I’d had two miscarriages) with my DD.
Had her at age 44 and since then no periods at all. She’s 17 and I’m 62.
I assumed I’d caught on the change and that the pregnancy had halted it.
I’ve been quite smug thinking I’d missed out on it.
I’d be devastated if I thought I could go through it after all.
Has anyone else had any experience with this.
Does it actually stop the menopause if you catch on the change or does it merely postpone it for a while???

I had my ovaries removed when I was 40, have been on HRT ever since and I'm 70 now. No way am I going through the menopause......ever!

My older sister sailed through the menapause with no symptoms whatsoever, but I got the hot flushes and everything (started aged 54)- had 7 years of HRT - now off HRT but still having flushes though not so intense at age 64. Peoples' experiences obviously can be so diverse!

I am 46 and I have started waking early since the spring, the sun waking me at dawn, is this how the menopause starts? I have never before been an early bird.

After 40 years of very bad period pains and PMT my period finally stopped at 54. NO side effects of the menopause at all. Bliss!! (I'm now 68)

My periods stopped at 52..at 49 I started having insomnia and depression with anxiety attacks... I am 69 now, and having an awful time with breast pain and depression, which comes and goes.. My breast specialist told me I had dense breast tissue and small cysts.. I was given tamoxifen but the side effects were horrible.. Recently I have been given Raloxofine which is used for osteoporosis, but also has an effect on estrogen!.. I also suffer with migraines.. I am wondering if I will ever feel well again?.. I take antidepressants.. But my Dr is changing them from Cymbalta to citalopram in the hope it will help . I did suffer severe PMT too. And was told then I had an hormone imbalance.. Tried HRT but didn't help and made my symptoms worse ?.. I just want to feel well again! ?

I am 70+ and never experienced menopause as others have explained, however sometimes I can perspire without having done anything can this be a very late sign of menopause!

Gosh, lots of different experiences here! I think having periods is preferable to a bad menopause, so I shall just be grateful!

Watch out for signs which may indicate the menopause without your realising that its started. I had panic attacks out of the blue and I am a very confident person. These freaked me out for three years until my periods suddenly became very heavy and it finally twigged what was happening to me. I also had hot flushes but without any redness or sweating for a time.
Then the night sweats started which HRT sorted out. Off it now but after 10 years I still get these occasionally. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Was prescribed a topical oestrogen suppository for vaginal dryness and it’s wonderful

61 in my case. Thought I’d managed it at 56 when I went for a year without before they returned regularly ( ended up having all kinds of tests, samples taken and scans to exclude any nasty diagnosis) and rolled with them for another 4 years until they became more intermittent and then stopped quite quickly and pleased to say had very few discomforts - satisfactory pay back for years of heavy bleeds that had nothing to do with menopause.

Started HRT at around 46, still taking it aged 72! I've had a couple of breaks but decided my quality of life outweighed any risks. I'd be happy to take it for the rest of my life if it means feeling well and happy.

I have been to the DRs twice to ask her a advise as to whether hrt would be a help regarding sleepless night s osteoporosis I am not overweight and have no medical problems but both times she has stopped me and stated I am too old.I would be grateful for other GNers experience in these matters

I had my last period at 61. Now 64 and hot flushes now and again, same with night sweats, and probably mood swings, but I’ve always been moody (hmmm). Not ventured into HRT territory but wondering if I’d be better for it...vaginal dryness though (taken care of with KY jelly when necessary). And recently I’ve noticed the fat beneath my skin is disappearing making me look v v wrinkly and saggy! Anyone found HRT to cure that?

PS I still get hot flushes at 75, though not so badly as before