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Menopause

Menopause or perimenopause

(13 Posts)
MissFit Sat 11-Aug-18 12:44:30

I'm 53 and went for routine smear test and nurse decided to remove my Mirena coil as it had been in situ for at least 7 years. I was told I could leave it in to take me through to the menopause and nurse said I should have gone through menopause by now. I had no bleeding during the time that the Mirena was in place nor did I have any symptoms of menopause, so wasn't sure if I had actually gone through the menopause.

Last month I started with a tiny amount of bleeding for one day (6 months after removal of Mirena). Today I started bleeding again (20 days after last bleed). I went along to doctor who said she would refer me for a scan as I had postmenopausal bleeding. Now I'm worried as I thought that the bleeding suggested I was only in perimenopause, but she seems to think at 53 that I should be postmenopausal and also that some blood tests I had done last year while the Mirena was in situ suggested that I was in menopause. (FSH 31.6, LH 28.5 if anyone knows how to interpret these).

Has anyone had the same problem after Mirena removal at the same age as me? Really worried now.

Thanks in advance

MiniMoon Sat 11-Aug-18 12:51:58

I have never used a coil, so can't help with that. What I can say is that I had my last proper period age 53, and a bit of spotting in the subsequent couple of months. My younger sister went on having regular normal periods until she was 58. I don't thing you need to worry, even though blood test suggest menopause.

FlexibleFriend Sat 11-Aug-18 12:54:49

my menopause started at 58 not sure it's over yet and i'm 64 this month.

SueDonim Sat 11-Aug-18 13:10:37

Not my experience but I've friends who have gone on bleeding occasionally well into their 50's, despite other menopausal symptoms. The doctors have to investigate it, but nothing of note has ever shown up, thankfully.

I hope your mind is put at rest soon. flowers

M0nica Sat 11-Aug-18 14:13:46

I ceased having periods at 51 and that was the only symptom of the menopause I had. Oh, I did have fibroids and they went with the menopause, but they never caused much in the way of symptoms either.

Lynne59 Sat 11-Aug-18 14:50:15

I had my last period last October, at the age of 58 (I'm 59 now). I had nad terrible flooding etc for the previous 3 years and had to undergo 5 endometrial biopsies, plus a few scans, smears, blood tests. All ok, but was advised to have a Mirena coil to help with it all. I insisted it was removed after one week. I had such a lot of pelvic pain with it.

Apparently, I'm having a late menopause (really?!). I am hopefully going to be free from periods altogether now.

paddyann Sat 11-Aug-18 15:20:25

I still bleed,I'm 64.I've been checked for everything known and I'm fine .My sister still bleeds and she'll be 70 on her birthday so its obviously genetic .Get it checked and then relax,everybody is different .Lynne59 My bleeding was worse with the coil,its not as heavy now its out .

stella1949 Sat 11-Aug-18 16:05:58

FSH of over 30 normally indicates that you are menopausal. Same with the LH - anything over 25 shows you are in the menopause.

gillybob Sat 11-Aug-18 16:10:21

The nurse should never have removed the coil at only 53 Missfit I am 56 and still perimenopausal with occasional bleeds (none for months then 3 in a row etc) . Have had allsorts of tests and biopsies too. My consultant is trying to persuade me to have the coil fitted but I have so far refused as heard lots of stories such as Lynn59

Lynne59 Sun 12-Aug-18 12:22:43

paddyann....You and your sister still have periods?! That's very late! I was prescribed Provera tablets to lessen my bleeding. I took that for about a year before the periods stopped altogether last October. I was on iron tablets for 10 months up until that time.

Good luck to you and your sister.

gillybob Sun 12-Aug-18 12:28:14

I take Provera too Lynn but they cause me excessive bloating and make my hair loss even worse . Now I Just take them when I’m desperate to stop the bleeding for short stretches .

Seaside22 Sun 12-Aug-18 17:21:06

Hi, I had the mirena taken out at 52, I had 4 more monthly bleeds, then nothing for a year, then another bleed.I started the menopause at 53 more or less after the 4 bleeds.I have friends that are keeping their coil in until they are sure their menopause has passed, probably nearer 60.You could always have another one fitted.Good luck.

MissFit Sun 12-Aug-18 18:40:46

Thanks for all your replies and sorry its been a while getting back to you all, but had a busy weekend.

Seaside22, I think I will have another Mirena fitted once I have been for the scan, if I'm allowed one.

gillybob, I really wasn't happy that the nurse had removed it, but I'm usually not one to argue about things and I just let them get on with it. Looking back, I think I should have stood my ground.

Stella1949, I've only had one FSH test so maybe I should ask for another, just to confirm. I was rather worried about being post menopausal and having bleeding though. I'll just have to wait for the results of the test.

I am so grateful to everyone who has replied as you have helped put my mind at rest.

Thank you to you all.