What Is This? - Houston,TX

I think, purely speculation of course, that it is probably signalling some kind of change in your hormone, could be the onset of menopause. Menopause is different for different people. The long period could be why you're anemic. I would have the doctor check you out just in case it's not menopause. Maybe a cyst or something. Good luck.

Just go see your dr. they will know more than us

My mom is 51 and it's the onest of menopause according to her physician. The only treatment they offered her, which I can't remember the name of, was burning off the lining in her uterus which would make her periods less servere and there was a possibilty she will never have one again. Though she isn't interested in this I think if it were my choice I would totally consider it!

You should definitely see your doctor for a check up. Have you ever had trouble with endometriosis (spelling?) I ask because my sister is severly anemic and has horribly long periods. Raisins, broccoli and liver are also good for anemia. I would definitely make an appointment. They can give you some good advice on the premenopausal stuff. I would definitely try to stay away from hormone therapy as menopause is your body's natural progression into age. Good luck to you.

Please go get a checkup for this. It could be any number of things, and you doctor needs to check it out.

I don't understand why they would have taken your blood if you were severely anemic. I've been turned away from the blood center for my iron being low but they've never mentioned the color. I was severely anemic only with excessive menstrual bleeding which led me to have a hysterectomy, after they worked on getting my iron count up first. I hope you have the means and can see a great doctor.
Blessings!

Probably the start of menapause, your cycles change. I wouldn't worry about it and just let it run its course. If it happens again and it concerns you, go see your gyno just to be sure.
Blessings,
D.

L.,

I have had the same problem. Go to your gynecologist. They can give you a prescription for Provera to take car eof the problem. Do NOT take iron on your own without a doctor prescribing it. That is not good for you and toom much iron is deadly.

Peace,
C.

Please don't ignore this problem, schedule an appointment to be seen by your gynecologist. I too had a similar type of problem and ended up having a fibroid tumor that caused me to have to have a hysterectomy. I don't want to alarm you but please do get checked.

I don't think eating beef and taking iron would cause this. I would suggest that you go to see your doctor, soon. It might be hormonal. Take care!

Yes, sounds like this is the very beginning.

Have a full check up so the Doctor can keep a record of all of this. Your body will do best if it can just clean itself naturally. You could douche with vinegar and water, but this flushing of your body will continue. I have a friend who in her early 40's started her menopause this way.. There are times, when she would still have a period, very unexpectedly. Sometimes, very light, some times very heavy. It has been about 3 years now and for the last 6 months, she has not had a period or any flushing from her body. Her Doctor says this is all normal. She also was told to eat very balanced meals and to include beef. She also is exercising, cycling and yoga she says it really helps..

I have a similar story (not sexually active, age is 48 and a half). I recently saw my OB/GYN and had a blood test on my hormones. Yep, I'm menopausal.

Also, a dark red versus a bright red does suggest older menstrual flow. It's inconvenient that this is taking so long for you. Ask your doctor if two tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen would be okay for you to take, and if twice a day or three times a day would be suggested. (Having a nurse tell me to try this made a surprising stop to a long ongoing period I was having!)

I hate to answer your question with a question but isn't more iron in your diet worse when a lady's hormones are menopausal? This is definitely something to ask your doctor. (For instance, one of the differences between Centrum and Centrum Silver is that Centrum Silver has less iron.)

Good luck and hang in there!
D.

Yes, in agreement with the others. Could be the start of your change. Mine started at 42.....some periods heavy and lasting a week or 2....some cycles only a couple days. it is weird. But, you do want to rule other things out, so I would go see the doc just to be sure.
Iron is important for women of all ages! If you prefer to not eat meat, you can do some research and find other foods that are high in iron. I can always tell when I am "low" because I feel tired and sluggish. Iron pills will not cause heavy periods.

It could also be a cyst on your ovaries or uterus. I had this not to long ago and experience similar thing to what you are saying. I am better now. You def want to see your Gyn.

For sure you need to see the doctor to know the whole scope of what's happening. I'm nearly 44 now, just saw my OB/GYN recently, and he said menopause is unlikely at this point for me. Of course everyone is different. I can't comment on the length of your period, but can say that they darker, brown blood is older blood. My periods have always been very short (3-4) days, with very little cramping or discomfort, but the darker blood does happen every few months, not every time. Good luck to you, and do see a doctor for a check-up of everything, especially at this stage of your life where things are beginning to change.

Hi L.,

I agree with the other women, see your gyn. If it turns out to be peri menopause you should get as much information as you can. I would recommend, "The Wisdom of Menopause". In it you will read about hormone replacement and what to expect with being pre menopausal.

H.

Please do not assume this is the change. I am 53 and just started peri-menopausal symptoms last year. What you are experiencing could be symptoms of something else. I had a sister who went through symptoms similar to yours, and it was a simple office procedure and her long cycles stopped. I do not know what her condition was but the long cycles were not due to the change in life. For your peace of mind, you should see your doctor and get a good check-up.

Sounds like you might have an infection. I would call your doctor.

I agree with Betty R. My experience was very similar, though I was not quite 44. I had known for years that I had fibroids but had had no real problems. My cycle lasted for 3 weeks before I saw a dr. I had a D&C, then a hysterectomy 3 weeks after that. The bleeding never stopped between the 2 procedures. This was 14 years ago, and things have changed a lot. There are treatments available now that were not back then. So, best to have yourself checked. Good luck!

You may be in the early stages of that change in life that all women go through. I did that and it could be also your problem. Do check with your Dr. I started early in my teens, and also started that change in late 40's early 50's.

L., here's a good website to browse. It sounds like your body is preparing for menopause. http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/default.aspx
It has loads of informative articles which will answer any questions you have. As for me, I'm 51 and have been peri-menopausal for a while. I've used natural progesterone cream for years now and can't do without it. It eases the cramps and other symptoms of my periods, and night sweats and hot flashes have been almost non-existent. Search the website for progesterone cream and it will bring up several articles. Good luck.

L.,
Did you have a doctor double-check the diagnosis of anemia? Of course most blood centers know what they're talking about, but if it was that severe - and add in your long menstruation - your body could be dealing with more than just peri-menopause.
Please get some peace of mind and see your GYN.
Best Wishes!

Dear L.,

I urge you to see your doctor. It might be menopause, but maybe not. Menopause happens over time. If everything has been normal up to now, I would have some concern. Good luck.

The one thing that I noticed you not saying you have done is go to your doctor. That is not normal, even taking iron pills and eating more red meat. It might not be anything but I would definitely go see my gynecologist and have them make sure that there is not wrong. Usually when you start the change, your periods get shorter and change in frequency. Not keep going for over a month. Good luck but please see your physician.

Definatly go see a doctor. I think they can test your blood or hormones to see if this is the change. Good luck hope it all passes for you quickly.