How many years have you had a period?

[DebW]

I started early (maybe around 11), am 50 now, and been in perimenopause since about 44. Long process. I've have a year with an occassional missed month, a year regular, a year with every other month, a year of irregular (between 2 weeks a 2 months apart), another every other month year, and for the last 2 years have been on a 6 month schedule. I'm eagerly awaiting the 12 month milestone. Getting really tired of perimenopause -- I want the real thing! Hot flashes for 4 or 5 years now. Some bad insomnia at ages 44-46, now only occassionally (like 1-2x per week).

[Bikingmomof3]

I began around age 9 and I am ready to quit anytime now, although it appears my body is not. SIGH

[Dogmama]

I bought the 1000 count tampax at Costco thinking maybe I'd hurry up the 'pause. Before this, I figured I'd just buy the smaller boxes because, hey, this can't last forever - right?

[bcipam]

I had read "start early stop late" as well but that didn't happem with me. I started my period around 8 1/2 (yes very early - it scared me to death - I thought I was dying when it started) and stopped at exactly age 50 (two months before my 51 birthday). I was always like clockwork, had a easy period (usually flow was 3 - 4 days), seldom had PMS and menopause was brief. I did have hot flashes for a year (about 6 months before stopping and 6 month after). I don't regret ever stopping my period. Life is just so much easier!!!! All in all had a period around 42 years... a long time!

[run it, ride it]

Started at age twelve and a half, stopped from age 17-18 (hard athletics training), started again near 19. I bled lightly a few hours every 40 days or so. Went on the pill at 20 and now have a monthy cycle and bleed about 3 days. I'm 21.

[chickwhorips]

started at 11ish. had bad periods and bled everyother week. i was miserable. finially got on the pill when i was almost 16 and been on it ever since. makes my life so much easier.

sad thing is i'm sick having my period already (i'm only 25) and i've started taking the pill for 3 consecutive months so i only get my period 4x a year. so much better!

[mimitabby]

Hey Chick, tell your Dr you don't want periods. They can put you on stuff that makes them GO AWAY. (like bc pills) If I had had that option at your age, believe me, I would have taken it!!