40....now what?

[indysteel]

I tuened 41 last month. I have noticed certain changs over the past couple of years, but none so extreme that they have me worried. My periods, while regular, range from barely bleeding to normal. I'm also on a BCP that caused very light periods, so it doesn't concern me too much. I find myself retaining more water; that's been the biggest annoyance.


I would suggest that you try to find a better doctor or nurse practitioner in your area. Ask friends and coworkers (or go on Angie's List) for recommendations. The reality is that you need regular checkups and somebody you feel comfortable talking with. My OB/GYN recently blew off one of my questions, and I thinking of changing docs myself.

Did your doc order any blood work? If not, call her office and state that you'd like to have it done. Preferably have it done first thing in the morning after you've fasted overnight. Now is a good time to get a baseline of your overall health. I'd be curious to know whether your thyroid numbers are normal most specifically.

Also, be sure to be specific with your doc. For instance, instead of just saying your period is heavy, you might share how many tmapons/pads your're using per day. For me, heavy is a relative term and being specific might help a doctor figure out if your periods are within the range of normal. Several of my friends have suffered with uterin fibroids and they went through tampons by the hour--something that isn't normal.

[badger]

I'm turning 40 in March, and I've definitely noticed changes in my cycle this past year. I never had much cramping before, but now I'm getting stabbing pains, and for the most part, it's becoming a hinderance to my life. I'm starting to look at the calendar more and planning events around my periods. I hate that.

I went to my gyne a couple of months ago for my post-IUD insertion check up and I asked her about the cramping (I'm even cramping when I ovulate now). She said that at our age, our bodies really do start changing, and unfortunately it's fairly common. She sort of dismissed my concerns, too; I guess they're very common.

I don't like to suffer, so I did some research and take red raspberry leaf extract to tone my uterus (another annoying thing is my periods seem to take forever to start. I'll spot for several days before finally committing to it).

I also take yarrow to help with the cramping and bleeding, as well as shepherd's purse to control the heavy bleeding I have from the IUD (which got better after about a year with my last one), but again, I hate to suffer.

And I use wild yam cream starting my 14th day to help with the breast tenderness, crankiness and the night sweats I get during my period.

[malkin]

Ack. If this is not a doctor that you know and love already, find a new doctor and make your appointment for first thing in the morning! I don't mean for tomorrow--you're probably set for another year--but take your time finding someone. My current OB sees about half the women I know (who talk about these things).

If moods are the problem, how psycho were you?
Include the risk of violence and level of hysteria in your description.

If your bleeding is a problem, arm yourself with a clear description of the problem: how much, how impossible to manage, how clotty, how painful, or whatever and be CLEAR about what solutions would be acceptable--bleeding must stop, hysterectomy is the only option or not an option, OCPs ok or not ok and why not.

Apart from that, keep up with your routine wellness stuff--have your mammogram every year and do your self-check, and mark your calendar for when you are 50 and get your colonoscopy.

[solobiker]

Thanks for all of your kind replies. I really appreciate it. My family is not one for talking about any of these issues. It has always been a hush hush kind of thing. I am also overly modest/shy when it comes to this so I have a hard time talking with friends about it as well. At least now I don't feel too crazy or out of the norm from other women as they get older I will find a new Dr for my next annual. Thanks again!!