Menopause Forum - Peri-menopause or menopause?

Womens Health > Menopause Forum > Peri-menopause or menopause?

What is menopause? Peri menopause? How long does menopause last? Get the facts on menopause, "the big change", here. ...

Q: Peri-menopause or menopause?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on November 14th, 2006

I am in very good health. I believe I recently went from peri-menopause to menopause because I just missed my first period (2 wks. late--which I'm never late more than a few days) and my hot flashes changed in the last two weeks from night time only to both day and night. Also, I am experiencing pain in my lower right side near the groin area. At my last obgyn exam I was informed I have a very small cyst which I physically have never experienced any pain from. Can you tell me what my problem is? I do feel bloated, as though I'm about to get my period.

Thank you.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on December 7th, 2006

Menopause Answer A1890

A pre-requisite for menopause is lack of menstruation (a menstrual period) for more than a year. So, it seems that you are not yet "in menopause"! A period 2 weeks late could indicate pregnancy (not likely, but still possible), a functional ovarian cyst (can be detected on ultrasound) ,or pre-menopause (given your age of 54).... but not menopause. You can take a home pregnancy test in any case and request regular ultrasound monitoring of the ovarian cyst at your gynecologist's office.

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