DEAR DEIDRE: DESPITE the fact my menstrual cycle is usually like clockwork, I haven\u2019t had a period for five months. <\/p>\n

Does this mean I\u2019ve hit the menopause?<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve noticed some other changes in my body lately as well. I\u2019ve been sweating profusely at night.<\/p>\n

When I missed my periods, at first I was terrified that I might be pregnant but I\u2019ve done two tests over the months and they were both negative.<\/p>\n

My older friend says these are signs that I\u2019ve hit the menopause but I didn\u2019t think that was possible at my age. I\u2019m only 45 years old.<\/p>\n

To be honest, I\u2019d be relieved if I have because I just want to be able to enjoy sex again without the risk of getting pregnant.<\/p>\n

Get in touch with the Dear Deidre team<\/h3>\n

Every problem gets a personal reply from one of our trained counsellors.<\/p>\n

Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you.<\/p>\n

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m the mum of two children. My eldest is 22, has left home and is doing really well for himself.<\/p>\n

My other child is nine and, although I adore her, I must admit she has been such a handful that she well and truly put me off having any more children.<\/p>\n

My partner and I try to practise safe sex but still we\u2019ve had a few slip-ups.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been difficult to find the right contraception that suits us both.<\/p>\n

I think this is why the prospect of the menopause is something I celebrate because it would be nice to enjoy sex again without the hassle of sorting out contraception.<\/p>\n

Can I relax now and accept that I\u2019ve hit the menopause or could I still conceive?<\/p>\n

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DEIDRE SAYS:<\/strong><\/span> The menopause is when you haven\u2019t had a period for a whole year. <\/p>\n

But it can take a long time before a woman\u2019s periods stop completely.<\/p>\n

During this time the woman\u2019s cycle can become very irregular. <\/p>\n

This stage is called the perimenopause and while it\u2019s less likely you could get pregnant, there is still a chance you could be fertile. <\/p>\n

So it is best to continue to use contraception until you reach the full menopause.<\/p>\n

The menopause transition typically begins between ages 40-55.<\/p>\n

For more information please read my support pack, Menopause Problems.<\/p>\n

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Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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