huh ... mine just stopped, without much warning, when I was not-quite 46.
Same here. My periods got irregular while I was helping Dad with his lymphoma and figured it was just stress. Turns out it was perimenopaus. I can't say I miss being fertile; it's not like I had any plans for it.
After a lifetime of irregular periods, they become regular as rain with turning 40. Also, my PMS became a thing. I probably should be medicated for those few days, but so far, I'm not.
Mine are now irregular, with bonus cramps and an upswing in hormonal crazy. I'd been taking progesterone capsules as per my GYN, and have learned they make the hormonal crazy SO MUCH WORSE.
Progesterone (a small amount, from my IUD) seems to be making everything better for me. Bodies are weird. Although, it's possible that the PMS headaches are due to that. Who knows. The headaches are weird. They don't really correlate with anything else I can think of, except menopause, and they're still happening even though the periods have stopped. Or mostly stopped.
How long does it have to be since the last period to be officially for-real over menopause and done with it all?
My understanding is one year.
I think I'll have myself a party.
I think I'll have myself a party.
You can have everyone come dressed as a Downton Abbey character, to celebrate the end of period drama in your life.
billytea, you're a genius.