Pregnant or Menopause?
Question
I just turned 47 in January. I had a light period in early December. It is now late January and I have not had a period. (My husband I do not use birth control.) Could this be menopause or pregnancy? I have had regular periods all my life, and one full term pregnacy.
Mary
Answer
Last Updated: December 30, 2014
Dear Mary,
Premenopause can begin any time after age 40. Your cycle can be irregular and anovulatory and unusual bleeding is common. Have you experienced hot flashes? At your age it is very unlikely that you are pregnant; however I would suggest a pregnancy test. You stated that you do not use birth control. Natural family planning can be used very successfully during premenopause and can give you the confidence to know your fertile and infertile phases. You can check our website for an instructor close to you.
I hope this was helpful.
Winnie Neill
Premenopause can begin any time after age 40. Your cycle can be irregular and anovulatory and unusual bleeding is common. Have you experienced hot flashes? At your age it is very unlikely that you are pregnant; however I would suggest a pregnancy test. You stated that you do not use birth control. Natural family planning can be used very successfully during premenopause and can give you the confidence to know your fertile and infertile phases. You can check our website for an instructor close to you.
I hope this was helpful.
Winnie Neill
Answered By:
Winnie Neill, CFCP
Winnie Neill, a Professional Member of CANFP, is a certified FertilityCare Practitioner, and taught NFP 23 years in the Sacramento region. She served on the Sacramento Diocese NFP Advisory Board, the American Academy of NFP Board and the CANFP Executive Board. She and her husband Bob have been married 63 years
