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[JoanneE]

Hi everybody, a question about travel and the effect on periods…. Many thanks, joanne

I spent 4 months in Ethiopia in 2016 (when I was 46), during which time my periods stopped. When I returned to the UK, they re-started. 

In Jan 2019 I went overseas again, for 24 months, and returned to the UK (in Dec 2020) at age 50.  During this 2 year period I never had a period, and have not had one since.

In the last 2 months, I have started having occasional hot flushes at night (lasting 5 mins), but I think these are the only menopausal symptoms that I have had/am having.

My doctor, and the ‘woman’s nurse’, both told me that as I haven’t had a period in over 24  months, I am in/post menopause. 

My mum said her periods stopped at age 49 (but she has had two children, whereas I do not have children).

I want to know if my periods have stopped permanently, as this will affect which form of contraception I use.  Not sure if it's relevant but i exercise/eat well and consider myself healthy/fit.

Any thoughts/advice, greatly appreciated, many thanks, Joanne

[Dotty]

Hi
If you’re over 50 then the advice is that you can stop contraception after 12 months without a period.

If you’re under 50 then the advice is that you can stop contraception after 24 months without a period.

This is if you’ve not been taking any hormonal contraception in this time. x

[CLKD]

Excitement may cause loss of periods when travelling.  4 me however, I would get a bleed even if a period wasn't due, i.e. in Switzerland and Belgium  .

Did U eat differently whilst in Ethiopia?  I feel a book 📖 coming on  , do tell 

Peri - the years leading to menopause - saw my periods waxing and waning.  For about 3 years, then gone.  Once we are 12 months without a bleed, we are considered menopausal ....... literally the last monthly bleed.

How do U feel otherwise?

[Taz2]

Hi JoanneE - yes you are now considered post menopause but if you do have any further bleeding then this needs to be investigated to rule out any problems as bleeding after a year without periods is considered abnormal.

You may not experience any other meno symptoms but watch out for vaginal dryness which will probably need a topical oestrogen to keep things in tip-top condition and not leave you suffering from bladder symptoms and sexual difficulties.

There is lots of information on here plus support and friendship should you need it.

Taz x