It's official....

[Paula]

I am old.

I went to the doctor today because well, I've been, umm...menstruating for two and a half weeks now and to be honest - it's getting irritating. I've been getting more and more worried about it. Luckily, there hasn't been any cramping with it, just the flow.

She asked me a series of questions and took some blood and guess what she told me? I am peri-menopausal. Apparently, peri-menopause can occur 3-5 years before the actual onset of menopause.

On one hand, I am thankful that this is all it is. But, on the other hand, I am facing the reality that my youth is really coming to its end. It just makes me sad. Although I was finished with babies 12 years ago, it still makes me sad to know that the factory will be closing its doors.

Ok, I'm done. LOL

[Becca Bonneville]

Awww ((Big Hugs))) Paula!! I was just telling my hubby I couldn't wait, I was sick of those monthly visits! LOL! But I know when the time comes, it will be a different story!!

[LenaGardner]

That's no fun I'm sorry the oven isn't going to be for baking anymore. It isn't the same thing but I had a tubal after Parker's birth and I get sad when I think of it.

I also get sad when I think of my birthday and getting older, but that doesn't matter anymore because I'm not having birthdays anymore

For what it is worth, I don't think you're old. So cheer up.

[EveRecinella]

Aww *big huggs* Paula!

[jaylensmom]

Awww hugs Paula...I agree with Lena you are so not old...

[SeattleSheri]

{{{ BIG HUGS }}} Did the doctor say whether you will have to suffer through, um ... extended visits from your friend ... all 3-5 years? I've never heard of peri-menopausal, so I don't know much about it.

[scrappychic]

{HUGS} Paula! Can't imagine what you're going through, right now I wish I didn't have mine every month but yeah when reality hits I'm sure it's gonna be different when my time comes. Hope you feel better soon.

[NettieB]

How about this - the vehicle may not rev with the hot rods anymore, but can still get the lead out! Age is just a number - joy is always there to be seized. Yikes about the extended visit - may that be a one time thing. If not - what a reason for chocolate!

[my3hens]

Awww honey hugs, You are definiltey NOT old at all sweety. I can imagine how you are feeling though.

[newfiemountiewife]

I can just imagine how you feel, I feel the same when it hits me that we are not having any more babies, and well, it just feels like I don't know what to do now, because I've always had little babies. You are SO not old Paula, just think, when the old hag is gone, you don't have to worry about it anymore!

[charlize]

Aww Paula ... I am agree with Becca - when the time comes, it'll be different story ... **hugs** to you ...

[latrischler]

**hugs** to you ...

But you're not old! I haven't had my "monthly friend" in almost 5 years now because of previous problems, so that's been nice! But I think I may be "peri" now. More hormone fluctuations than a teenager! LOL I'll find out after my wonderful annual visit....

[pbumbaca]

Awww, hugs Paula! I'm sorry.

Although I have to admit that the statement about the factory closing it's doors made me spew my coffee. I have never heard it put that way before!

[mummytothree]

But hugs Paula...change (any type of change) just sucks!!!

[meems]

2.5 weeks, yikes

((hugs))

[SamaraGugler]

Big hugs Paula!

I know what you mean about the factory closing, kinda makes you think for a minute.

I'm am a little bit jealous that very soon you will not have to deal with the old hag Flo. I just hope for your sake that you don't have to ever see her again for 2.5 weeks again. She's definitely taking advantage of you and must leave!!!!

[Kat Stokes]

Awww, {{{HUGS}}} Paula!!!

and you're NOT old so get that out of your head right this minute missy!!!!

[jessica31876]

I have been there before. I cant wait for that part of my life to be over. I had my tubes tied years ago so I cant have children anymore and all that my monthly does is make me absolutely miserable. Horrible cramps, bloating, irritability...although 2 1/2 weeks must absolutely suck!!

[~Julie~]

{Hugs} Paula. You are so not old.

[crecia27]

I'm glad it wasn't a more serious problem, I'm sorry it is what it is too though!

[FireWolf]

I definitely feel your pain as I have been peri-menopausal for close to 7 years now. I'm only 42, so trust me when I say that it truly doesn't mean you are old. I had to laugh at the 3-5 years statement though, because it can last so much longer than that. I seriously hope that yours will be an easy one and not last near so long as mine. Unfortunately, the 2.5 week periods can happen quite often, as well shorter cycles, but longer cycles can happen, too and you can be period free for months, sometimes. Always a plus in my book.

[Paula]

Thank you all so much!! You made me feel so much better.

And Firewolf, I just wish this was one of those times that the old hag wasn't around. I have some new clothes I wanna wear but don't dare to since Flo has been hanging around and around! LOL

[alansrock]

old, you? NAH, you are spring chicken who just can't have anymore chicks!!!

[supertwinkle]

Hugs Paula! Age is in the mind. You are as young as you think!

[Brooke W]

That was over for me a lonnnng time ago and I do NOT miss it,lol. You are so far from old, Paula

[scarletsierra]

Awww ((hugs)) hon! I agree you are SO not old...just a new chapter starting.

[meganmecrazy]

<<<<HUGS>>>> My mom is here today and was complaining of the SAME exact thing! She is in the same stage!

[chloe]

((((hugs)))), Paula!