breasfeeding, hotflashes and menstruation

[vandybelmont2008]

I started a thread while ago in health regarding breastfeeding and menstruation.
My child is 26 months, still breastfeeding at least 4 times a day, sometimes 5,6. Did get first menstruation when child was 23 months, 2nd period followed in a 26 days. After that I did not get a period. About 3 weeks ago I started to get something like hot flashes. They come in at any time day or night, can be 2 in one hour, can be none in 6 hours. I am hypothyroid, but currently under control (it was rocky after giving birth for a long time). I will be 42 in 4 months. Read other threads that women do experience hot flashes related to breastfeeding, weaning.
Does anyone experienced anything like this? Any thoughts , advices?
Is it breasfeeding, menopousal symptoms? Is it possible to start menopouse while breastfeeding?
Thank yoU!

[kcparker]

I have a friend whose child was born when my friend was 39 years old. She said that she nursed until the baby self-weaned at about 18 months of age, and then she went straight into menopause, so she was 41 or 42. I don't know if she menstruated or not, but I rather think not. Anecdotal, to be sure, but it is possible that you are moving into that phase of life.

[mbl]

Hi, I'm in my mid-40s. I was just concerned about menopause, b/c recently, I've been extremely irregular. I saw an OB recently who said that so long as I BF, I will be irregular. This is recent so I can't say if it was a one time deal or if I'm getting there; I do have hot flashes on rare occasion. I can't say if stopping BFing will stop AF or not. There isn't much to do; it's not like it's something I can stop. If this continues, I'll ask my OB and will roll with the punches. Soon that shall pass, too and all the nasty AF symptoms

BF changes our hormones; weaning will get them back to "normal." All these changes will cause symptoms which may vary from person to person. The blues is one of them.

Hang in there.

[Materfamilias]

I'm pretty sure I was pre-menopausal when I conceived DD. I was then 43 years old. My mom had had menopause early too so it wasn't unexpected. Anyway, now DD is still nursing at 22 months (NAK). My periods have returned but are very irregular. I've started getting hot flashes in the last month or so. No idea if it's menopause, or nursing hormones, or what.