skipped period and another TMI symptom

[blessedwithboys]

I am in my early 30's. I have had regular 28 day cycles for 20 years. I NEVER miss a period and never go over 28 days. The only times I didn't menstruate regularly were the two times I was pg/bfing and maybe 4 times when I had what I suspected were early miscarriages. I got AF back 5mos pp w/ds1 and 11mos pp w/ds2. Both times, right from the first bleed, I was completely regular. Also, I tend to bleed heavily (empty Diva cup every 2-3 hrs and expect spillage over night) and have extremely painful cramps (think pit labor).

I had a period in June. It ended around the 16th or 17th, though I don't recall the day it started. I know it ended by then bc I went out of town on the 18th and was so relieved to be period-free for my trip. It was a mostly normal period except perhaps a teeny bit lighter and less painful than usual.

So now it's been like 40-something days and even though I keep thinking I feel cramps, I've had no bleeding. I know without a doubt that I am NOT pg. I have been celibate for YEARS. No chance on this earth that I am pg.

My mother ceased menstruation by her mid 40's, but the whole perimenopause/menopause thing only took 2 or 3 years, start to finish. She had a terminal illness and didn't think it would have followed the same course had she not been dying.

So I am slightly concerned about premature menopause for myself. I know one missed period seems like nothing to worry over, but I am not joking when I say that since the age of 13 I have been able to set my watch by my cycle.

And then last night...I woke up peeing. Ok, haha, I wet the bed. I have done that a few times in adulthood, but only when pg. I would have weird pushing in labor dreams and wake up wet. LOL Last night was different. I woke up when I felt it coming but was able to stop the flow. Then as I rolled over to get out of bed I began peeing and couldn't stop. This wouldn't be a big deal except last weekend I stood up and felt sure I had begun bleeding but when I got the bathroom (I was in public!) it was pee running down my legs.

I'm sure A has nothing to do with B, but I can't help but feel like something isn't right down there. I can't get the thought out of my mind that it could be some kind of tumor or something pushing on my bladder and emitting some kind of hormone that stopped my period. I should go see someone but I have no insurance and would have to pay out of pocket, probably to one of the local HB MW's who do well care.

I guess my main question is about the missed period. I know I shouldn't be worried, but I am a single mom and need to take extra good care of myself so I can stick around for these kids, yk? Am I too young for menopause? May be my body has given up hope of ever having sex again and it knows there will be no more babies so it just thought "what the heck, stop menstruating now" LOL

[Mom2M]

I looked around and found some info about the affect of the menstrual cycle and hormones on bladder control.
Apparently, menopause can really affect bladder control because of the lowered estrogen levels causing lowered muscular pressure around the urethra.
From this site.http://www.webmd.com/urinary-inconti...trol-menopause

Also, there was one article on the menstrual cycle affecting bladder control. You said you have missed a period but maybe this could be part of the problem.
http://www.healthcentral.com/inconti...enstrual-cycle

Maybe you should go see your midwife and ask her about it. She could check for pelvic floor problems and get bloodwork for your hormone levels to see if menopause is the reason.
In your situation, I would feel better about looking into it because you have the kids depending on you alone.
It sucks with no insurance but you migt be able to get a discount for self paying.

[blessedwithboys]

Awesome, thanks! I couldn't find anything like that. You rock!

[azdesertrn]

I think both delayed period and sometimes irregular bladder and bowel function can be symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Frequently ovarian cysts have no symptoms and can often go away on their own, depending on the type of cyst.

You should see someone about it to be safe.

[blessedwithboys]

Oh, wow, I didn't know that. I bought some soy milk today. I usually never consume soy, but I thought maybe the phytoestrogen would get things moving down and out. I am sitting here having the most wicked hot flash, I feel like I am aflame from the neck up! Not fun. I'm only 33.

The kids go back to school in less than two weeks. Is it a terrible idea to shelf this until then?

ETA: I've been having really bad pain during menstruation that I attribute to my Diva Cup. Can that press on something like an ovarian cyst and cause pain?

[azdesertrn]

From this website:http://www.medicineonline.com/articl...ian-Cysts.html

"If symptoms from an ovarian cyst do occur, they may include:
delayed, irregular, or unusually painful periods
dull abdominal aching
an increase in facial or body hair
irregular bowel or bladder function
pain during exercise
pain during intercourse
a sense of pressure or fullness in the abdomen"
----------------------------------
So, I would say its a possibility. Many have no symptoms, so you don't have to have everything on the list. Again, just one possibility. I'm not trying to diagnose over the internet.