How can I make my periods stop? I am 59 years old. I have never missed a period nor do I have any hot flashes. I don’t think this is normal.
Let’s first clear up the difference between the words average and normal. The average age of menopause is 51 years. But that doesn’t make people who stop menstruating earlier or later abnormal — it just puts them outside the average.
Your situation may be normal for your body, and you may be perfectly healthy. By the way, many women go through menopause with only mild symptoms or none at all. So the lack of hot flashes can’t be used as an indicator of approaching menopause.
Sounds like you have had your fill of menstruation, but there is a plus side to late menopause. The estrogen that you are still producing is believed to have a strong protective effect against heart disease, osteoporosis and possibly other diseases of aging. On the other hand, late menopause may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Assuming you have had regular gynecological checkups and discussed this with your doctor, you should not have anything to worry about (except perhaps getting pregnant). In case you have not done that, don’t wait. Make an appointment today.