I'm 52. At 48 my periods started coming at 3-4 mo. intervals for about a year or so then at 6-7months.Then a couple at exactly 8 mo. I thought I was done for sure but OUT OF THE BLUE, this last March I had one and boy did I sure feel stupid. I had no clue it was gonna happen. I felt like a teenager again for being caught off guard and unprepared. I actually giggled to myself. However, I still have the concerns you do. "Is it really menopause?" My doctors seem to think so but this last period seemed a lot "healthier". Cancer runs in my family so I always worry. But, I'm pretty sure it's meno because I've managed to lose my husband and quit my job (STUPID) due to outrageous outbursts (constantly) and just plain acting like a phsyco broad. I refused to take harmone replacements because I didn't want to gain more weight. I wish I had anyway. ....I still gained more weight and that made me feel even less desirable which reflected in my stupid behavior. Menopause has not been the "ushering in of a new me" that others describe. Menopause sucks!. May you possess tolerance, luck and humor. And a "nice" husband too...(if you're married) .View Thread