Menopause and ageing?

Would I have now finished Menopause,last period was approx 21 months ago,I am now 56 so is this the end of Menopause?Also does ones skin start to age more quickly from now onwards?People still think Im in my early 40's,but think thats in family genes,but I have noticed lines are appearing quickly this last few months,also I have put on 2 stones in weight,and find it harder to get rid of,as before could lose it so much quicker.Also now when walk alot especially get bad low back pain,sometimes in hip going down leg.Are these all the signs of ageing?Or maybe the wieght increase?(size 16/18)

Technically the menopause is reached after 12 months with no period, so you are well passed that now. There is no absolute reason why weight gain should be directly linked to the menopause, however many women seem to gain weight at about the same time. The same rules apply to them as to everyone else, eat less and do more! I suspect the sciatic pain you are describing is, as you suggest more to do with your weight gain.

We are or similar ages, and I have managed to shave off a stone since my retirement, try taking some more exercise, it invigorates, helps you lose weight and keeps you young.

Look after your skin with a soap free cleanser and shower gel and use a good moisturiser at least twice a day. Be as active as you can, remember as many as 50% of women in their 50s now can expect to live to 90.

go to doctor and get HRT, best thing I ever did. Im 52 and have found the only thing to work has been HRT and you don't have to put on weight with it, it has cured all my symptoms.

anyone over 50 who goes a yr without a period i
would hopefully have gone through it.
Anyone uuder 50 it is 2 yrs , that is what i was told by my gp.
I am 54 , i went nearly 2 yrs then had period when 53 ; have had tests and everything normal not had another since.
I have put 1 stone on and finding it so hard to move. I walk 4 times a day with my dog . i find not having any fat reduces my weight but get fed up with this.
I am very stiff now when i get up in mornings; my skin is much drier too.
I weigh 10st 4lb and am 5ft i know i am overweight and think the answer is you cannot eat so much as you get older
as your metabolism slows down with everything else.
I have lower back pain and have to move about not stay 4 2 long in 1 spot.
definately signs of ageing.
try to keep as active as poss; eat calcium rich foods .
wishing you good health
dorotyhm

The pain you are experiencing down the leg is probably sciatica. You are considered as being Menopausal if you haven't had a period for 12 months. I would pay a visit to you doctor, he'll probably do blood tests and explain the menopause to you. You must look after your diet now and eat a well balance of food. The doctor should also advise about weight loss. Your skin will become drier so therefore use a night cream as well as a day cream to moisturise your skin and a body lotion. I use the ones from Aldi, they aren't over expensive but are good quality as are their anti wrinkle creams.

Hope this helps and have a good week ;-)

Sounds like it. Although id still use protection for sex until over two years without a period (just in case!) Your skin ages quicker because of the lack of estrogen but healthy eating and drinking water helps as does a decent face cream and foundation. Wrinkles appear quicker to, The weight could be causing the pain in your back, and it sounds like sciatica, which may have another reason. What I keep telling myself is I need a complete overhaul - start swimming again, eat healthy, put my make up on every day and go out there and wow the world with my maturity. But I dont have the energy!!

You probably have finished the menopause stage if your last one was 21 months ago. I wouldn't have thought skin ages faster but i can't say on that one because i am a lot younger.
I know what you mean about putting the weight on though as you get older, it does seem hard to shift, but i think your metabolism slows as you get older and it is harder to lose what you put on. As we age anyway our bodies slow down and if we over exert ourselves it can cause a problem with our joints etc. You have to remember that we can't do what we once could. We are basically wearing down. It doesn't mean you can't keep fit but just do it in moderation, don't over do it...
Grow old gracefully and take care of yourself... That's the motto...