Changes in Menstrual Cycle at 33: Possible Causes & What to Do

Question
Hi, I am 33 years of age and for the last year or so my periods have begun to alter, well not just my periods. From being 12 years old I have suffered with heavy periods. my cycle was always 26 days exactly, with a pause of flow for about half a day in the middle usually 3rd day.I have been experiencing periods which have come either a day or two early or a day or so late, Also one month I can be very heavy and another quite light. the actuall flow pattern has altered, I can go a full day in the middle of my period without bleeding now, and usually have an episode of this for several hours on day two and three, only to go on and bleed really heavily for a short period of time. I,m often tired, so i take multi vitamins with iron incase I am deficient in anything. Also my skin is terrible at the moment. my bikini line is extremely dry, as is my underarm area, they can get really sore and itchy. And to top it all off I keep breaking out in spots on my face. I am concerned as to wether this could be a sign of early menopause, my mother had hers early due to osteoperosis, and she also had to undergo treatment for an over active thyroid. Should I be concerned, or are these changes only minor and nothing to worry about?  

Answer
Your symptoms do not sound perimenopausal, but one never knows for sure. How is your diet, exercise, etc? If you think your symptoms are hormone-related, check with a doctor and have them do a blood test so you can see your levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. You can find alternative doctors at www.everythingmenopause.com undertreatment options.