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[Pringoo]

I'm 52, and not exactly sure what's happening. I've had 2 or 3 years of slightly erratic periods, although in all that time I only fully  missed one. I've had heavy, light, one lasted 8 weeks but was quite light, a couple with embarrassing flooding, the lot. This was all as I expected until November 2016 when my sister died very suddenly and totally unexpectedly. She was only 48 and they could find no cause for it. The shock was like nothing I've ever had to deal with as we were very close. I had a fairly heavy period the week after her death, and then nothing - not even a spot, until June this year 7 months on, when  I had a normal not heavy, regular 5 day period. Then, nothing again, until mid September when I had a light period for 4 days coupled with the period headache, crampy feeling and really tender boobs, followed by a couple of clear days, then very light bleeding for a couple of days, then clear a couple of days, then a few days of just pink on the toilet paper, back to a few days of light bleeding, and so it goes on. This morning I woke up and - not a mark. Put a panty liner on just in case, as one does, and when I got to work went to the loo and light bleeding again. Headache is just not letting up and crampy ache is there too. It just feels like constant PMT. Is this normal? I have never had a hot flush, or a night sweat or any of those horrors - so far!

[Lizab]

Let's see, all sorts of varied, absence of, and extended bleeding along with constant PMT feeling. That sounds exactly like my last two years before the periods stopped altogether!  I can't say if it's "normal". I don't think anything is normal in perimenopause, but I wouldn't call it abnormal! If I recall, my gynecologist wanted to see me if any bleeding, light or heavy, lasted more than three weeks. It wouldn't be a bad idea to schedule an appointment so they can decide if investigation is needed. In my case, that was an endometrial biopsy and an ultrasound to check for any potential problems causing the irregular bleeding. No two are alike, but if we could compare experiences to predict, I'd say you're nearly done!

[Machair]

My heart goes out to you - how sad to lose your sister so young. You must be broken hearted.

About the bleeding issues- no one can say if it is normal only the medics can do that with tests, but what is known is that as we move through perimenopause sometimes we don't ovulate well, and without the process there is no progesterone produced by the Corpus Luteum, but oestrogen can still be produced and will build up the lining. This then comes away due to its weight, but it can do so hap haphazardly and piecemeal as you have described.This could be what you have, but if it continues maybe check with your GP for reassurance.

Certainly constant PMT is what I am the queen of- but not as much recently as I have gone further along.I do know that high levels of oestrogen can also feel like PMT so you may have this too which is very common before it finally falls.

[Pringoo]

Thank you all so much for your support and kind words. I had wondered if perhaps my sister's sudden death had caused my periods to just suddenly stop which I had heard of happen before. It may be what has mixed everything up, or it could just be co-incidence. I feel absolutely fine otherwise - not had to go on HRT or anything so fingers crossed it's the wind down to the end.

[Hurdity]

Hi Pringoo

  and so sorry also to hear about your sister's sudden death - no wonder your body reacted like this.

It is usually only cause for investigation if you get bleeding 12 months or more after your last period, or prolonged/uncharacteristically painful bleeding otherwise. Do have a look at the information on this website about bleeding and periods:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/heavyperiods.php
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/investigations.php

... and one about peri-menopause here:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/magazine/pdf/Article%20-%20Perils%20of%20the%20Perimenopause.pdf

I'm glad that otherwise you are feeling fine - some women do not experience many symptoms and for others these only start when periods have stopped for a while. Do not rule out the need to take HRT at some stage should you begin to experience symptoms as there is no need to suffer.

Take care.

Hurdity x