Spotting most days since period ended

[FromEden]

Like the title says, my last period started on december 18th and I feel like it never really stopped. I've thought for a while that I'm in perimenopause due to other symptoms. I'm 37, is this a normal age to experience this?

I'm starting to get really worried about cervical cancer, even though my last smear about a year ago was normal. I've booked an appointment with my gynecologist but the soonest one they had isnt for another 10 days. Has anyone experienced similar and it not been anything serious?

[Aquamarine1029]

Peri-menopause is a definite possibility, and you are not too young to start having symptoms, and peri can last for many, many years. You should probably look into HRT to protect your heart and bone density, so long as any other problems are ruled out.

[Aquamarine1029]

Btw, my peri started with my periods going crazy after a lifetime of totally normal, clockwork ones.

[FromEden]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, my periods have got heavier and cycles longer for about the past year. Spotting a new thing though that has never happened before. I had a flu like illness at the same time as my period and at first I thought that maybe that had thrown off my normal cycle somehow. Can perimenopause be diagnosed with a blood test to check hormone levels?

[Aquamarine1029]

Blood tests are usually completely useless to diagnose peri because your hormones are constantly fluctuating. You are deemed in peri dues to the symptoms you have. Here's a good article...

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood