'Monthly' cycle getting shorter and shorter

[piellabakewell]

Last time was 18 days, the time before 21. 25 not unusual. I'm 43 and haven't used hormonal contraception for years. Is this the new normal?

it's normal if you are appraoching menopause- but at 43 yours would be classed as early and if your periods stop altogether soon or before age 45 you should take HRT up to the age of 50 at least to protect your bones later in life.

I think you should see your dr for blood tests and maybe a referral to a gynae.

You can be in the Peri stage for up to 10 years before the actual Menopause

yes that's right it can take 10 years for the full wind-down.

I had slightly dodgy cycles from about age 47, yet menopause was at 54. In between I had loads of regular cycles- in the main- and just a few weird short cycles.

I have had irregular cycles for 2 years - 4 periods in 6 weeks, then none for 5 months, etc, I am 51 I do hope I don't have another 8 years of this!!! It's annoying never knowing when the next period will be! And why is it always at an airport!!