is this what happens to menstrual cycles?

[gobblygook]

I know that I do have a very low ovarian reserve, so menopause is clearly on the horizon (I'm 42). I had my DS 13 months ago but my periods (28 days clockwork for 20 years) suddenly became 25, 26 days...and since he was born have been just as irregular.

But this month, my period arrived on day 18!!

Is this how it work? Should I expect a lot of periods closer together?

This can happen.

My shortest cycles were like yours- but only when my periods had almost finished. And eventhen these short cycles alternated with longer ones- but mine were always regualr or short cycles until I missed one- then had several every month, then they stopped. I never had longer cycles.

You do know don't you that if they stop for good before 45 that is premature menopause and you MUST have HRT to protect your bones- at least until you are 50.

Yes you must get HRT if you have an early menopause. I'm 42 and have been taking it for a year now.

It could be a while away yet though. My periods alternated between 19 and 35 days when I was 34, I began skipping 3 or so a year at 36, they went awol for 6 months at 38 and I was finally diagnosed at 39. Even at 41 I was having a couple a year but I had already had a bone density scan showing I had osteopaenia so decided to start the HRT despite not having been period free for a whole 12 months. It has had no side effects for me at all.