Abnormal Bleeding - Menopause?

[Tiggerthebouncytiger]

My periods have been pretty regular, but this time it started four days early and now I am 'spotting' (not sure if this the right term) up to a week after my period stopped, so making it last for two weeks!

Has anyone else experienced this or do you think it could be the start of the menopause?

Also, should I be making an appointment with my Doctor?

Yes.
No.

Hi Missbopeep thank you for replying to my post.

I am early 40's which I presume is not too early for the menopause. It was just a bit worrying when the 'spotting' was ongoing and kept changing in colour from brown to pink - sorry if tmi!!

I've had several friends with odd bleeding and they were told by thier dr to keep a diary of bleeding patterns for 6 months then go back and discuss.

You are a bit too young for menopause- if your periods stop before age45- 47 they term it premature meno and you should seek treatment with HRT to avoid osteoporosis.

It could be other things apart from hormones- polyps, fibroids and cervix problems can all cause spotting.

Maybe see what happens over the next 3-4 cycles?

Get it checked out. At least runit past your GP.

When did you have your last smear test?
When I was in my early 40's I had spotting just like you describe. I was due for a smear test anyway, and when I went for it, the nurse told me straight away that I had a cervical polyp. Got that removed and the spotting stopped immediately.
If you've had a smear in the last few months it's unlikely to be a polyp, but if it's been longer than that it could well be.
Given that you're in your early 40's rather than early 50's I wouldnt assume it's menopause. I would go to the GP.

You'd be young, but not unusually young, for the menopause.

But it is worth going to GP whenever there is a change in menses, and have a doctor assess if there is anything you need to have checked. Polyps are very common at this age and almost invariably benign.