Longer period/spotting during menopause

[Bluebell66]

I'm 49 and have been having menopausal symptoms for about a year now. Severe mood swings, constant headaches, bloating. I went on HRT about six months ago and after trying several, am now taking Elleste Solo 1mg daily and Provera for 14 days every three months. My periods did become erratic, but since I've been on the HRT, they are regular again.

However, this month I have been bleeding, or rather spotting, it's not red blood, just a brownish discharge, for over two weeks now.

Is this something I should be seeing the doctor about?

TIA

Sorry, just to clarify, I did have a normal period for about a week, which is normal for me, it's this discharge that is carrying on and is really worrying me.

It's tricky taking long cycle HRT when you are peri-menopausal. When your own cycle is strong - you will get regular bleeding, the oestrogen will eliminate symptoms and the 3 monthly progestogen will thin any extra uterus lining that has built up.

However when your cycle starts to weaken and especially when hormones fluctuate as they do - you may well get any type of bleeding at any time, of any length, and as you would in peri-menopause without HRT.

It sounds pretty normal to me, and is probably nothing at all to worry about - but always better to get checked out by the doctor for reassurance. Also good idea to keep a diary of what's happening to you bleed-wise since starting HRT.

Thank you so much for your reply Bellaciao, it's very helpful, and definitely makes sense. I did see the GP on Monday, and he did say that at this stage you can get many different variations in your periods. He said I shouldn't be concerned unless I actually get specific bleeding BETWEEN periods, which this isn't. It's my period dragging on longer than it normally would. I've now changed my progesterone to Utrogestan, and will now take this for two weeks every other month rather than every three months. I only started it yesterday, so am waiting to see how it goes. Thank you again for your help. It's greatly appreciated.

Good luck with the Utrogestan! I am on the same length cycle - but I am post-meno so don't get any breakthrough bleeding.