Is this the menopause?

[lonevoice]

I am 50. For the past few months I have been getting irregular periods and some months I have really bad period pain, but no period. Why would my body need to cramp if nothing happens? Is this one of the symptoms?

Appreciate any advice.

No idea if that's a symptom but asking your gp robably wouldn't go amiss.

It's very, very common and yes, is a sign of peri menopause.
They are called 'phantom' periods. Your body goes through the cycle but it's incomplete due to low hormones so there is no bleeding. No need to see your GP.

Thank you so much, avoid GP at all costs because he keeps trying to get me to have the mirena coil, regardless of what the problem is. Pisses me off.

I feel very reassured thank you Polly I'll just take painkillers.

I had some night sweats in January, I guess that is what it was.

Thank you for replies