Is this peri menopause or something else?

[LazySusan11]

I'm 38, Came off my contraception 6 months ago as I was getting awful headaches my periods were like clockwork lasting 4 days. Last month my period arrived on time but was very light still lasted 4 days. 2 days after my period finished I had awful period pains and bled very heavily for 1 day.

I have been bleeding on and off for almost a month now some days spotting other days bright red blood.

I have a daily pre menstrual cramping feeling, very sore boobs and bloating.

Not pregnant so wondered if it's the beginning of the menopause?

If it's peri then it's premature and you need specialist advice and treatment from a gynae. Average age for meno is 51 so you are far too early unless it's premature. (Classed as before 40.)

You should got to your GP for a check up to make sure nothing else is going on other than hormones, then see how you go for the next 3-6 months with your cycles. If they are erratic insist on a referral because early menopause is linked to several serious long term health problems but they can be prevented with HRT used up to age 50 at least.

Thanks Polly, I'm away with work for a few weeks so will make an appointment as soon as I'm back. I'm hoping it's nothing to be concerned about.

Still haven't been able to see the dr as I am still out of the U.K. With work. I had what I would consider my usual period this month but it's 10 days on and I am still spotting. It's been 6 weeks almost of constant spotting. So fed up and also a little worried now.

Try not to worry. I've had friends who have had this and it was all to do with incomplete cycles- so instead of having a period they got spotting for weeks or months. The treatment was the mini pill, or similar progestogens. You do need checking out but try not to worry.