Do I count this as a period??

[hennipenni]

Day 73 of my cycle (usually 15-42 days per cycle) some period pain over the last 10 weeks since my last proper period).
Over the last two morning days I’ve had extremely light spotting (fresh blood but very pale in colour) first thing as in just when I wipe, no further bleeding during the day or over night. Increase in period pain but no other signs as in evil mood, aching breast etc. Do I class this as a period or just carry on my merry way hoping they never return?

Hi, maybe you need a scann to see if everything is ok. It doesn’t sound as a period for me.

Perfectly normal to have this sort of bleeding in late perimenopause - no need for a scan. I think you do have to restart your count though I'm afraid.

They do say most women go 60 days without a period (thus entering late perimenopause according to STRAW) and then 6 months - 12 months later they will go 90 days. Studies have shown that for a lot of women, periods end 2 years or so after the first 60 day gap. Very few women just stop and never have another period.

Thank you for the replies, I feel strangely liberated knowing that I’m on the downward slide and the end is near at last!

Absolutely - any and every sort of bleeding and spotting is normal during peri-menopause. What is important is to monitor it and anything that concerns you should be investigated. Prolonged and very heavy bleeding is also very common during peri-menopause but sometimes warrants investigation and always wise to visit GP if it is very abnormal for you. Just to add also that any spotting (the morning) after sex, however slight, should be investigated.

Yeah hennipenni, I know what you mean about the feeling of knowing the end is in sight. Just to have no more surprise bleeding - heavy, spotting, going on for ever, only lasting a day etc.The unpredictability of peri has been difficult for me. I always imagined periods would just stop one day - had no idea how rocky the road would be!