Are longer, heavier periods normal in peri?

[Corkit]

I'm 47, cycles started shortening (from 28/29 days gradually down to 23/24 over a couple of years) about 3 years ago and have now become completely erratic. I've had a couple of really long (16/17 days) periods in the last year or so but both times there was a big gap (2-3 months) before or after so didn't feel too bad but now the last 3 have been 14 days plus but still on around a 26/27 day cycle so I'm bleeding for more than half the month.

A good chunk of that time the bleeding is heavy, not soaking a pad in less than an hour heavy but heavier than normal for me and full of clots (sorry tmi) although mercifully painless. I'm starting to feel a bit run down so will look at boosting iron but I suppose I just want to know whether I should be speaking to the GP at this stage and whether it's HRT I should be asking for or just something like Tranexamic acid to reduce the bleeding?

Smears are up to date and I have no worrying symptoms (bleeding after sex/unexplained weight loss etc) but do have a fair few (currently manageable) other peri symptoms so pretty sure it's all peri linked. GP wasn't great last time I broached anything peri related (although it's unusual to see the same one twice at my surgery so pretty much pot luck) so just want to be clear about what I need to ask for and when.

Very common to get heavier and erratic cycles. If you aren't bothered with other menopausal symptoms then you could try some iron supps or tranexamic acid to make things a bit more manageable. Have a chat with gp or practice nurse.

Yep. I had a Mirena put in because of it, and because it made me anaemic.

Definitely peri related. My periods have always been heavy and painful but became much worse in recent years. I've been on the pill for the last year (which has been brilliant - 3 day, light, pain free periods) but about to switch to Mirena and estrogen.

For most people yes, mine just became erratic and less and less until there was nothing.

Heavier periods being common just before menopause is something to do with anovulatory cycles (when you don't ovulate at all but your body still gets ready for pregnancy).

I didnt know that @lljkk I had a period start on 27 August. Started taking the Mini Pill on 4th Oct. after waiting for a period that didnt show but havent had sex) ( i take my pill at midnight) This period started in the early hours of Halloween Very dark blood and heavy. And bloody painful. Tonight ive had sharp pains where my left ovary is. Its making me miserable. Still bleeding heavily.