Perimenopause and Periods

[KissKissButtCheek]

Hi,

I've not had a period for about 8-9 months now (age 49). Started on hormone patches roughly 3-4 months ago.
Today I got my first period in ages, and I have a really bad stomach to the point that at times its painful to move. Plus the blood is very dark, almost brown I'd say (sorry of TMI)
Is this something I should be worried about, or is it considered normal?
TIA x

I’m perimenopausal too and I’ve found that if I don’t have a period for a couple of months then when it happens it’s usually really heavy, clotty, and dark (also sorry if TMI). I would imagine after 8 or 9 months of womb-lining sitting in there it would be dark “old” blood.

On the flip side, if I get another period 5 days after my last one ended it’s usually really bright “fresh” blood then pink spotting quite quickly which (in my mind) is because the womb-lining is new and hasn’t built up yet.

I’m not taking any form of HRT though so can’t comment on whether that’s affecting anything.

@DatingDinosaur - thank you, that makes a lot of sense!