How do I know if this is perimenopause?

[BobbitWorm]

I am 42 and for the year or so my periods have become increasingly heavier and longer lasting. In the last 4-5 months I have developed ovulation/mid cycle bleeding that started out quite lightly but has worsened month on month and is now lasting longer than my period (8 days last time) and is a consistent medium flow.

I have no other symptoms though. No flushes, mood swings, new tiredness etc. Do I see a doctor or just carry on. What happens or should happen? Sorry if I seem naive, I don't really have anyone to ask IRL.

Healthwise I am okay, under investigation for suspected kidney stones, a bit overweight, but that's about it.

Periods can/do change in peri, mine became heavier and more frequent.
As you’re now having more bleeding I’d suggest you get checked out, and ask to be checked for anaemia. It was at this point I asked for a Mirena coil.

Please see your GP asap ..have you had a smear recently?

Another vote for going to see your gp.

Okay, I am due a smear in August. I will try and get an appointment for next week. Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.

If all is clear there (fingers crossed) it can be because progesterone is the first hormone to start dropping. Though it's a bit of an up and down roller coaster.

This thins the lining if the womb - hence heavier periods with a lack of it.

Friends who had awful bleeding were referred to "the heavy bleeding clinic" to check things out and generally got the mirena. Then patches or gel can be added later as needed.