Is this peri? Short cycle + heavier bleed

[FlannelandPuce]

I hope you lovely ladies can give some advice and possibly put my mind at rest

I am 48 not had many peri symptoms except brain fog and some mild anxiety. Periods have been regular except last 3

1. Period 3 days early

1. Period 6 days late, I even took a pregnancy test, as I wasn't thinking about peri at that point, it was negative. Despite being late it was a light period.

1. Period came on day 14, normal period with light, heavy, then light bleeding. However I am on day 7 of my period and am still bleeding and it's heavier today with red blood. Its not soaking through a pad though.

As you can imagine with a backdrop of anxiety I am worried about the long period and the heavy bleeding restarting. I have no idea if this is what to expect at my age. Also I feel really sad that I have moved into a new stage in my life, and wish it wasn't so.

Looking at the information I can find, it appears that anything goes in peri and there is no definite path which doesn't help.

Today I feel really anxious and tired. Just wish I was 30 again and know where I stand with my body and what it is doing.

Sorry you're feeling anxious but at 48 without a doubt your hormones will be fluctuating and declining leading to erratic periods. There's no rhyme or reason to cycles, just expect anything tbh.

Focus on healthy lifestyle to lessen impact so lots of physical activity to aid sleep and mood, good diet etc all helps.

Obviously have a phone consult with a hcp if you want to try HRT but read up on it first. Loads of info online re pros and cons.

Sounds very like peri. Like you I would have loved, and still would, some clear path but it just doesn't work like that and it's very individual.

I waited until I couldn't cope with the anxiety and mood swings and then went for HRT, which is working well for me.

You can also do a lot with diet and exercise.

But mainly, it's just a long shitty path...

Oh and mine started with shorter but much heavier periods.

Thanks for your lovely comforting replies. I think I have buried my head in the sand not wanting to face up to it. Next time I am coming back as a man .....