Periods suddenly closer together?

[farmlife2]

I know having periods closer together can be part of the whole menopause thing. Up till now I've been quite regular and thinking I'm not going to go through menopause for years.

Then suddenly my last cycle was 23 days (normal is about 26-27 for me). I'm currently on day 19/20 and feeling crampy, like my period could come in the next day or two. Maybe it won't, but it sure feels like it. Also having the usual premenstrual fatigue.

Should I be worried or has this been normal for other people? Obviously I'll talk to my GP when it does arrive and has finished. No doubt have to go through the hassle of a scan. Joy.

Other info:
No HRT, just a bit of topical estrogen cream twice a week.
I did have an MRI in April last year that incidentally caught my ovaries and said all looked fine there. No comment on my uterus, so presumably nothing to say there. So probably all okay. No spotting between.

Should I worry or is this a normal pattern? Google is just scary.

You didn't say how old you are, which is almost certainly relevant.

Periods becoming irregular is very normal in perimenopause, and often the first sign you're heading towards menopause. It's generally nothing to worry about but talk to your GP if you're concerned.

Yes, I should have put that. I'm 51, almost 52.

Sounds totally normal, my cycles definitely got closer together before becoming further apart.

You’re the classic menopause age, I doubt you’d be given a scan? But obviously see your GP if you have any concerns.