I'm 47 1/2 and have had regular 24 day cycles for the last few years (used to be 26 days so has changed probably in the last 3 years). My period would be due around Jan 29th but I started bleeding quite heavily yesterday (so day 17 of cycle). Is this normal pre-menopause behaviour? I feel quite naive! I had stomach pains all weekend (I don't normally get any menstrual cramping). The blood is really bright red and seems more red than normal. My husband wants me to go to the docs but that seems ott. Can someone just reassure me this is normal please?