Sudden period perimenopause

[Ramina]

Hi looking for some advice/reassurance. Im 53 and I hadn’t had a period for at least 18 months. Obviously thought that was it! Last night i started bleeding again. It was a real shock as had no pads on. It looks and sorry tmi smells different. I have health anxiety so this is just wonderful 😩 i’m up to date with all my smears and actually had one last year. Whats the longest anyone has gone between periods perimenopause? I’m obviously worried.

As it’s over 12 months you will need to see the GP.

Go and see your GP. Please do so, could be nothing, could be something, better to be safe than sorry.

Go to GP OP. It's probably nothing but worth checking. GP will probably refer you for a pelvic ultrasound and maybe hysteroscopy just to check thickness of uterine lining and to see if there are fibroids or polyps that might explain the bleeding.
Try not to worry (I know easier said than done).

Bleeding after 18 months without a period is not normal menopause.
It’s called postmenopausal bleeding and needs checking.
Most causes are harmless, but things like Endometrial cancer must be ruled out.
Don’t wait. Book a doctor ASAP.

Go to go, you’ll get referred to gynae. Happened to me, had an ultrasound and they basically shrugged and said it was one of those things and come back if it happened again. It hasn’t but I felt reassured.

Just get it checked OP. I bled on and off several times post menopause. Pelvic ultrasounds are totally painless and a hysteroscopy may be necessary and can be painful if they don't offer sedation or gas and air so be forewarned and do a bit of research (I had diazepam and gas and air-all fine). I have fibroids which cause my bleeding. Good luck.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to post. I’ve been feeling really sorry for myself all day and my period is still heavy 😞 i’ll try and get a doctors appointment tomorrow. My anxiety is through the roof but it has to be done 🙏🏼

Please don't worry, this "swansong" by the ovaries is extremely common, our bodies simply haven't read the 1960's, male authored gynaecology textbook.

It is recommended to be checked out if you have had a 12+ month gap but given the age and description it is almost never sinister.

This is especially true if accompanied by typical menstrual symptoms such as PMS, breast tenderness etc that indicate a last ovulation has occurred.

I had a period in Feb, 17 months after my last one. I'm 56. My GP referred my to gynaecology, I actually had my app yesterday.

It started of with an internal scan, followed by a hysteroscopy, then a biopsy. Consultant used a local anaesthetic gel, it was uncomfortable at times but not as bad as I'd anticipated.

The camera /scope was a bit unclear due to the equipment so the biopsy was just in case. Because the Dr couldn't get a proper look at what she wanted to see rather than because she saw anything worrying if that makes sense?

I had a period in Feb, 17 months after my last one. I'm 56. My GP referred my to gynaecology, I actually had my app yesterday.

It started of with an internal scan, followed by a hysteroscopy, then a biopsy. Consultant used a local anaesthetic gel, it was uncomfortable at times but not as bad as I'd anticipated.

The camera /scope was a bit unclear due to the equipment so the biopsy was just in case. Because the Dr couldn't get a proper look at what she wanted to see rather than because she saw anything worrying if that makes sense?

That's what my consultant said yesterday, that it sounds like a 'last hurrah'.

My internal scan picked up a small area of potential thickening of the lining and she wanted to check it out further.

Thank you for sharing @Finaly its so similar to me. It’s reassuring to know the process and it sounds like the outcome is good. My GP didn’t seem concerned but said she is going to send to gynaecology for advice. I haven’t heard anything back as of yet so its still a waiting game.

After 12 months of no periods, you are officially out of peri. Menopause is 1 day - then you are post menopausal.

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause (I.e. it’s been at least 12 months since your last period) should get checked out by a doctor. It might be fine, but if you don’t get checked you’ll just worry more.

Good luck.