It's typical of peri-menopause. Without ovulation, progesterone is nt being produced, causing an imbalance in favor of estrogen. The natural progesterone cream from the health store is safe and corrects the imbalance.

I'm 45 and have been going thru that for about 6 years. This summer had a 5 month lapse with no period. Then there was a 6 1/2 week lapse between periods. Who knows when it'll happen again. A few years ago, when my period came, I'd have my regular period for 3 days, then it would stop a couple days, then I'd get a 2nd period for 3 days. Fortunately, that has stopped.

I'm more concerned because each year I go in for a Pap, I'm told it looks suspicious. They put me on a vaginal med, I go back for another Pap 4 months later and then it's fine. Following year it's the same routine. Two most recent blood tests show a low WBC, so I don't know what's going on.

Gwen, I experienced heavy, irregular periods for a year or more before a hysterectomy. I also had previously had about 3 years of abnormal pap smears, which was done every 6 months. I had fibroids and also endometriosis which resulted in a hysterectomy. The heavy bleeding in itself was at first thought to be the beginning of menopause, but combined with the other factors proved not to be. I doubt if this helps any, just wanted to let you know another persons' experience so you know you're not alone.

I will be 51 in 3 months and have been extremely regular (23 - 28 days)since I was 13 except for 5 pregnancies and a stretch of time after I had my tubes tied 18 years ago. Lately, though, my periods are so heavy with a lot of clotting and quite painful for several days. I used to have pain for only 1 or 2 days. Also, I have brown spotting in between my periods. Is this a sign that perhaps monopause is coming? I have a doctor's appointment at the end of January. Is there a test to take that will tell whether or not menopause is near?

Marion - it is a quick and easy blood test to tell if you are menopausal.

Gwen - My Dr. wouldn't check my blood until I missed my period for 6 mos. as I was too young to have menopause. I was in my late 30's. I suffered needlessly for years - not knowing what was wrong with me. I got irregular or very heavy periods. I had the mood swings, cried all the time, etc. I could have been treating these symptoms. Insist that they check you for menopause or find another dr.