Menstruation -Menopause?

I am 47 and have had regular periods for years. There is NO WAY that I am pregnant.  I just had my regular period (5 days/bright red blood).  Now two days later I have back cramps and I am begiining to flow again.  What could be happening?  Menopause beginning?

Help.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

At 47, menstrual changes can certainly be due to menopause approaching. But that is not the only reason. Hormonal problems and imbalances, thyroid problems, or mechanical problems such as fibroids and uterine polyps are common other things that can cause you to bleed abnormally. Iron deficiency is another.

The best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor. It isn't urgent, but if your next visit isn't scheduled within the nest 3 months, it's a good idea to go in and have things checked. Blood tests for iron and hematocrit determine anemia and blood count, FSH will determine if you are near menopause, TSH is a screen for thyroid disease. An exam may be helpful in finding the cause. Your doctor might also order an ultrasound or look at the lining with an endometrial biopsy. That is an office test that tells if the lining is normal or abnormal.

Those things will likely yield an answer, or make it clear what the next steps are.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[mariaridendal]

Here is one for you, I am 44 w/only one overy and some major cramps,some less. bleeding is only 4 days but since my heartattack, there are months that  I go more then that w/major cramps lasting three or more days.