bleeding durring Intercource

I am 38 years old. I have been having irregular periods for 2 years and my Dr. says I am experiencing paramenapouse.  Every time my husband and I have intercourse there is bleeding not just spotting. This blood is red and does not continue.  What could this be?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. Perimenopause is the window of about 10 years that leads up to menopause.  It usually starts in the early forties and is a time of reduced estrogen flow.  Usually women in perimenopause have difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, mood swings and sometimes vaginal dryness and irregular periods.  It can start in the late 30