over long periods

my period came a week early which is really unusual for me and went on for the usaul 6 days and was just like my normal period with blood clots and then it stopped for a day and started on the day it should have started and went on for a week but was light, with no blood clots then it stopped for 2 days and now has started up again. i will be 51 in July could it be the on set of the menopause!

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Unusual menstrual cycles are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. This is only the first time you have had an unusual bleed so it could be the start of perimenopause, especially at age 51. It could also be due to something else.

The typical perimenopause pattern for cycles is to get shorter intervals between times and then to get farther apart.

See what happens over the next few months. Sometimes things go back and forth between unusual and usual. That can happen for one or more years. Usually, other symptoms might be noticed too, such as hot flashes, an irregular heart beat, or difficulty sleeping. Perimenopause symptoms can last for several years. The range of menopause (defined as 1 year after your last period) is 45 to 55 with a mean of age 51.
Machelle Seibel, MD

[nana1956]

I am 51 and have been bleeding for  39 days...When it started it was just a normal period..I bleed heavy for 3 days then ever since it is just enough to have to wear a panty liner...Also one time there will be no blood, then the next there might be a drop...Can this be normal at menopause?... I just wondered if other women have done this...

[gmaof3]

I've been irregular for the past 18 months. This last episode is getting ridiculous though. I've been heavily bleeding for the past 48 days. I fill 10 to 14 pads a day. Thick clots and cramping. I can't be far from facilities due to gushing. I get dizzy and just want to sleep all the time. This can't be normal, is it???

[Katherine Marie]

My last period started heavy , then got light - to the point all I need was a mini pad.  This last for 43 days straight.  I'm 51.  I was so hoping this was the end of the end.  But, this past Saturday I started my period which should have been my period - I am flooding - have not done this in ages.  Reminds me of when I was a teenager.  I soak through pads so fast.  I am praying that this will only last for my 7 days.  I too think I must be going through all of the changes.