Perimenopause Symptoms: What to Expect and When to Seek Advice

Question
Hi Cathy ~ thank you for your time in answering questions. I will be 52 next week.It had been almost a year since my last period(12/05)so I thought maybe I had stopped. What a suprise when it came this week ~ there was a VERY small amount of blood,but the cramps were there. I used a heating pad & rested. Is this typical when a women is about to stop having them? also,2 years I had a pregnancy scare with many symptoms ~ after a "negative" exam I was told it was perimenopause. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Do you recommend any over the counter,or prescribed medicine? ~  thank you  :)  

Answer
Hi Rutehl, it is not uncommon to hear of a woman going for a year without a cycle and then getting one. It can happen many years out. But typically you are considering officially menopausal if you have had no period for 12 months. It's not exact, just a way of be able to communicate about this transition and its symptoms. Nothing to worry about, but don't assume you can't get pregnant. Have a doctor check that out. I can't recommend anything, you haven't said anything about symptoms. Go to this website www.everythingmenopause.com and check on the options on the Menopause Symptoms page.