His and Her Health

I have had some months now of unpredictable periods. They dont come or they were to short. Now I am going on my 9th day and I am still on my period and it is weird. It is bright red one day and dark brown the next. Smells like a dead dog. What is going on? Is this premenopause. I am 44 years old soon to be 45. I thought I was too young for this. I have a 3 yr old son. Last time I went to my doc he checked and said I was not having menopause yet. Now I dont have insurance so I cant go back right now. Any suggestions? thank you.

There is no true diagnosis for perimenopause. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman's forties and may last for several years. If you go for a whole year without bleeding, then you can be sure you've reached menopause.

Many symptoms are the same as menopause. For more information about symptoms, go to: http://www.redhotmamas.org/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=136

Symptoms that differ from those of menopause include bleeding difficulties (i.e., heavy menses, prolonged menses, irregular menses- too close together or skipped periods, and intermenstrual spotting. So,your "unpredictable periods" may be a sign that you are in perimenopause. The discoloration is not a sign of perimenopause.