I'm 49 years old and I think I'm on the Peri-menopause. My period lasted 16 days last month and I when I went to see the doctor they said it was my age. Now my period has returned and it's really heavy. I'm having blood clots as well but this is quite normal for me.

This is a common scenario on the approach to the menopause.

For some women this may just happen for a few months and then their periods tail off before stopping, but for other women this can continue for a good while.

Over time this can cause anaemia, which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood, or poor sleep.

If this does happen it is important to go back to your doctor and ask them to look into it further for you.

In the meantime, you may find a gentle iron tonic helpful and some women find the herb Agnus castus useful for this as it is traditionally used to help restore a proper monthly cycle.

Eileen Durward