I have been menstruating for the past 21 days. It did become light but is now heavy and painful? I am 49 years old, am I peri-menopausal?

Heavy and frequent bleeding is quite common at the start of the menopause, but the key fact is that you really mustn't bleed for this long or very heavily - it's incredibly bad for you! You will become anaemic and that makes you feel dreadful. If this continues it is best to see your doctor. Some women find the herb Agnus castus helpful for this, it is traditionally used to help restore a proper monthly cycle, but if the periods are coming really thick and fast then the natural option may not be strong enough or work quickly enough, so medication can be the best initial option.
 
Eileen Durward