I have never missed a period before, but last month I did. My period has now returned, but my blood is really dark and I'm getting horrendous clots. I am 47 years old and I was told that I was not going through the menopause yet. What else could be causing this?

Changing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause and you are in the average age range, 45-55, so it is possible.

Periods at this point can vary between heavy and light, on time, late, early, missing, long, or short so your symptom is very common.

Stress, illness, change of diet, and strenuous physical activity can all be contributory factors as well.

However, there may be other causes such as low iron or low thyroid, so it is best just to get this checked by your doctor as well

Eileen Durward