I am 51 years old and I haven't had a period for 3 months. Now suddenly it's back, with severe pain and not too heavy bleeding. Is this normal? I already did the Pap smear and the results were negative.

Changing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause.

Periods at this point can vary between heavy and light, on time, late, early, missing, long, short, or in any combination!

Spasming and pain often occurs especially when the periods have stopped for a bit. You may find that taking a magnesium supplement every day helps to lessen this.

However, if your periods become heavy or prolonged it is important to check with your doctor as this can cause anaemia, which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood, poor sleep etc.

Eileen Durward