I have gone 6 months without a period and have just started again! But I have noticed a strong smell! Is this normal?

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

Many women find that they can go months without a period then suddenly get one back, usually heavy and often a different colour/smell to normal ones.

As you approach the menopause your hormones don't always fall gracefully and can go up and down or stay static for a while. When you get a sudden rise this can often trigger a bleed. Periods like this to tend to be heavy, however, heavy periods can cause anaemia which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood and sleep problems so it is best to get this checked out by your doctor as well if it continues.

Eileen Durward