I am 51 and maybe this is perimenopause related. But I used to be regular when young, no cramps, 2 heavy days easier after. Now that I'm older for the past few years regular and period do not go together. Seemed every January would bring a nightmare until one night I actually fainted from blood loss. I started using Progesterone creme and it seemed to get better, that and taking Vitex capsules. Here it is June and since end of May, I have been on a roller coaster of heavy and light days, more light. I think I'm finally done and it comes back unexpected to the point that I carry pads everywhere (too light for tampons). Once I wanted to go to a movie and ack it started so abruptly and fiercely, I didn't go for fear of flooding. Now its light again but it never goes away. Month and a half is tiresome. I feel like I can never wear my light pants or go swimming again. I just want it to end and not by surgery. I heard that some women go through perimenopause for years until periods go away. I don't feel I'll be happy or normal again.

Question: any older ladies out there know if these symptoms sound normal, and how long do they last?