I think it's a case of catching something when it's "smaller" or when it's major and life threatening. Either way you have to go to the doctor. The bleeding is not menopause (menopause is a one-time event, just means you have not had a period at all for 12 months).

The blood doesn't have to be female related, you could have a bladder infection or any number of other things with those symptoms and they don't just "go away". That you've had it so long makes it indeed look like another problem besides your period going astray.

I would go to the doctor's, an emergency room if you have to, someplace they'll bill you later and worry about the cost later. An unchecked, illness will make things much more complicated and expensive the longer it goes without care.