20 months ago my doctor advised that I stop taking the pill because they didn't like girls of my age taking due to problems further down the track. I am 55. The only reason I was taking the pill in the first place was to help regulate my period and my moods.

20 months on this same doctor is surprised that my periods are still around. I could say that 2017 is turning out to be the year of the period. I had a whole week not having any form of bleeding This last one is scaring me with how heavy and painful is it. I have spent three weeks in a mental clinic because of mood issues. It's night here when everything seems worse. I am reluctant to back see my p'doc and want nothing to do with my general practitioner.

I just feel embarrassed because of my recent behaviour. Maybe everything is normal? Maybe not. I am scared that he will pass this off as just normal for this time in a womans life. On a previous occasion he mentioned that other forms of HRT have side effects. In two minds about seeing him. Teary. Overwhelmed. Going through my normal pain killers too fast.

Perimenopause?

He said that there is no way to test for it. So over this.