I am 61 years old. I had my last period when I was 48. I had a period 2 years after, and then 2 years later I had one more period. I've been experiencing period-like cramping symptoms for a week, on and off. What might be causing this? I've had regular check-ups over the years and everything is in place, the ovaries have shrunk normally.

One of the most frustrating things about the menopause is that
it's impossible to tell how it's going to go for each woman until it happens.

It's not so usual to get a period after 2 years and then another after another 2 years, but obviously you still have eggs lurking!

All sorts of things can cause a temporary surge in hormones, which will either trigger ovulation (and then a bleed) or period-like symptoms, but I'd doubt that you are going to get many more at this stage. This is probably the last flicker. 

Other reasons could be plain digestive ones - spasms in the abdomen can be due to mild constipation or an irritated bowel.

Taking some magnesium is usually a good option to reduce muscle spasms.

Eileen Durward