Hi, I didn't have a period for three months and now I have been bleeding for over a week. Is this normal?

Many women go without a period for months or even a year or so and then either get a single one back again or restart for a few months.

We usually say that you are through the menopause after not having had any period for 2 years, as it is rarer to have a period after this point.

The one-off period or spate of periods is often caused by things such as a 'last fling' by your hormones, stress, illness, strenuous exercise, dieting, change of diet (especially if you improve it); however, it is best to get it checked out by your doctor as well, in case you need treatment or a gentle iron tonic to help for now.

Eileen Durward