I'm 46 years old and going through perimenopause. I have irregular periods and water retention. My breasts always feel swollen; not sore—just enlarged. Is this due to water retention and lack of progesterone? Besides using progesterone cream, is there a natural way to help with this breast enlargement?

I am 49. Until recently, I've been having a very heavy, extended period. But lately, I haven't had much of a period at all—until this month. This month it's been very heavy and has lasted for three weeks. What should I do?

I am a perimenopausal woman who has been experiencing rash-like symptoms prior to my periods for several months now. This month the rash was not only around my groin/pelvic/rectum area it also covered my neck and was red, blotchy and itchy. Are these rashes common to perimenopause?

I did not have a period for 11 months. Then I had a period. Does this mean I have to wait another 12 months to be sure it is menopause?

I've read that abnormal bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer, but doesn't every perimenopausal woman have abnormal bleeding? How do I know when to mention it to my doctor? I'm afraid he'll say, "Of course you have abnormal bleeding; you're going through menopause," and I'll feel like an idiot.

I am 52 years old and have not had a period for three months. Now, my breasts hurt so bad I can hardly sleep on them. They're sore and tender all the time. In the past, they have been sore right before my period for a couple days, but never for this long. Do I need to worry about anything, or is this probably menopause setting in?