Could Lighter And Black Bleeding In Periods May Be Due To Perimenopause?

Hi I need an OB?GYN to answer. I am 48 and have had 3 children. Over the past two years my periods have been getting lighter, but current one has been very strong as well as black blood. I've had a normal pap and exam from my GP, but have not been to an OB for a while. IS this normal during perimenopause?