I had flooding periods with clots and intense cramping in the few years leading up to menopause. I had always had clots and bad cramps (I have endometriosis), but toward the end of peri it was INTENSE.
It is likely hormonal swings, but you should check with your GP if you're concerned.
Flooding, heavy periods are very common in peri.
This can then swing back to light, frequent or infrequent ones, skipped periods, periods that are two weeks apart, spotting that goes on for weeks, etc, etc - I had all of this, and I had been someone who, prior to this, had extremely regular periods my whole life.
Sadly there is no 'normal' once the cycles start changing. Some women are fortunate and their periods just seem to dwindle and eventually disappear. But most go through some sort of roller coaster ride! If you are really at your wits end, talk to your GP. I remember being in and out of the office frequently during peri as I was confused at what my body was doing!
