I am 50 years old. I have not gone through menopause. I have fairly regular periods, and have no hot flashes. However, for the past year I have bleeding between my periods which is not normal for me. I also have vaginal irritation and very mild lower abdominal/pelvic cramps off and on. This varies from month to month - sometimes will bleed for a couple of days in the middle of my cycle and other months will spot for a few days here and there. I am not bleeding enough to become anemic. Since last September I have had three transvaginal/ovarian ultrasounds, several pelvic examinations, an intrauterine biopsy, blood test for hormonal levels, routine blood tests, routine colonoscopy and vaginal cultures. Everything has come back normal except colonoscopy showed moderate diverticulosis. My blood test for hormonal levels showed normal levels for a non-menopausal woman. All of my gyn visits have been to the nurse practitioner except for one visit to the gynecologist. This is because the doctor is so busy it takes 3 months to get in to see her. I am wondering if a gynecology only office would be better for me. I saw the gyn doctor in January who thought there was no problem and that no further testing was necessary. She said the only thing she could recommend for the vaginitis was hormonal cream which she would only want to prescribe if absolutely necessary due to side effects. I could not get a clear answer from her as to whether the bleeding between periods is normal for someone of my age who is nearing menopause. I am scheduled for my routine pap smear with her in June.