I am 40 years old. i have gotten my period 3 times in the past 2 months. this has happened a few times in the past year. menopause?

Not necessarily: A normal menstrual cycle (from the first day of one period to the next period) lasts 21 to 35 days. It is normal to bleed for up to seven days. Bleeding in between the two periods is considered abnormal. But if you have short cycles, it is entirely possible to have 3 periods over the course of 2 calendar months. If you are having abnormal, excess bleeding at your age, you should see your gyn doc.