I have been having light spotting with no clots. i honestly don't need a pad for two days. this happened after my period was 10 days late. still i have not had a period yet. i just turned 40 and i'm wondering if this the start of menopause?

"Light spotting" and "late periods" at age 40 are a prelude to true menopause, and represent aging eggs which take higher levels of follicle stimulating hormone before ovulation occurs, thereby delaying the onset of post-ovulatory menstruation. See your GYN physician and discuss oral bcp's, which turn off ovaries and will be less uncomfortable until true menopause (at average age of 54).

Both the onset and cessation of menstruation can be characterized by irregular periods and this indeed be the explanation, although you are younger than most women who experience menopause. Lack of regular periods also can occur with pregnancy, and therefore your sexual history is important, paricularly if pregnancy is possible. I advise you to see a trusted gynecologist for further clarificatio