Q I’m 54 and went through menopause more than a year ago, but last week I had a light period for 3 days. What’s up?

A While menopause is officially defined as going without a period for a year, many women do experience what I call a “last hurrah,” a final surge of hormones that’s enough to trigger menstruation.

The causes of this phenomenon aren’t entirely understood, but it could be triggered by an ovary that’s still partially functional. Or if you recently spent time with a still-menstruating friend, exposure to her pheromones (chemicals in sweat and menstrual fluids that can prompt physiological changes in others) may have caused just enough of a hormonal response in your body to produce a light period.

Since this episode was short, it’s likely a one-time occurrence that’s no cause for concern. Still, I always advise seeing your doctor for any postmenopausal bleeding just to rule out other possibilities.