Suddenly irregular periods - perimenopause ?

I am 43 years old and about 6 month ago, my menstrual cycle went crazy. I skipped a month, bled for two weeks, stopped for a week and then had a normal period for a month or two and then I had a very long period (3 weeks). I went a day or so and now I am spotting (very light brown/pinkish). It is hardly noticable, but I am concerned. I saw my Gynocologist when this all began and he said I was most likely perimenopausal and to let him know if it becomes too bothersome and he\\\'d try birth control pills. I should mention that I had somewhat irregular periods before this all began with blinding cramps - the cramping has stopped as of the first long period back in July. I also am taking Dilantin (I don\\\'t know if that makes a difference). I have made an appointment with my doctor, but can\\\'t see him for a week and now I am freaked out. I have no family history of cancer, but everything I read scares me to death. Help!