Are These Menopausal Symptoms or Do I Need To See a Doctor?

Question

I am almost 40 year old, and I am in my pre-menopausal stage. I have sporadic periods, sometimes getting nothing for a year. Lately, I have had bad cramps, little menses or nothing at all. I cramped most of the day yesterday, but the pain was extreme mostly at night, including the whole day today. Last evening, I used the bathroom and my tampon has few clots. Now, I have nothing as far as having a regular period concerns. I still feel the cramps but not as serious as it have been. Do I need to seriously consider seeing my doctor? Or these are just menopausal symptoms that I can just brush off?