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Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are often one of the first signs that a woman is approaching menopause. Though the exact symptoms of irregular periods vary depending on a woman’s unique cycle, virtually all women will experience irregular periods for three to ten years before periods stop completely. In fact, only 10% of women reach menopause without any irregular periods. |
Menopause occurs only after a woman has not had her period for one year. |
As menopause approaches, women´s hormones become imbalanced, and because the menstrual cycle is entirely dependent upon hormones, irregular periods often occur. Read on to learn more about irregular periods and their symptoms, common causes, and treatment options.
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About Irregular Periods
In order to discuss irregular periods, it is helpful to first understand what a "normal" period is. While every woman is different, normal periods are typically described as having an interval of 25 to 31 days from period start to period start, with bleeding lasting approximately five days. The average amount of blood loss during a normal period is two to eight tablespoons.
While this is a "textbook" definition of normal periods, some women may experience menstruation differently. Thus, irregular periods might be characterized by symptoms that are unusual for them.
Irregular periods, then, are alterations in a woman´s typical menstrual cycle that persist for several months. Irregular periods are those characterized by abnormal bleeding and/or unusual cycle lengths. |
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Symptoms of Irregular Periods
As already explained, irregular periods are essentially characterized by what is irregular for a particular woman going through menopause. However, there are specific symptoms that can help to determine if irregular periods are occurring. The common symptoms are:
Common symptoms of irregular periods:
• Infrequent/too frequent periods
• Missed Periods
• Painful cramping
• Abnormal duration of bleeding
• Changes in blood flow
• Blood clots
• Fertility and Irregular Periods
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Research
Recent research shows shortened intervals between periods are one of the most common symptoms of irregular periods in early menopause
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Fertility and Irregular Periods
Many women wonder about their fertility when they begin to experience irregular periods. It is important to remember that pregnancy can occur anytime before menopause, even if a woman's period is irregular. It is not uncommon during perimenopause to go months without a period, only to have it return. During this time, it is still possible to get pregnant.
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Anovulation
Anovulation is when a woman's ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle, which occurs often with irregular periods during menopause. It is common for perimenopausal woman to bleed but not ovulate. |
Special Cases
There are some special cases that can be associated with irregular periods, including use of cyclical hormones, incomplete hysterectomy, post menopausal bleeding.
Click here to learn more about irregular periods or continue reading below to learn everything concerning to the cause irregular periods, especially in the time preceding menopause.
Causes of Irregular Periods
Several factors can cause irregular periods, but for women approaching menopause, the most likely cause is fluctuating hormonal levels experienced typically between the ages of 45 and 55. A woman´s menstrual cycle cannot be separated from her hormones, because her hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, drive the process. When hormone production begins to taper off, periods often become irregular.
To better understand the hormonal cause of irregular periods, it´s helpful to read below and learn what functions the hormones play during menstruation. |
On average, a women has 500 menstrual cycles throughout her lifetime, between the time of her first period at about age 12 to her last period just prior to menopause. |
Role of Hormones During Menstrual Cycle:
While menstruation is orchestrated by many hormones, progesterone and estrogen are the primary hormones responsible for irregular periods.
Estrogen: Estrogen is responsible for thickening the uterine lining before ovulation. As levels of estrogen become erratic in menopause, this lining is often shed irregularly and can lead to heavy bleeding.
Progesterone: Progesterone is responsible for triggering the shed of the uterine contents after ovulation when fertilization hasn't occurred. It is also responsible for controlling the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding. When it declines in menopause, it can lead to irregular periods. During anovulation, which is common with irregular periods in menopause, progesterone is not produced. This can lead to estrogen build-up. |
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As production of these two hormones so integral to the menstrual cycle begins to decrease prior to menopause, periods are usually affected. Before decreasing to a constant low level, estrogen and progesterone will often fluctuate wildly and cause irregular periods.
Other Causes of Irregular Periods
Although hormonal imbalance is the primary causes of irregular periods during menopause, there are some health conditions and lifestyle triggers that can causes irregular periods. They are:
Health Conditions:
• Eating disorders
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Uterine abnormalities (Fibroids, cysts, polyps, endometriosis)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Tuberculosis
• Recent birth, miscarriage, or D&C
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Anemia
• Thyroid dysfunction
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Lifestyle triggers:
• Significant weight gain/loss
• Over-exercise
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Drug use
• Caffeine
• Excessive alcohol use
• Increased stress
• Medication use
• Breastfeeding
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When to See a Doctor
Many experts advise that all women speak with their health care provider when they begin to experience the symptoms of menopause, including irregular periods. Annual Pap and pelvic exam appointments are a good opportunity to mention irregular periods, particularly if they are bothersome or concerning.
Symptoms warranting a call to the doctor:
• Heavy bleeding
• Extended bleeding (more than 7 days)
• Bleeding after sex
• Spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Excess hair growth
• Unexplained weight gain
• Accompanying odorous discharge
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Click here to read more about the causes of irregular periods or continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the treatment options available for irregular periods.
Treatments of Irregular Periods
To treat this problematic symptom, a three-tiered approach to treatment can be utilized. It is recommended to start with the least invasive option, and then work on to more drastic measures if necessary.
1. Lifestyle changes: Some easy lifestyle tips can help to cope with irregular periods. Leading a sedentary lifestyle or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms. Increased stress due to work pressure or family obligations can also increase the severity of irregular periods. By practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga or meditation, the incidence of irregular periods can be reduced.
Making sure to receive a good night of rest goes a long way as well. Some simple dietary changes can also be helpful. Increasing the intake of complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and water can help balance the system, making for a smoother cycle.
2. Alternative Medicine: If coping methods and simple lifestyle changes aren´t working and a woman is still experiencing the frustrating symptom of irregular periods, there are further treatment options which are available. Alternative medicines and treatments which address the hormonal imbalance at the source are the most effective method of treatment, particularly when implemented in conjunction with lifestyle changes. |
Out of Pocket Women spend approximately 5 billion dollars a year on hormone replacement therapy.
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3. Drugs and Surgery: For more serious incidences of irregular periods, increasingly drastic measures can be taken, but these should always be undertaken with the help of a medical professional.
Most experts recommend that women who suffer from irregular periods and wish to treat it begin with lifestyle changes, then move onto alternative medicines (ideally combining the two) and finally, look to drugs or surgery if nothing else seems to work. Click the following link to learn specific treatments for irregular periods in these three categories.
Sources:
- Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause." November 2007.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- BMJ Group. Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.
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