Irregular Periods and menopause

Irregular periods are often one of the first signs that a woman is approaching menopause. Although the exact symptoms of irregular periods are dependent on a woman´s own menstrual cycle, virtually all women will experience irregular periods for three to ten years before menopause. Only 10% of women reach menopause without having experienced irregular periods.

What causes irregular periods?

Irregular periods are a common indicator of menopause and typically occur during perimenopause, the stage before actual menopause begins. During this time the ovaries slow down and work less and less. Menopause itself signifies the end of the menstrual cycle, so when menstruation ceases, menopause begins. The closer a woman gets to menopause (i.e. the older she is) the more she will be affected by hormone imbalance.

Due to the fact that the menstrual cycle completely depends on hormones, irregular periods often result. All of the hormonal changes taking place before menopause that can cause irregular periods enable the body to prepare for its final period. Read on to learn about when menopause begins.

When does menopause begin?

Typically, menopause begins at the age of 55 but irregular periods can start in the late forties and, for some women, in their mid to late 30s. Symptoms of irregular periods vary from woman to woman but most females will experience erratic periods in the lead up to menopause.

Despite the fact that irregular periods are bothersome, they are a necessary part of life and they are the way in which your body prepares for menopause. Put simply, it is a natural part of the aging process. Understanding what a normal period is is vital to working out whether or not you are experiencing irregular periods. Keep reading to find out more.

What is a ´normal´ period?

Despite the fact that every woman´s menstrual cycle is different, it is good to know what a “normal” period is in order to work out if you are having irregular periods. A normal period is usually a five-day cycle of bleeding and the average amount of blood loss is two to eight tablespoons. There are approximately 25 to 31 days between the start of each period and the next. Yet, this description is somewhat general and some women´s experience may be very different. Therefore irregular periods might be characterized by symptoms that are unusual for individual women.

Any changes in a woman´s typical menstrual cycle that continue for several months and involve abnormal bleeding and/or unusual cycle lengths can be defined as irregular periods.

There are specific symptoms that can help to determine if you are experiencing irregular periods. These include:

• Infrequent/too frequent periods
• Missed Periods
• Painful cramping
• Extended bleeding duration
• Changes in blood flow
• Blood clots

It´s advisable to speak to a doctor if you think you are experiencing menopausal symptoms such as irregular periods. Annual Pap smears and pelvic examinations are a good opportunity to mention irregular periods, particularly if they are bothersome.

If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is recommended that you contact your doctor:

• Heavy bleeding
• Extended bleeding (more than 7 days)
• Bleeding after sex
• Spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive hair growth
• Unexplained weight gain
• Any odorous discharge

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