My wife’s going through irregular periods, what does this mean?

The menstrual cycle is a part of your wife’s, and all women’s, lives from puberty. For many years it runs like clockwork and becomes a monthly routine for both you and your loved one. However, now that menopause has set in she’s suffering from many problems – including irregular periods.

The topic of irregular periods can be a difficult one to address as it is a rather touchy subject. Periods, in general, can be a pain for your wife – making her feel sick, struggling with headaches or stomach pains. If they become irregular, then it is distressing whilst also possibly a sign of complications with health. Here you will find out five things you need to know about irregular periods.

5 things you should know about irregular periods

What’s a regular period?

From puberty, your wife is in pre-menopause. Women get their period between every 20 or 35 days. Nearly all women keep a chart, or track their monthly cycles. If they last the n

ormal time (an average of five days) and are the same time apart, then they are regular.

What makes it irregular?

Irregular periods are quite common – they happen to more than 30% of women in the pre-menopause/reproductive years. This figure increases towards menopause, and irregular periods are sometimes the first sign. Symptoms of an irregular period are: missing periods, cramping, (in)frequent periods, heavy periods, blood clots, and changes in blood flow.

Why is my wife having them?

Like many other menopause symptoms, irregular periods are caused by the hormonal imbalance that happens to women. When progesterone and estrogen taper off irregular periods are sometimes the result. These two hormones are so crucial to the body and reproductive system that when they decrease, periods are affected.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Generally speaking, outside of supporting her and advising her to see a doctor if the symptoms progress, no. Other triggers include eating disorders, diabetes, over-exercise, smoking, caffeine, excessive alcohol, stress, poor nutrition. So, if you can change the lifestyle you lead to cater for these, you can help reduce the risk of your wife going through irregular periods.

Can she still get pregnant?

A big question that many couples ask during irregular periods is whether pregnancy is still possible. Prior to menopause, women can still get pregnant during irregular periods. However, during and after menopause this is not possible.

More information about irregular periods

It is unlikely that irregular periods are a result of anything too sinister; however, it is important to remain vigilant on the matter. When your wife is going through menopause it is important to understand most of the symptoms that happen. Here is a basic overview of what they are, but click on the following link for more information about irregular periods.