When discussing about irregular periods, it is just a part of the process of your getting older. When you enter into you 40s, it is probable you will start with natural transition into menopause. This transition phase is what you call perimenopause and one of the common symptoms is irregular periods. There is nothing to worry as irregular period may be a symptom of additional or different changes in the body which demand a visit to your gynaecologist at the health centre in Harley Street. Continue reading to know about irregular period, symptoms of Perimenopause and unusual conditions that can lead to irregular period becoming your cause for concern.
About irregular periods
The menstrual cycle follows the time span from the first day of your last month period to the start of next month. This usually lasts for 28 days, on an average. Most women are plus or minus a few days in this menstrual cycle. It is normal to have periods somewhere between 21 and 35 days. What makes periods irregular is when the time period of menstrual cycle keeps on changing. Besides, irregular period may include a cycle that occurs more often than 21 days or say, less frequently than every 35 days. When you enter into your 40s and have irregular period, it is possibly a sign of Perimenopause.
What you should know about Perimenopause
This is the name for the transition phase between fully reproductive years of a woman to menopause, when there is no period anymore. It may last anywhere from one to ten years and begins during your mid 40s but it can also begin earlier or later. Some women do not find any changes in their health condition though others experience some impact like mild discomfort.
Other than irregular period, other symptoms of Perimenopause are the following:
- Night sweats
- Decreased sex drive or libido
- Hot flushes
- Low mood
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Difficulty sleeping
- Problems with concentration and money
- Dryness in vagina
Some of these symptoms can be felt but women usually do not notice them before they enter into perimenopause. This is because the changes occur while your period is still regular and the symptoms might be confused with premenstrual syndrome. Having irregular period is an indication that your body is moving towards the end of reproductive years.
What causes this change in your body?
It mainly comes down to the hormones which travel through the bloodstream to affect different processes and functions. When a woman enters in the middle age, her ovaries begin producing less oestragen. They produce less ovarian follicles which make the ovaries less responsive to Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone. These two hormones are essential for reproduction and the regulation of progesterone testosterone and oestrogen. The decline in oestragen and fluctuation in hormones may be the cause of any bleeding pattern. This includes intermenstrual bleeding, which is separate to irregular menstruation.
What do you mean by intermenstrual bleeding?
It is the bleeding which happens before or after the period than being part of the cycle. This is another common change to your body during the 40s. But it is always wise to exclude dysfunctional uterine bleeding. For example, a cervical smear may rule out cervical cancer, an ultrasound scan of the pelvis can check the womb for uterine cancer. These diagnoses occur at the worst case though it is useful to know about the symptoms which are a cause for your concern.
When you need to visit a doctor
Intermenstrual bleeding and irregular periods are completely normal during the perimenopause. But there are other conditions which might affect menstrual bleeding. Visit a doctor immediately when you find any of the following situations:
- There is spotting between the periods
- Your periods are very heavy or have blood clots
- Spotting occurs after intercourse
- Your periods are longer than normal
- There is no sizeable gap between the periods
There are different health conditions which can be the reason for unusual bleeding. This can range from hormone problems to pregnancy and blood clotting issues to diabetes. Some reasons could be due to perimenopause such as – polyps or fibroids while others might be completely independent, like STIs or cervical erosion.
Apart from irregular periods during the 40s, it is helpful to know that the reason could be due to your change in lifestyle.
Below is the list of lifestyle habits which can affect your period:
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Hormonal contraception
- Over-exercising
- Increased stress
- Smoking
- Improper diet
Your irregular period is possibly not a matter of concern and generally a sign of Perimenopause. But if you think that the symptoms are a cause for concern or you have any questions, feel free to book your nearest private gynaecology clinic appointment and get yourself seen from the experts.