For years you experienced a regular period cycle that gave you a fairly predictable sense of what you were to experience every month.
This doesn’t include just the timing of your period, but also what your period is like, heavy, light, somewhere in between.
No matter what the case, it has been Mother Nature’s way of telling you hey, you’re not pregnant every 28 or so days. While it’s an annoyance for some, others it’s a comfort, knowing that whatever method of contraception using, is working.
However, somewhere in your mid to late ’40s (however it can be sooner or later depending on your body itself [1]), your entire menstrual cycle is subject to change, stemming from fluctuations in hormones that can alter your period and its symptoms drastically.
These hormonal changes are occurring even while you are still seeing a “normal” period, so it could be difficult to determine that a change is happening, however, once it does, this means you are entering perimenopause (we’ll go into that next).
Your period can be a hassle to deal with, especially with unexpected changes underway. Knowing what to expect when you reach that timeframe in your life can help ease the worry and concern over irregular and erratic period behavior.
Let’s look at what exactly perimenopause is and how it can and will most likely affect you (however, everybody is different and can experience all or only some of the symptoms described below).
Why Does Your Menstrual Cycle Change at 40?
Women’s menstrual cycles change in response to a change in the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This is the beginning of the end of a woman’s fertile years.
These two hormones are responsible for controlling the menstrual cycle and its regularity for that matter. Once they start changing, so does your cycle.
These changes are known as the transition or perimenopause, which can manifest itself in multiple ways and varying degrees of symptoms.
Some women go through it without noticing much other than a change in their cycle, however, others will experience a wide range of symptoms.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition period in which the normal menstrual cycle begins to change in its frequency and duration.
This period lasts until menopause, the final stage in which you reach after 12 months of no existing period cycle. This occurs during a woman’s mid to late ’40s (however as stated above can occur earlier or later depending on the person).
What is happening is that the ovaries are producing less estrogen due depleting follicle count.[2] These changes and the transitional period can last anywhere from one to 10 years before menopause[3] (when you officially have no more menstrual cycles).
The symptoms that you experience during perimenopause may be a gradual onset can often mimic PMS, but are a culprit of the fluctuation of progesterone and estrogen levels as the ovaries begin to prepare for menopause.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
As stated earlier, there are a wide variety of symptoms that women can experience during this timeframe which are indicators of Perimenopause. Let’s go into some of the symptoms so you know what to expect.
Your PMS Could Get Worse
Unfortunately for some, there could be an increase in the severity of PMS symptoms. This is usually one of the first things to notice because they are reported more during the early stages of perimenopause[4] and happen when the period is still coming regularly.
These could include increase tenderness in the breasts, more water retention, and stronger mood swings. These symptoms will eventually subside, when menopause is reached, so it’s not something you will have to deal with forever.
Changes in your Cycle
Multiple things can change when it comes to your actual cycle. One thing that you might notice is that the actual period might end up being shorter than it normally was, sometimes by two to three days.[5]
But that could also come with your period coming sooner than your average 28 days (or whatever your usual cycle is like).
Not only could you have shorter cycles you could also miss periods as well and have them every few months (and the last two weeks instead of days)[6] but this is something that is normal during this timeframe even though it makes predicting your next flow a lot more difficult.
And remember, during this timeframe you can still get pregnant because when you have your period that means that you ovulated about 14 days prior to that, so keep this in mind.[7]
Heavier periods are common during this time. Some women do report that their period does get heavier. This could lead to some issues if you are losing too much blood during your period.
If you notice that you are weaker than normal during your period, or if you are lightheaded or feel faint when you stand up, then contact your doctor to discuss your options.
There are a couple of reasons for heavy bleeding such as a hormone imbalance, polyps, and fibroids.[8] These are things that your doctor can determine.
Additional Symptoms
While these are some of the more pertinent symptoms that you might experience there are also others. Two of them being the ones that women talk about the most, hot flashes and night sweats.
Have you ever sat with someone who is hot and they say I’m having a hot flash? They are experiencing a shift in hormones that are affecting them and causing them to be warmer than normal.
You could also experience other symptoms that you might not consider significant such as weight gain, headaches, concentration problems, difficulty remembering things and concentrating, mood changes, decrease in the sex drive (so disappointing), and even an increase in UTI ’s.[9]
Your Age is not and Should Not be a Determining Factor
The reason for this is that many times, women’s symptoms when it comes to perimenopause if they haven’t hit that specific age (whatever that may be) are widely disregarded as symptoms of perimenopause.
If you are having symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, etc., ask your doctor to check your hormones, as it may be signs of a transition.
Abnormal Symptoms
While having changes in your period is normal, heavier or lighter periods, closer together or further apart, you also have to consider that there could be additional things going on with your body that might warrant a trip to the doctor.
Hormonal fluctuations will cause changes but there are potentially other issues that could be going on that you might be dealing with as well.
Polyps and fibroids are some things that could be a factor when it comes to abnormal bleeding. These are growths that can occur in the uterus and/or cervix.[10]
There is also endometrial atrophy and hyperplasia which is the thinning and the thickening of the uterine lining respectively.[11] Uterine cancer is also another potential issue only diagnosed by a doctor.
What is Menopause?
Menopause occurs in women after the perimenopause stage. Menopause is characterized by the absence of a menstrual period for 12 straight months and generally occurs when the woman has reached roughly 51 years of age[12] (again, however, this could be different either earlier or later for different women and age is a terrible indicator of menopause).
The average age of menopause is 51, although it can occur in your 40s and can even begin as early as your 30s. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. As a result of menopause, women will stop getting their monthly period and will become unable to get pregnant.
While menstrual changes are common for women in their 40s, there are other changes that may be the result of another condition; some of which were discussed earlier.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t have to suffer alone with this, there are plenty of options for alleviating your symptoms of perimenopause that you might want to discuss with your doctor.
While you can still get pregnant during perimenopause, the likelihood is declining (once you reach menopause you are no longer fertile).
So while you might consider this the perfect time to go off birth control or stop using some form of protection, it’s imperative that you continue, especially if you don’t want to grow your family at this time.
During perimenopause, there are also plenty of options to help get through this phase without having to suffer from the symptoms.
There are hormone therapies, birth control, and other methods, to help you manage the symptoms. If you are having symptoms that you cannot handle or that are affecting your daily life, speak with your doctor to get some help.
References
- What to Expect in Perimenopause. [Link]
- Stephanie Watson & Atiya Hasan. Can Perimenopause Cause Your Periods to Be Closer Together? [Link]
- See Above #1
- See Above #1
- See Above #1
- Gina Roberts-Grey. Pinpointing the Signs of Perimenopause. [Link]
- Ashley Mateo. 8 Ways Your Period Changes When you Reach 40. [Link]
- See Above #1
- See Above #2
- See Above #2
- See Above #2
- Salynn Boyles. Cycle Changes Predict Transition to Menopause. [Link]
Hi my name is Renee. I turned 40 in November..yay me. Anyway my periods have always been regular every 28 days lasting 5-6 days. The last 6 months not so much I’m usually about a week late and I know I’m not pregnant. My PMS start two weeks before I actually get my period they include anxiety restlessness sleep issues severe mood swings hot and cold. I’m wondering are these symptoms perimenopause? My bleeding use to be about a medium flow but now its pretty heavy!! Help lol
Hi Renee, use the following link to get more information on the symptoms and signs of perimenopause.
https://womanjunction.com/perimenopause-symptoms-test-treatment-and-remedies/
HI In 40 and everything I read has always been what my period is. Since I was 10 or 11 heavy flow, long period’s, severe cramping and blood clots. Never a regular one always irregular lasting 6 to 8 days. Spotting before or after, mood swings and before and after. I did have fibroids and cystsbut they past when I have my 9 year old. Doctors never gave me a reason. Advice please
Hi Anita,
This might have been your normal, unfortunately. Now that you are in your 40’s you should be aware that it can change, get heavier, more moods. If that is the case and it’s becoming unbearable I would take a trip to the doctor, get hormone levels checked and see if there is a cause and what can be done for you to help you. Where you ever on birth control and did that help with regulating your period? It could also be that you weren’t ovulating regularly which is something they could have potentially helped with, especially if you wanted to have more children. Other than that though you are at the point where it might change again.
Hi. Am turning 40 in 5 days . Have always had irregular period but I also had implomon rod in & out over a 9 yr period .
My current rod was due to come out in April last yr . I still have it in . I know that’s sounds bad & it proberly is but it’s just how it is 4 me atm . Anyway this yr particularly I have only experience 1 real period . And in the last 8 months nothing at all . ( except 1 slight spot Xmas eve but that was it . I feel fine . Am I fine ? 😁
Kind regards x
Hello Bec, please see your doctor for a physical assessment to determine this.
Hi. I am 39 next month and for the past four months about two to three days before my period I have light spotting. Is this a drop in progesterone and part of perimenopause?
Hello Stacy, please use the below link for more information: https://womanjunction.com/spotting-between-periods/
I am 41 and had my normal cycle two weeks ago and now for the last 7 days I been bleeding very heavy, one day was clotting, my stomach has been so sore and have little appetite. I have never had a period twice in a month like this, just feel the bleeding won’t stop, could this be sign of premenopause?
It very well could be. Irregular periods can be a sign that your body and your hormones are changing. If it gets worse or you are concerned I would recommend a trip to the doctor. Especially if you want to rule out any additional concerns or issues.
I’ just turned 46. I have about a week window of when i feel pretty good. It’s the week after my period. Then the pre menstrual signs start coming back. I get bloated and feel like I’m going to start my period. This lasts for about two weeks. Why does it take so long to start my cycle and why do i feel that way for so long?
It could be that you are approaching menopause and are currently experiencing perimenopause. If you are naturally sensitive to changing hormone levels your body might be reacting more to those changing which can be unpredictable.This is common in women who are in their late 30s and 40s which could explain some of your symptoms.
I am 46 and go through the exact same thing..One week out of the month I feel like me..Have two weeks of pms symp.and spot for a week before it all starts over again..I cannot wait till I am done with this phase of my life! Yay for being a woman lol..
Hi, my name is Lily, I turned 40 in February 2017, I had my last period in November, and this was only 3 to four days. I used to have very heavy periods and now they just stopped. Is this early menopause? Or should I seek medical attention?
It could be. Average age for menopause is about 51, however some start as early as 38 or 40 and up to the mid to late 50’s. Your body could also start experiencing changes years before you actually go through menopause. I would still recommend getting checked out if you are concerned.
Hello, I am 41 years old unmarried had heavy bleeding for two times and for two days length between period also I had been under some stress. because i want to get marry and like to give birth of a child. please suggest me how can i get rid of it, is it normal
Hi there Revathy, given your age I would advise that you see your doctor as this is an unusual and abnormal occurrence for you.
I am 43 years old, I have had regular period every 28 days and lasting for 6 days and less than a year ago, the cycle changed to 21 days. Now my last period lasted about 9 days or so and now I am 7 days late . Should I be worried?
Hello Isabella, you are currently 7 days left…if you suspect that you are pregnant now is a good time to take a pregnancy test.
hello, I am 42 my period is still regular but between 2-3 days until my period ends I wake up 2-4 times during the night because I have to urinate; and throughout the a day I need to urinate almost hourly… is this normal at my age ? What can I do to reduce this?
Hello Sarinaz, if this is unusual for you and you have not increased your fluid intake then see your doctor, he/she might test you for diabetes.
Hi my name is Lisa. I just turn 40. I’ve miscarried in March 16. Incomplete with twin boys I went in for a dnc. But Before my whole teen years. My periods always abnormal. I’d have one every 6 months. And my paps always came back abnormal. But since the miscarriage. I’m having a period every month. Few days Before I start. My back hurts very bad. Lots of pains on my ovaries. Bleed very heavy. Very painful hard to walk. I don’t have insurance. I ain’t been back to my doctor. Since the miscarriage.
Hello Lisa, even if you can see a free clinic that would be good. You needto see a doctor ASAP.
Hi I had a miscarriage in January & despite bleeding heavily, the miscarriage was incomplete & I had to have an emergency d&c. I went back on the pill for a couple of months after that, then stopped taking the pill & have been trying for another baby since. However since then my periods have been really heavy, to the point that I am soaking through a super plus tampon at least every 2 hours & I have to double up with a tampon & a pad if i am going to be leaving my house for longer than an hour.
I have kids already & used to be very fertile, I’ve never had no problems conceiving before & I’ve always fell pregnant very quickly & easily, but I have been trying again for 9 months now & haven’t had any luck.
Has anyone had problems like this or could maybe advise me.? I would love one more baby but I have just turned 40 so I know time is against me.. ☹
Hello Rebecca, please see your doctor about this. She/he might need to run some tests.
Hello I’m 39 years old and my cycles have always been like clock work till recently. They keep coming a week earlier. So 28 days is 21 days. For example it should have come on the 5th but is here on the 30 . Last month it was do on the 9th and came on the 5th and so on for the last 6 months. Flow: very heavy. Other symptoms I have notice for me abnormal sleep .I have thyroid issues so being hot or cold could be from that. If this is premenopausal. What is the treatment if any. FYI I’m not trying to have kids. Regards april
Hello April, these symptoms could easily be as a result of your thyroid issues and well as many other things. If this continues to interrupt your sleep and quality of life please see your doctor.
I’m 47 and had my last period on 11/06 that lasted 7 days. Today is 11/26 and started with bright red blood again. Is the menopause? I am on a bioidentical sublingual progesterone nightly and have a testosterone pellet inserted into my body. I was last told that my estrogen was normal about a month ago according to lab work so I am not on any of that.
Hello Laura, please see your doctor about this unusual bleeding as soon as you can.
Hello,
I’m 46 and my periods are VERY painful suddenly after a lifetime of problem free ones … sometimes I have vomiting with pain ( tho not every time) the nausea is what I can only liken to travel sickness .. I’ve been to my GP and had a well woman check including swabs and recently had my cervical smear test which was fine .. I always have a problem with these due to the position of my cervix, could this be anything to do with the pain… the GP gave me some tablets but they don’t really have any effect .
Thanks x
Hello Marie, I urge you to get a second opinion as soon as you can, this is abnormal.
I just turned 42 and recently I’ve noticed my periods last 7-10 days. Typically the first 3-4?days I don’t bleed much if anything just in the morning but I feel so bloated and uncomfortable. Then my period gets really heavy for 3 days and I am miserable with heavy bleeding and or cramps. I am a total witch during this time with horrible mood swings. What can I take to help me with the horrible cramps and mood changes?
Hello Tara, please see links below on how to improve your pain and mood at this time of the month:
https://womanjunction.com/best-teas-menstrual-cramps/
https://womanjunction.com/can-vitamin-c-induce-your-period-or-reduce-menstrual-cramps/
https://womanjunction.com/how-to-relieve-menstrual-cramps/