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, I’m 43 my periods have always been light and very short, within the last 6 months they have become very heavy with lots of clots, severe cramping and mood swings.
I’m also spotting sometimes between periods….
My hair is also thinning alot.
I had my hormone levels tested two years ago and the OB said I wansnt anywhere near menopause
Could something have changed?
Please help
Hi Deb, within two years a lot of things can change. You could be perimenopausal or in full blown menopause at this point. I would recommend getting your hormone levels checked again because the symptoms sound like that it what you are going through at this time. Good luck.
Hi this is Pam I am 45. My period was a light brown in the beginning. Then on the fourth day it turns red . Is this normal?
Hi Pam, it can be normal. Some will see the brown blood which is old blood first and then it will turn red to be the fresh blood. It’s normal.
I’m 42 years of age. My period is regular – every 28 days, I get PMS a day or two before my period. My period is very heavy on the first day followed by blood clots on the second and third consecutive days. I am not married and don’t intend to get pregnant anytime soon.
Hi Concerned. I’m not sure if there was a question in there. That’s relatively normal for a regular period.
Hi,
I’m will become 41 about one month. 9 days after my period i had light spotting. the month before i also got this and it lasts until my next period. so the spotting lasts 3 weeks. It is light spotting 1 only bleed 2 days during my period but the spotting lasts 3 weeks. I stil want to have childeren. I never had this before. It began 2 months ago. I Always had light spotting 1 week before my period and 1 after. So my period lasts 2 weeks always with light spotting with only 2 days of heavy bleeding. This was very normal for me and never concerned me, but now 1 have it 2 weeks before my period. And my period only lasts 21 days. I also have some pain and headache.
Please advise me!
Thank you!
My cycle only lasts 21 days is what i wanted to say, sorry!
Before my cycles lasted between 24 and 28 days. But sometimes also only 21 days. This happend a few times.
Hi Luna, you could be going through menopause or peri-menopause. If your symptoms are becoming ones that hinder your daily life,contact your doctor as they can help to recommend some action plans to help you feel better that may include things like hormone therapy.
Hi I am deepa
I am 40 yrs old. My period duration is reduced to 2 days. Is this a sign of peri menopause or menopause
Thank you
Hi Deepa, it can be the sign of peri menopause. Changes in your cycle can be one of the first indications that you are heading in that direction.
Thank you Daniela
I’m 41 and have had fairly consistent periods for the last 5 years (my youngest is 6). They are usually around 28 day cycles. I just got my period 10 days early and it seems heavy (day 3). This is highly irregular for me. Should I be concerned? (Work has been stressful lately, but that is normal and nothing new!)
Hi Amy, you are young but you could be entering perimenopause which comes along with changes in your cycle. I would keep track of it and if it continues to become irregular make an appointment with your doctor and see what’s actually going on.
Hi! I am 42 years of age and since 2 months my blood is vey slow like brownish .I cant say i have hot flashes cause ever since before my periods i always get sick and hot tempered and headache and body pain.
Im actually worried why my blood is brownish.
I want to drink something to make my blood heavy .
What shall i do ?
Hi Shane, there are no “drinks” to take to make your blood heavy. You kind of get what you get. Brownish blood is old blood. You could be starting Perimenopause at this point. Your are the right age to be experiencing that.
hi i am lakshmi my age is 42 my period is delayed for 33 days what can i do to get my period usually my period time is for 28 days
Hi Lakshmi, you could be be entering Perimenopause. Some of the symptoms are changes in your menstural cycle, that’s actually one of the biggest indicators.
Hi, I’m 43 and as of last year, my menstrual cycle began changing from an average of 33 days to 45. Since last December, I’ve only gotten my period once. I’ve experimented sudden mood swings and on and off depression. Should I check with my OBGYN?
Hi Nuria, I would take into consideration that you might be going through Perimenopause/menopause. Those symptoms are exactly what someone would experience during that time frame. Checking with your OBGYN could give you some relief with mood swings and depression which can help make you feel significantly better. Good luck!
Hi, I’m suzie I have experienced a heavy menstral bleeding with clots continously since 23rd January to date. I’m 39 years old.
Hi Susie, I would recommend making an appointment with your doctor ASAP. That’s an extremely long time to have heavy bleeding and clotting. It could be something serious.
Hi I’m 41 and in January I had my last period. My tubes are tied clip and burt.
Yes I had hot flashes and mood swings am I going through menopause .
Hi Shannnon, at 41 yes you could be experiencing Perimenopause or full blown menopause. If it starts to become too much I would recommend a trip to the doctor to see if they can help you with hormonal issues.
All of the above at age 44! Periods went from light 3-4 days long to a heavy 4-7 days, cramping, Skin changes ( hyper pigmentation on face), weight gain, mood swings, insomnia is the worst of it all( going on for about four months). I love being a woman yet all these changes test my patience, Lots of meditation and me time help.
May our loved ones have patience with us during this phase. Blessings!
Maddie
Hi im 42, 43 in july. my periods have just stopped December was my last one. Ive done countless pregnancy test and all negative. Could this be the start of menopause?
Hello Sarah, yes this might be early menopause, please see your doctor to rule out any other issues.
Hi, I’m Ana. I’m 40 and I had a miscarriage 5 months ago, after the miscarriage my period was regular for 4 months and now I missed 2 periods. I don’t feel any symptoms for menopause and my periods were always very regular. I want to have a baby, but maybe this is a sign for menopause ?😟
Hello Ana, if you have missed two periods then maybe you need to take a pregnancy test to see if you might be pregnant.
I am 42 years old suddenly flow during my periods have reduced considerably.i heard it is good to get DNC done.please advice
Hi Lakshmi, a D&C is generally done for abnormal bleeding or for a miscarriage where everything didn’t pass. You might be experiencing menopause which at some point would cause your period to stop becuase you’re no longer ovulating. If you don’t have any answers soon I would make an appointment and see that everything is going well.
I had 2 miscarriages in 1997 & 1999 . My cycle started bleeding heavy when I had a c-section with my second baby in 2003. Now that I will be 40 years old in May 1st. And my hair is falling also. I still bleeding right now & my cycle had finished on February 17th . I could feel I am going through pre-mid menopause early? My body is charging
Hi Sonia, you could be going through early Perimenopause. Also if your hair is falling out consider your lifestyle. Increased stress, illness, medications, or diet (lack of vital nutrients) can cause this also. Take a look at those, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s a stressful time if that is indeed what you are going through (or even in life). Take a breather, treat yourself right and you might see positive changes in your hair as well.
Hi
I am Gayatri;
I completed my 40 age on july 2017.Usually from the beginning of my periods I got always irregular periods in 20 days. After marriage I got two abortions now I have two kids . Three years back my periods skipped for two months after that I got heavy bleeding and took a medical treatment. Now from last three months I’m getting regular periods and now again my period skips from last 10 days.I’m getting most the symptoms you mentioned above in your article . Is this menopouse stage? Plz advise me.
thank you.
Hi there Gayatri, you might be experiencing an early menopause, or this could be something else.