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 Nina
I’m 44 years old. I’ve always had regular periods every 25 to 28 days. But two months ago, my period started after 20 days. Last month, it was 20 days, and this month I started after only 17 days. I am overweight, and I have hypothyroidism. I’ve never really had menstrual cramps, but as I’ve gotten older my breast are more tender before my period. I’m also retaining more fluid. Is this normal for my age?
Hi Nina, it’s normal for your age as well as with being overweight and having hypothyroidism. These can all play a part in a regular or irregular cycle. Also considering your age, you could be entering perimenopause which could and will affect your cycle as well as how you are feeling too when it comes to symptoms.
Hi Daniela, I’m Tara 42. In December I had a Mirena Coil removed that had been in for 18 months the reason was because I started to get very bad acne around my chin and premenstral moods where unbearable to live with, I was going into depression for two days and crying constantly not leaving the house etc… I read up and found many women suffering the same. Also read that it could be the synthetic progeterin? Anyway since the removal the moods have decreased massively which is brilliant but my acne is still there and bad. My periods were heavy for 5-7days continually and every 28 days on the mirena (prior to this mirena I had another Mirena for 5 years with no problems) . My periods now are heavier but they always were very heavy prior to the Mirena I was the reason I got the Mirena. They have shortened slightly though to 25 days but still regular as clockwork. My problem is my sex drive! I’ve always been a sexual person and it seems to have disappeared, I cannot climax with a man anymore either, I’ve been seeing a guy for 8 months he lives in Paris and I in London so we see each other once a month or so……. but still I cannot climax, it’ also takes me longer at times on my own and I’ve only felt the need twice his month ! Help!!! 🙂
Hi Tara, while this might not be something you want to hear you could be entering the perimenopausal state, which can cause changes in a lot of things, including those pesky hormones that deal with your acne, your sex drive, your ability to fully satisfy yourself. I would recommend taking a trip to the doctor to have your levels checked, honestly. As far as the side effects of Mirena, yes those are some of the more common reasons that people take it out becuase some can’t handle the synthetic progesterin, one of the reasons why some opt for non-hormonal versions of the IUD. Good luck figuring it out, I know that the situation can be frustrating.
I’m 49 , was on bc pills for probably 20+ yrs w/zero problems. Recently went off of them due to insurance change and felt maybe it as time. Ever since my very predictable 28 day cycle has gone to a 18 day (aprox) and is very heavy. Not a ton of discomfort but is very frustrating. I have gained weight and my want/need to exercise and activity is more difficult w/ new much heavier flow. Could this be because of dropping the pills or just all age related?
Hi Laurie, It could be due to getting off birth control. Being on birth control for that long causes us to have a nice, regular cycle. WHen you get off birth control you could be seeing your actual cycle and what your body normally does. However you could also be experiencing perimenopause/menopause considering your age. Try to do your best getting back to working out and doing things for you and you might start to feel a bit better. Exercise does wonders for our moods (easier said than done).
Hi my name is Nahdiyah, I turned 43 in January. My cycles are coming as they should 25-27 days But as of January I’ve been having clots. I’ve been cramping for 2 weeks prior, feels like I’m pregnant, then my cycle begins. I don’t cramp during my cycle, I barley know I’m bleeding until I feel a clot coming through my tampon. While shopping today I stopped to have a conversation with someone and I felt the clots coming down, I was so embarrassed. I crossed my legs and tied my jacket around my waist because I knew it can’t through my pants. I ran to the bathroom and had a complete mess. I was so stressed trying to clean me up. It was just gross. I’m home now and e even while taking a bath I still have clots coming out. No pain just clots. And I’m scared. Should I go to the ER?
Hi Nahdiyah, during perimenopause and menopause (which you could be entering), periods can change dramatically before they eventually dissipate. Many women have clotting when they have their period, however if you are going through pads/tampons more than every two hours for an extended period of time, even a day, I would consider calling the doctor. However just be known that it could be your body adjusting to hormonal changes.
Hi I am 46 will be 47 in June, shortly after I turned 44 I start having irregular periods for a few months then it went back to normal I am presently experiencing spotting between period. I have me worried at times
Hello Jennifer, see the reasons below as to why you might be spotting:
https://womanjunction.com/spotting-between-periods/
Hi, i am Chris,
I am 42. I have been regular with my period which has been every 21 days since i had IVF treatment 8 years ago. Recently i had a period 14 days after my previous one. I have now had a very light period 21 days after and i am still bleeding just very slightly 7 days later. Only very slight though.
Had my cervical smear within the last month and all was fine. Any advice would be much appreciated please.
Thank you.
Hello Rachel, this might just be an irregular cycle (change in cycle as a result of hormonal fluctuations).
Hi I am Grace, 43, I have a regular period every 18th-20th day of the month, but last march my period started at 15th day of march, it last for 5 days, Then it start again on April 2 and until now April 16 i am still bleeding. I feel worried about it. Is it normal at my age?
Hello Grace, this is abnormal at your age, especially if it’s something you do not regularly have. See your doctor.
Hi My name is Jen. I am 41 years old. My period are regular each month. Each time my period is about to start l spot and the next two days it starts coming normal and lasts 5 days. Today it starts by brown mucos sticky and then when my husband and l had sex he came in and then pulled out and pinkish red no pain. I don’t know if l may be pregnant. After going to the restroom couple of time no bleeding again
Hello Jennifer, take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy.
Hi , i am 43 and have been bleeding continuosly since my monthly cycle.It has been for 25 days.My bleeding is heavy. Seen a doctor and he suspects fibroid or cyst. Encourage me for a scan..i am worried.Doctor’s appointment is 3 weeks later.
Pls advise…
Hi Ryna, I’m sorry that you are so concerned. That is an extended amount of time to be bleeding and waiting three additional weeks has to be nerve wracking. I would call and see if they can fit you in sooner honestly or get a second opinion. There might be a chance that they will want to have you in sooner (even going into the hospital depending on your insurance might be a route to go especially if you can’t get anything sooner elsewhere and are concerned). Good luck and feel better.
Hi I am Naomi, I am 41 and i have my periods regular. I am not on any birth pills. My concern is I was sexually active one day after my period finished but he did not discharge in me. After that we were sexually active but i can’t remember the date i got my period in March. I also took a pregnancy test on Monday but it showed negative. I am worried coz i never got my period for April. is this normal
Hi Naomi, since you don’t know when your last period was, We can’t really advise you when your next period would be or when you should test. Honestly you can still get your period at any point during this month depending on the length of you cycle. If you haven’t gotten it by the end of the month I would recommend another pregnancy test.
I’m 49 and have been experiencing heavy cramping and blood clotting during my periods for the last 5 months or so. My right ovary seems to have the most discomfort. I assume that I am in perimenapause but am unsure.
Hi LeAnn, it definitely could be based on your age. However if you are having significant discomfort I would probably recommend making an appointment with your doctor just to check everything out.
Hello,
I am almost 44. My periods have always been regular (have never missed one, etc) though my cycle varies between 28-33 days. I have suspected for a while that I’ve entered perimenopause as I have night sweats just before and at the start of my periods, skin changes (acne for the first time in my life), facial hair growth, increases period-related irritability and more recently some bladder control/urgency issues. I just finished my period last Wednesday (mine always last 6-7 days) and a few days later I realized my breasts were still sore/tender, then yesterday my period came back full force – perhaps even heavier this time. (The breast tenderness is gone now, just like what happens with a regular period) I’ve never had this happen before – does this indeed sound like perimenopause or should I be concerned there is something else wrong?
Hi Jen, it does sound like you could be entering menopause. The majority of your symptoms are what we consider normal. Your period will become irregular. However if you are concerned about the amount you are bleeding, I would contact your doctor to discuss options.
i’m 45 years old.my menstruation is off about 6month.but in this month i faced menstruation problem which is continued 10days but it is not stopped yet. what can i do?
Hi Lima, you’re most likely dealing with menopause/perimenopause symptoms. If it’s something more than an annoyance, I would recommend calling your doctor.
I’m 41 will be 42 in may and always had a regular period. But 2 weeks ago I had a regular period. After my period I have been spotting when I go to the bathroom what could this be its worrying me a little bit never experienced this before
Hi Shauna, it’s quite possible at your age that you are starting to experience changes with your cycle, mainly due to perimenopause. I would recommend waiting until your next cycle and see if it remains the same and take it from there, maybe get your hormones checked to see if that’s what you are for sure dealing with.
Hi, my name is
Gail. I just turned 42 and 2 months prior to my birthday I started getting extreme breast tenderness a week before my periods started. I am still on the pill so my cycle is still regular with no real irregularities in bleeding. Along with the breast tenderness I an experiencing joint stiffness , breakouts, bloating and weight gain. I have been on the same pill for 8 years is it no longer working? So I change it? Any clarification would be helpful.
Hi Gail, it might not be your period or PMS that’s causing the issue but could be perimenopause. However I would check with your doctor and your hormone levels to see what is going on. If your levels are good, then maybe consider changing the pill you are taking.
Hi, I am Divya.
I am 43 and I used to get my periods once in 28days. Now for the first time I got my periods 10 days early. Is that normal?
Hi Divya, it could be that you are hitting perimenopause (as you are near or at that age for menopause) or it could just be related to any number of other things like weight changes, illness, stress, etc.