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
Menstrual Cycle in Your 40s: What to Expect
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.