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]
Charity am 45 years old can I still get pregnant at my age . am still seeing my period every month normal
Hello Charity, though risky at your age it is still very possible.
Hello,
I’ve always had a 4 week menstrual cycle, but it changed to a 6 week cycle right after I turned 40 – since March of this year. Should I be concerned?
Hello Michelle, please read below for more information on this:
https://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-in-your-40s-what-to-expect/
Hello, I am 49 and the past two periods I had, I had to change my pad 5 times within the hour and this month of July 2018… I am heavy and bleed clots bigger than a quarter, my periods have never been regular or on time for a long as I can remember. I have been to several doctors and they tell me my periods are fine and not to worry. This past two periods of June and July 2018 has me changing more often and blood clots are heavier but only for that one time like on the third day sometimes the second day of my period. Does this mean I am going into perimenopause?
Hello Yiska, no, this is not good. Please see your doctor ASAP.
I’m about to be 41, and my periods have always been irregular, always heavy for about three days and spotting but now the time inbetween is even shorter than before usually about 14 to 20 days but now they are getting closer, now only four days in between last period and this one, before spotting started again and cramps are worse, is this a sign of premenopausal ?
Hi Natalie, changes in periods are often a sign of perimenopause, however I would get checked out by your doctor, a cycle that short is something you’ll want to discuss with them.
This is very similar to me- same age as you too. Been having extreme PMS as well for last few months non stop. Did they confirm it was perimenopause for you and what tests did they do? Doc Says I’m too young for peri. Thanks
I’m 41 and always had regular light/regular periods with no cramps. About every 28 days. This month I had a super super heavy period that came a whole week early and just two weeks later I got my period again. Heavy again. Should I worry? I
Hi Ana, you aren’t old by any means, but you should consider that you might be experiencing peri-menopause. This could and will affect your periods. If you continue to have this irregular pattern, I would recommend a meeting with your doctor to check your hormone levels.
I’m 45. My period has been regular however, I noticed my period turned greenish on the 2nd day of my period and went red on the 3rd. I started experiencing this 3 months ago.
Hello Emete, see your doctor about this.
Hi Alison,
I am 42 years old and I had my period in March not in April but then again in May and I know I’m not pregnant.
My periods have always been regular.
Hello Elizabeth, see link below:
https://womanjunction.com/irregular-menstrual-cycle-occurs/
Too funny! Im 42 as well My cycle has always been every 28 days. Now my periods last for 10 in April No period in May another 10 day period in June.
If I laugh, sneeze or cough too hard I owe on myself! Good Times
Hello I’m 49 years old I have four children two are grownups and 2 teenagers. I have the implant on my arm that is due to come out. My question is I’ve had a period now over 2 weeks .and it’s not fresh blood . I have like a dull ache in my abdomen. Is this normal. I have lost a lot of weight but I have been trying to clean up my diet in preparation of the menopause. Thank you in advance
Hi Deb, losing a lot weight could be a reason for issues with your period however that generally goes in the opposite direction you don’t get it as much. However, have you considered that you are currently going through peri menopause or actual menopause at this point considering your age. And losing a lot of weight was that planned or not planned? I would recommend when you go for your appointment for getting the implant out I would have them check your hormones as you could be dealing with that at this point.
Hello, I’m 39 yrs old this coming June and I suddenly experienced a 19 day cycle of menstruation. Is is perimenopausal stage? I’m still in denial though.
Hello Ren, to read more about being perimenopausal click below:
https://womanjunction.com/perimenopause-symptoms-test-treatment-and-remedies/
I am 42+ and my period supposed to come May 25,2018. Now today is May 31,2018 it has not come.
Last time I seen my period was on April 27,2018 it was a Friday it came. My period ended May 1,2018.
I am not in a sexual relationship with any man.
Hello Charmaine, your period might be late or you might be approaching menopause. Read below:
https://womanjunction.com/signs-of-menopause/
Hi I’m 47,and have had 3 children, my periods have always been regular and I have always had heavy bleeding with clots,and heavy cramping, but lately about a week before my period, I’m getting horrible headaches, times of cold body temps that leave me shaking for hours,then I’m sweating horriblely for hours..added to that my mind is foggy and sometimes I forget things right in the middle of doing them… after it’s over, it’s gone, until it starts again the following month,so I get two weeks of ok, then two weeks of hell? Can you help at all?
Hi Kim, at your age (and you aren’t old), you are mostly likely experiencing menopause symptoms. What you are describing sounds like typical symptoms of that time. I would recommend getting an appointment with your doctor, getting your hormone levels checked. They might be able to help you out with regulating your symptoms. Good luck.
Hi! I just turned 45 and I have 7 children. My periods have been pretty regular especially since having children. Recently My during my ovulation time I have severe cramping and a lot of discharge for an entire week before and after I ovulate. My periods have become heavier than usual! Is there a chance I might be ovulating more than one egg? My husband and I are very Catholic (obviously) and I just want to be extra careful! Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello Amy, if your periods have suddenly become heavier with cramps then see your doctor to see what might be happening.
Hi Daniela
Myself bharani. I turned 40 last month and I had my last Period on 10 april. I went through family planning operation as well. This month I didn’t get my periods I am little worried . Last month after my period over I had sex . Since I had my family planning done in 2014 and I have 2 daughters age 14 years and 7 years. Till now I didn’t get my periods I m getting the cramps but not getting the periods. Sometimes I m feeling very depressed,sometimes I m crying I m very disturbed unable to focus as I m working woman in my job so please advise me .
Hello Bharani, take a pregnancy test 7 days after your missed period.
I am 43 and have been a bit worried since Sunday, the 13th of May. I started bleeding right from the service and uptill now, the flow has been on and it’s on the increase, Meanwhile, l have already seen my period for the month of May before this started.Infact, it is a total different experience. What could be the cause?
Hello Phil, if this is the first occurrence of this then see your doctor about it.
Hi I’m 43 and have very sore breasts 15 days late for my period really long wees cry at the slightest thing I keep forgetting things like going to the shop and can’t remember what I need I’ve done a pregnancy test which was negative am I starting with the menopause. Kathy
Hello Kathy, I would advise that you retake a pregnancy test.
Hi Alison it got to 20 days but I finally got my period thanks for your reply
I am 40 years old and have had a copper IUD in since February of this year. My periods were like clockwork from between 28-32 days and as of today I am at day 59 with no period. My IUD is still in place and I have had 2 negative urine pregnancy tests. I am starting to get concerned.
Hello Melissa, please see your doctor about this. Menopause is a bit off the topic for you due to your age, though possible.