Irregular Periods:
Women approaching menopause normally start to experience irregular periods. However, the symptoms of irregular periods can vary from woman to woman. Almost all women will experience irregular periods for three to ten years before periods stop completely.
Research indicates that only about 10% of women reach menopause without any irregular periods. Menopause occurs only after periods have stopped completely for more than a year.
The decline of hormones, especially estrogen, is the actual cause of irregular periods, because the menstrual cycle is entirely dependent upon hormones.
About Irregular Periods
Normal periods typically have an interval of 25 to 31 days from start to start, with bleeding lasting around 5 to 7 days. The average blood loss is 2 to 8 tablespoons.
Many women experience menstruation very differently—regarding duration, symptoms, and amount of blood. Their experience of irregular periods might therefore differ from usual symptoms.
Irregular periods are changes in a woman’s usual menstrual cycle that persist for several months, often with abnormal bleeding or unusual cycle lengths.
Causes of Irregular Periods
As hormone production declines, periods may become irregular. On average, a woman has about 500 menstrual cycles in her lifetime, from around age 12 until menopause.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
- Infrequent periods
- Missed periods
- Painful cramping
- Abnormal duration of bleeding
- Changes in blood flow
- Blood clots
Role of Hormones During Menstrual Cycle
While many hormones are involved, estrogen and progesterone are the primary ones:
Estrogen:
Estrogen thickens the uterine lining before ovulation. As levels drop, the lining thins, potentially causing heavier or irregular bleeding.
Progesterone:
Progesterone causes the uterine lining to shed if no fertilization occurs. It also controls how long and how heavy periods are. Lower levels can lead to irregular cycles.
Before these hormones settle at low levels, they fluctuate significantly, which causes irregular periods.
Other Causes of Irregular Periods
Besides hormonal changes, certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can also lead to irregular periods.
Treatment for Irregular Periods
The best approaches to managing menopausal symptoms include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Natural supplements with phyto-estrogens