Irregular Periods During Perimenopause

Irregular periods during perimenopause are a sure sign that perimenopause is well under way. You will probably have been experiencing other menopausal symptoms already, such as hot flushes and night sweats, which usually start before your periods begin to be disrupted.  Although saying that, some women don’t have any other symptoms before they notice their periods are behaving strangely. Women’s experiences during this time of life can differ greatly.

However, If you have been getting other menopausal symptoms on the run up to menopause itself, the fact that your periods are becoming erratic will probably not come as much of a surprise. Nonetheless, it can be unsettling and inconvenient too.

What Causes Irregular Periods During Perimenopause?

Irregular periods are caused by the drop in oestrogen levels. This change in the hormone levels disrupts the monthly cycle of bleeds and the monthly production/release of eggs until finally both stop completely and you are in menopause. 

Irregularity varies from woman to woman. Your periods may become:

• Lighter
  
• Heavier
  
• Closer together
  
• Further apart
  

It’s also possible to have stop-start bleeding, or spotting at the time of ovulation. Then again, you might not have a period for months and then it starts all over again.

For a lot of women their periods gradually get further apart until they stop completely. Don’t be surprised though if your periods vary and you get a combination of the above as you go through to menopause. When I reached 50 years of age my periods became further apart and a little heavier. After a few months of this I had three periods in a row that were spaced regularly and were what I would call normal for me. I’ve also had spotting a couple of times and one or two light periods. Then it was back to spaced out (3 months plus) and a little on the heavier side. 

Flooding is very heavy and prolonged bleed and is not uncommon during perimenopause. Although periods can become heavier during perimenopause flooding is a bigger problem. It can lead to anaemia as your body may not have time to recover between periods. The heavy blood loss can also leave you fatigued and feeling weak. Heavy and prolonged bleeding can also be an indication of fibroids. So if you’re not sure that the flooding is due to your hormonal fluctuation you need to see your doctor so that other causes can be ruled out or treated. 

If you experience flooding, especially if it’s a regular thing for you, see your doctor for help and advice and to rule out any other cause for the bleeding. This also applies to bleeding after the menopause. If you have reached menopause (no periods for at least one year if you are over 50 and two years if you are under 50) and you start to get bleeds again you need to see your doctor who will be able to determine and treat the cause.

Do I Need To Use Contraception During Perimenopause and Menopause?

Contraception is important during the perimenopause and until your doctor or health professional advises you otherwise after menopause. It’s still possible to become pregnant and due to the disruption to your monthly cycle it will be more difficult for you to tell. 

The prospect of becoming a parent in your late 40s or early 50s is probably not on most women’s agenda. Especially if you already have a ‘grown up’ family or are already a grandparent. The thought of starting all over again with night feeds, dirty nappies, school runs and teenage angst is a daunting prospect. So unless you would like to have a child at this stage of your life it’s important to continue to use a reliable form of contraception.

You can get help and advice on the different types of contraception from your doctor or local family planning clinic. 

Is PMS (PMT) Worse During Perimenopause?

PMS (also known as PMT) can increase as your hormone levels and monthly cycle change. Some women have little or no experience of PMS before perimenopause and menopause. During this new stage of your life though you may begin to experience the symptoms of PMS for the first time. For those of us who have had a more regular experience of PMS the unpleasant symptoms can increase. 

The most common symptoms of PMS are:

• Feeling bloated
  
• Fluid retention 
  
• Tender breasts
  
• Mood swings 
  
• Irritability
  
• Aggression
  
• Loss of Libido (reduced sex drive)
  

Personally I’ve always had regular PMS although it’s severity varied from month to month. Some months it would be mild or I’d just get a little weepy. Other months I must have been a nightmare to live with! The important thing was that I would have a pretty good idea of when it was going to end. Within a day or two of the start of my period I would be feeling okay again. Now that my periods are no longer predictable it’s a lot harder to judge. I sometimes think that I’ve got permanent PMS.

As some of the symptoms of PMS and the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are the same surely I can be forgiven for feeling like that? Instead of tearing my hair out everyday in a fit of angst I remind myself that even though I can’t put a date on it anymore I could be feeling fine tomorrow. It’s all perfectly natural (dare I say normal?) and I’m not alone in this. There are women all over the world going through this too.

Tips and Tricks

Irregular periods

By their very nature, can’t be predicted. You can be prepared though. Keep a good supply of sanitary protection at home and take a supply if you’re going on holiday. On a daily basis always carry protection in your bag, whether you’re off to work or just going shopping.

I always carry a couple of pads and some tissues wrapped in a nappy sack. It’s hidden discreetly in a side pocket of my handbag (if you tend to start with a heavy flow then add a spare pair of undies too). No one else can see it but I know I’m prepared and that makes me feel better. Wearing a panty liner is a great idea as it protects you from those first signs of the start of your period and also saves on the laundry.

A mattress protector not only protects your bed but will give you peace of mind. Worrying about spoiling your mattress shouldn’t  be on your mind as you snuggle down for the night.

Laundry can be a pain when you have a leak (despite your best efforts). This is an old fashioned tip but I find it very effective. To remove blood from clothing,bedding etc first wet the area with cold water. Pour some household salt onto the stain, rub in well. Leave for a couple of minutes then add a little more cold water and rub again. If you have a stain remover bar rub that in as well. Massage the stain well or use a nail brush (one kept just for these occasions) then pop it into the washing machine on your usual setting.

Period pain 

Not just for teenagers. Some of us more mature ladies suffer from it too. You can take your regular pain killers for this and there are also some painkillers on the market that are designed for this particular type of pain.You can get these over the counter at your local chemist or supermarket.

Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help to ease period pain. I know you might not feel like going for a walk when you’re hurting but it really does help to get yourself moving. If you really can’t face that then try a hot water bottle (not too hot!) or a microwaveable wheat bag. Place it on your tummy and try to relax, tensing your body won’t help the pain.

PMS 

Unpleasant whether you’ve experienced it regularly over the years or just starting to get it. The main thing to remember is that it’s not a permanent fixture, it will come and go. There are several natural remedies that you can buy that may help to alleviate the symptoms, Evening Primrose Oil is probably the more well known. It’s worth a visit to your local ‘Health Food’ store and asking for advice or ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable product.

Bear in mind that your PMS type symptoms might also be due to perimenopause/menopause hormonal fluctuations rather than straightforward PMS. It can be hard to tell which is which particularly if your monthly cycle of bleeds is being disrupted. Either way, by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and taking steps to reduce your stress levels you will helping yourself to relieve the symptoms.