Peri menopause and irregular periods

Irregular periods are common during peri menopause. Peri menopause is the transition time before a woman actually goes through menopause. During this time, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly involving oestrogen and progesterone, two key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Here’s why irregular periods happen:

1. Fluctuating Hormone Levels:

   • As the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, the balance between these hormones becomes inconsistent. This can cause irregular ovulation or skipped ovulation altogether, leading to unpredictable periods.

     
     

2. Skipped Periods:

   • You might experience months without a period (oligomenorrhea) and then have a heavy one. This is due to periods of anovulation (lack of ovulation), causing a buildup of the uterine lining, which eventually sheds more heavily.

     
     

3. Changes in Cycle Length:

   • Periods might come closer together (shorter cycles) or farther apart (longer cycles). This is another reflection of inconsistent hormone levels.

     
     

4. Heavier or Lighter Bleeding:

   • Hormonal changes can cause periods to become heavier or lighter than what you're used to. Heavier periods are often due to the erratic shedding of the uterine lining after a long cycle.

     
     

5. Stress and Lifestyle Factors:

   • Emotional or physical stress, changes in diet, exercise, and sleep patterns can exacerbate these irregularities, as your body is already undergoing a significant transition.

Perimenopause can last several years, and a woman is defined as being in menopause when 12 consecutive months has passeed without a period.

If you are experiencing irregular periods and are accompanied by severe symptoms (e.g., very heavy bleeding, prolonged periods), book in a session with myself and let's chat about all the tests and options you have to get you back to feeling great again.