Perimenopause
Menstrual irregularity associated with perimenopause can be bothersome and challenging. There are things you can do that may positively impact your menstrual cycle and reduce bothersome perimenopause symptoms. But first, let’s take a look at what a regular menstrual cycle looks like and why menstrual irregularity due to perimenopause occurs in the first place.
The typical menstrual cycle occurs about once per month, between 24-38 days is considered the normal range. The number of days between cycles can fluctuate a little bit, say some months it’s 26 days and some it’s 28 days, but overall a woman knows what to expect – when the bleeding is going to start and stop and the type of bleeding (heavy, light).
When a woman experiences changes in the duration of the cycle, such as significantly (more than usual slight fluctuation) longer or shorter intervals between bleeding as well as more or less bleeding days, her period is now termed irregular. The difference in flow (heavier or lighter) can also be part of this equation.
While a woman experiences regular hormonal changes throughout her life, hormonal ups and downs during perimenopause1 tend to be more than usual and nothing like she’s experienced before.
Perimenopause can begin as early as her mid-thirties, where estrogen levels can rise and fall in erratic patterns. Some of the physical symptoms may include fatigue, hot flashes, irritability and more. These physical symptoms can often be bothersome and can directly impact her emotional state. Some of the emotional symptoms may include mood changes, irritability, anxiety, and stress.
When estrogen levels start to go haywire, along with physical and emotional symptoms, a perimenopausal woman will experience menstrual irregularity. This can include changes to her menstrual flow, shorter, longer cycles, and skipped periods. In other words, a decline in estrogen can lead to fewer, but longer cycles and a higher than usual estrogen level might lead to shorter cycles.
According to the Mayo Clinic2, other common causes for menstrual irregularity not associated with perimenopause include: polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy or breastfeeding, being underweight, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, and premature ovarian failure. Likewise, being overweight and stressed may also lead to menstrual irregularity.
If you’re in perimenopause and experiencing menstrual irregularity, there are lifestyle choices that may improve your menstrual cycle.
Healthy lifestyle choices such as finding activities that help reduce stress like meditating or reading a book can be helpful for your overall wellness. Likewise, a daily regimen of regular exercise, eating healthy, getting proper sleep, plus taking Amberen Perimenopause are also great ways to help manage perimenopause symptoms. However, there are no guarantees that these lifestyle choices and suggestions will regulate your menstrual cycle. Every woman’s body is different, and yet having unpredictable, irregular periods due to perimenopause can often be frustrating.
If you’re still concerned about your irregular menstrual cycle, remember not to be afraid to reach out for professional help. Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss a medical plan that may also improve menstrual irregularity. While you’re at it, schedule a well-woman exam, too. Discuss all your perimenopause symptoms with your doctor if you have any additional concerns. Keeping up with your menstrual health and overall wellness are vital components to self-care. Self-care can make a difference in how you experience perimenopause.
If you’re still wondering about our product and have questions about your perimenopause symptoms, call Menopause Specialists at (800) 211-8021 Mon-Fri 9am - 7am EST. Menopause Specialists is free for Amberen Perimenopause customers. It’s a team of perimenopause professionals lead by a licensed Menopause Specialist.††
Still not sure if you’re in perimenopause? Take our perimenopause quiz!
This blog post and the recommendations made herein are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used as healthcare advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider with questions about their specific needs.
The references provided in this blog post are identified for informational purposes only and such references and the underlying research, including the entities and individuals involved in the underlying research, did not involve Amberen and are not affiliated with Amberen or the makers of Amberen.
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