The Link Between Perimenopause and Abnormal Bleeding

The Link Between Perimenopause and Abnormal Bleeding

Most women pass through menopause in their late 40s and early 50s (the average age is 51), which signals the end of their reproductive years. During the period that leads up to this transition — called perimenopause — the symptoms, and their duration, can vary greatly from one woman to the next.

One of the most common signs of impending menopause are menstrual cycles that are irregular or abnormal. In most cases, there’s no cause for alarm.

To give you a better idea about what you might expect during perimenopause and how this transition can lead to abnormal bleedingDr. Ulas Bozdogan and the team here at Advanced Endometriosis Center, pulled together the following information.

Your periods and perimenopause

During your reproductive years, your ovaries release an egg each month for fertilization. To prepare for hosting a fertilized egg, hormones in your body cause the lining of your uterus to thicken. If the egg isn’t fertilized and implanted, the lining of your uterus sheds out through your vagina, creating your period.

As you approach your late mid-to-late 40s, your hormone levels begin to fluctuate in preparation for menopause, which is defined as the end of your menstrual cycles. Once you have no periods for 12 months in a row, we consider you to have transitioned through menopause.

On average, women experience perimenopausal symptoms for about four years prior to the end of menstruation. This is just an average, as some women experience symptoms for only a few months leading up to menopause, while others are plagued by symptoms that last up to 10 years before their periods end.

Symptoms of perimenopause

The primary symptom of perimenopause are periods that are irregular, and this can include several different attributes, such as:

Since your hormone levels are in flux, the balance between your estrogen and progesterone hormones is affected, which is typically what leads to these changes. For example, you may skip a period and then experience a period in which the flow is heavier than usual. Or, your estrogen levels may be high compared to your progesterone levels, which causes more thickening in your uterus and heavier periods.

Outside of changes to your periods, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:

These side effects of perimenopause also occur due to changing reproductive hormone levels in your body.

Treating the symptoms of perimenopause

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we describe above, the first thing to know is that they’re perfectly normal. In most cases, women simply manage the symptoms as best they can as they make their way toward menopause.

That said, if your periods are quite heavy and they’re causing quality-of-life issues, there are steps we can take, such as hormone therapies or endometrial ablation.

If you’d like to learn more about the effects of perimenopause on your menstrual cycles, or if you need help with moderate-to-severe symptoms, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Endometriosis Center today. We have offices in New York City and Hackensack, New Jersey.

You Might Also Enjoy...

When Are Ovarian Cysts a Problem?

When Are Ovarian Cysts a Problem?

During your reproductive years, the odds are good that you routinely develop ovarian cysts as part of ovulation, and you’ve been none the wiser. But there are times when these cysts can pose problems.
Is there a Genetic Link to Uterine Fibroids?

Is there a Genetic Link to Uterine Fibroids?

If a family member has uterine fibroids, you might wonder about your risk. Understand the connection between genetics and fibroids, and learn about other factors that may influence your chances.

Helping Your Teen Understand Her Fibroid Diagnosis

Is your teen newly diagnosed with fibroids? Your unwavering support can play a big role in helping her adjust to a diagnosis and sort through treatment options. Continue reading to learn tips for helping your teen understand her diagnosis.
5 Reasons Why Intercourse Can Be Painful for Women

5 Reasons Why Intercourse Can Be Painful for Women

Did you know that nearly 3 out of 4 women report painful sex at some point in their lives? For many, the issue is only temporary. For others, however, painful intercourse is a long-term problem that can benefit from treatment.
Endometriosis May Not Be Obvious, At First

Endometriosis May Not Be Obvious, At First

Endometriosis may affect more than 1 in 10 women around the world, but it’s hard to pin down the true number, because the condition is often missed or misdiagnosed. Here’s a look at why endometriosis can be tricky.