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Read the full video transcript below
Today's topic
Hello and welcome to my weekly video blog. And today on A.Vogel Talks Menopause, I'm going to be looking into periods stopping and starting.
Now, I have talked about this before in a number of other blogs when I've been talking about lots of different things that can happen with your periods, but I have noticed just recently that an awful lot of women have been contacting me because they've been not quite sure what's going on.
They thought that their periods had stopped for good and suddenly they get them back or they get the odd one back, and they're wondering if this is perfectly normal, whether it's something they should be worried about, whether they should just sit tight, or whether they need to go and see their doctor. So I thought I'd go into it in a little bit more detail today.
Missing periods - the first sign of the menopause
Now missing periods are usually one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause. The problem is, though, that every single one of us will have a completely different combination. And this particular phase, it can be a very short one, it can be a long one, or it can be a really, really long one. And we don't know. And none of us are going to know how long this is actually going to last. So let's look into some of the different combinations that you can get.
Periods just stop
For some very lucky women, their periods will literally just stop, and that's it, gone for good. They really are lucky ones.
Periods come and go
For the majority of us, there will be some missing ones and some coming back. So some of you might find that you miss one period, then you get some back again, and then a few months down the line, you miss another one and then they come back for a little while.
For some of you, you might find that you might miss one, get one, miss one, get one, and that can go on for quite a while, too. For some of you, you might miss two or three periods and then get one back. And the problem with this situation is that very often when you've missed two or three periods and you get one back, that one can be quite a heavy one.
It's almost as if the body's been saving up for it for some reason. For some women, they will miss three or four periods and then maybe get one back. And each time that you miss, the number of missed periods will get bigger and bigger until you suddenly realize, "Oh, I've not had a period for a year or more."
So as you can see, there's all sorts of different combinations. And they're all quite normal. It just depends on how your own hormones are falling or going up and down at that particular time.
Eileen recommends...Even if you start to miss periods it is a good idea to still keep a note in your diary as to when the next one would be due. Your hormones will still have a monthly cycle just, sometimes, not high enough to trigger a bleed. Some women find that they still get the usual PMS symptoms too but without a period a diary can be a good indication when to expect this. |
No period for over a year
Now, for some women, they might find that they have got to a year or even a year and a bit without a period, and suddenly they get one back again. And this is very often the time when they can get a little bit worried. Some schools of thought say that you are through the menopause once you have not had a period for a year. In our experience, we find that a number of women will get periods back, or they'll get the odd one back after a year or more.
Start counting all over again!!Sorry ladies but if you get a proper period back then you have to start counting all over again!! This is usually an indication that your hormones are still fluctuating. |
Why does this happen?
Hormones
Now, this can be caused by a variety of factors. Very often it's just your hormones having one last fling. They go, "I don't want to stop yet. I want to have one more go at having periods before I calm down for good." So this is usually the most common reason.
Diet
But another interesting fact is if you decide to overhaul your diet, and a lot of women going through the menopause get to the point where they say, "I need to do something about my diet. I need to eat healthy, or I need to exercise a bit more." If you are giving your body a lot more extra nutrition, that can very often feed your hormones as well. And that can be one of the primary reasons for getting a period back, if you have decided just to sort everything out.
Prolapses
Now, there can be other reasons as well. There's something called a prolapse, where the pelvic floor muscles tend to get a little bit weak. And that allows either the womb, or the bladder, or the bowel to slightly shift position. And this could maybe irritate the womb and trigger a bleed as well.
Fibroids
There can be other issues as well such as fibroids, which you might not even been aware that you had. And suddenly because your hormone levels are changing or maybe sometimes the womb starts to get a little bit thinner as you go through the menopause, this could irritate the fibroid. So when you get to this stage, it is really important that you just get things checked out by your doctor as well.
Two years or more without a period
There are also a few women that will go for two years or more and find that they get a period back. This is not really very common. And as far as we're concerned, once you have not had a period for two years, then that's...you're well and truly through the menopause.
So if you get any kind of bleeding, either a proper period, or you just get a little bit of smearing, or you get a little bit of spotting, then it really is important that you just get this checked out by your doctor just to make sure that there isn't anything else going on.
So I hope this has given you a little bit of a better picture of one of the more puzzling aspects of what can happen to your periods as you approach the menopause.
If any of you have any other questions on this or you've had a slightly different combination, then please do get in touch, and I'll be happy to answer your questions. And I will see you next week for another A.Vogel Talks Menopause.
65 Comments
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Joan — 08.12.2023 21:37
i had no period for 15 months and I then got 3 periods in 5 months after no periods.
Iv the bad pms symptoms for 2 weeks before I get the period .
I tested for menopause twice with a testing kit.it said twice I was in menopause after the 15 month without a period.
They just returned with a day or 2 of spotting .
It's definitely hormonal because when the PMS stops I get the period that day.
So this one year no period and you are in menopause isn't so
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eileen —
Yes, Joan, as I mention above, we go by the two year rule
,Some schools of thought say that you are through the menopause once you have not had a period for a year. In our experience, we find that a number of women will get periods back, or they'll get the odd one back after a year or more'
Best Wishes
Eileen
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Kasia — 16.10.2023 17:03
No period for 18 months and just started bleeding 2 days ago. Then I realized that about 2-3 weeks ago my hot flushes disappeared and had a discharge-like ovulation and my ovaries were pulsating. Last week I was bloated and my breasts became swollen and then bam! I also have fibroids. Eating a healthy diet also. Should i be worried?
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Mary Foley — 09.05.2023 04:26
No period for nearly two yrs and just woke last few days and they have returned help
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Siobhan —
What age are you Mary? And are you on any HRT? You can email us at enquiries@avogel.co.uk and we might be able to help in more detail there if you'd prefer! Sending you lots of love! Siobhan
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Sharon skelly — 27.06.2021 17:19
Hello - I have had no period for 4 years but then started bleeding for no reason and am a bit worried or has this happened to anyone else
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eileen — 29.06.2021 08:20
Hi Sharon
Bleeding after so long without periods is unlikely to be hormone related so it is wise to check with your doctor just to rule out issues such as fibroids, polyps or a prolapse. Have you recently had a Covid Jab? It seems that triggering bleeds in post-menopause women is one of the emerging side effects. If so, then it is really important that you let your doctor know, if they are unaware of this please give them this link.
https://www.bmj.com/content/373/bmj.n958/rr-2
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Carmel — 23.05.2021 09:52
Any evidence, that the Moderna Vaccine cause post menopausal bleeding.I had no period for apx 18 months and less than 24 hours of receiving the vaccine I took a bleeding.....
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eileen — 24.05.2021 10:20
Hi Carmel,
Yes, this does seem to happen in rare cases, there is a published article on it in the British Medical Journal https://www.bmj.com/content/373/bmj.n958/rr-2
Please do let you doctor know and you should have been give contact details to report any potential side effects so it is important to do this too.
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Fran — 09.05.2021 23:51
Didn't have a period for nearly year and half, I'm 45..out of blue they appeared I feel very sick and tired with them and spent first 3 days in bed, stomach cramping and headaches
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eileen — 10.05.2021 07:27
Hi Fran
Many women go without a period for months or even a year or so and then either get a single one back again or they restart for a few months. We usually say that you are through the menopause after not having had any period for 2 years, as it is rarer to have a period after this point.
The one-off period or spate of periods is often caused by things such as a 'last fling' by your hormones, stress, illness, strenuous exercise, dieting, change of diet (especially if you improve it); however, it is best to get it checked out by your doctor as well.
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Siobhan mcgeer — 23.04.2021 20:38
No period for nearly 12 months had all the symptoms of getting a period then got a small bit of brownsh te spotting
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eileen — 26.04.2021 06:40
Hi Siobhab
Although this can happen, as I mentioned above, and may be caused by a number of factors, it is wise to check with your doctor too. They can rule out other health issues such as fibroids, polyps or a prolapse.
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Natalie — 09.02.2019 18:02
Hi 41 years old I haven't got my period since last year I recently got them there soooooooo heavy is that normal
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Eileen — 11.02.2019 10:30
Hi Natalie
Yes, this can happen but heavy periods are not good for you and can cause low iron so it is important to see your doctor as well; they may be able to give you something to reduce the bleeding.
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Raisebe — 02.08.2017 08:08
Hi! I have missed my periods for a year and during May this year myperiods appeared and they were heavy and they lasted for a month. What do you think might be the cause?
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eileen — 02.08.2017 13:20
Hi Raisebe
Please can you let me know how old you are, thanks.
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Bridghin kerr — 01.08.2017 15:36
Do you have any more free samples please.
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bridghin kerr — 31.07.2017 21:30
I lost my free sample of menopause support I would like to have a other one please.
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eileen — 01.08.2017 11:13
Hi Bridghin
Please can you email me your address, Eileen@bioforce.co.uk thanks.
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Adele — 31.07.2017 19:42
Hello, I am 51 years of age, Istarted the Menopause about 2 years ago, my skin has gone very dry on my body, and my arms are losing skin elasticity. Please can you suggest a good Vitamin for Collagen. My GP also suggested I try Red Clover. Thankyou Adèle
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eileen — 01.08.2017 11:13
Hi Adele
Sea Bickthorn Oil Capsules can be really effective for dry, menopause skin and you could also take a colloidal silica supplement to help with collagen. Menopause Support is also a plant oestrogen like Red Clover but you have the added benefits of vervain, magnesium and hibiscus.
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karen — 29.07.2017 15:00
Dear Eileen
Please could you once again let me know which underwear I should purchase. Nylon or cotton. You mentioned which type in one of you blogs, but cannot remember.
Experiencing excruciating pain in the vaginal area which I feel is going down my legs into my feet area.
Please help.
Regards, Karen
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eileen — 31.07.2017 10:14
Hi Karen
Cotton underwear is much healthier for you. Have you had this pain checked out by your doctor? If not it is a good idea to get a check up. In the menopause you can get something called a prolapse which can cause pelvic/pubic pain and could result in nerve pain too.
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Diana — 25.07.2017 15:52
Hi, I'm 52yrs, not sure if iv had the first sign of menopause, I'm always regular, but the last one I had was 3 weeks late, I didn't have any symptoms, next one shod be the 9th August, I also have fibroid,s in my womb, and cysts on my overis. Diana.
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eileen — 26.07.2017 10:22
Hi Diana
Missing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause and you are in the average age range 45-55. You may find you miss a few then get some back again, then miss and so on, this can sometimes go on for a while before your periods stop for good. However, for some women their periods just stop and that's it! Lots of women don't get any or only get a few menopause symptoms so you may be one of the lucky ones!
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Jan — 18.07.2017 19:20
"Hi Eileen!"
"I thought that My Periods were over, with No Way that they could
return." .. "I am awestruck!" .. "This really can happen?"
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eileen — 19.07.2017 08:07
Hi Jan
If you are 2 years without a period you should be fine!
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Jan — 24.07.2017 16:57
Thank You Eileen, for your prompt response to My Question.
I enjoy Your Website very much!
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eileen — 25.07.2017 08:52
Hi Jan
Great, thanks!
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Pauline — 12.07.2017 03:49
I had very little spotting a year ago after a few years of not having a period ,I had a general anaesthetic & a polyp was removed ,but yesterday I had another loss hardly anything,but I'm terrified.
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Pauline
It can take a little while for everything to settle after an operation but it would be wise just to get another check- up with your doctor and hopefully they will put your mind at rest.
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debbie — 11.07.2017 09:41
I have gone nearly 14 months now without anything at all. I have at the moment got period and back pain and am crossing everything i am not going to start after all this time.! Its happened before and ive not had a bleed so fingers crossed!
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Eileen — 11.07.2017 10:50
Hiya Debbie, It can be frustrating as the hormonal shift is still rising and falling. Drink plenty of plain water to keep hydrated, It sounds as though you are nearly there.
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Eileen — 11.07.2017 10:50
Hiya Debbie, It can be frustrating as the hormonal shift is still rising and falling. Drink plenty of plain water to keep hydrated, It sounds as though you are nearly there.
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Pauline Batty — 11.07.2017 09:28
I have not had a period for 5 years I am still having dreadful flushes where I am soaking I drink plenty of water should I consider hrt I recently had a heart attack in April
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Eileen — 11.07.2017 10:50
HIya Pauline, Sorry to hear that you have been unwell. I would ask the GP for a health check. Have you had low thyroid, low iron or low Vit D tested recently? As these health conditions can cause similar symptoms to the menopause ones and they can arise around the same time. The doctor can advise you on the best treatment. Let me know how you get on.
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Jude — 11.07.2017 08:27
I am 59 y o and had no period for 6 months then about every 6 months I would have terrible flooding/clots and anaemia for 3 weeks ,here in Spain my doctor said well its the menopause and she did a blood test and said you havent got cancer, so I went to see my daughter in the UK , it was hell travelling and my daughter thought the blood loss was alarming ( changing a nightime towel every hour ) so i went to her GP , who sent me immediately to a post menopause bleed clinic , here he did an outpatient hysteroscopy , took a biopsy and removed a polypp which he said was large, the uterus wall lining was also 10c thick rather than the preferred 5. The results concluded that the biopsy was benign and he thinks a Mirena device may help. I havent had this fitted because I am back in Spain and worry if it went wrong and need to be removed I wouldnt be able to explain . I have another appointment in Nov. when I will discuss this with him again, I dont really like the idea of the device because of any unknown side effects . Can I ask you what you think ? I havent had bleeding since May ( when this all took place )
For other ladies experiencing this flooding I would say do go and have it all checked out, its not embarrassing because the doctors are so used to it and in my case extremely kind . I was very releived to hear it was benign of course and am trying hard to loose weight before my next visit , but I feel so very sluggish I am wondering if I have adrenal fatique , again what do you think? My diest is very healthy I drink alot of water but exercise is hard due to osteophites ( bony spurs on my spine) which make it very painful to walk and stand I do however swim . I love to read the articles you write and not feel sooo alone. the hospital I went to was in Truro and I should like to give it 10 *,s they could not have treated me better , thankyou.
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Jude
Just to let you know that I have answered you privately.
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Helen — 11.07.2017 07:25
Thanks for the continued help, very useful
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eileen — 11.07.2017 15:07
Thank you
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karen horwitz — 11.07.2017 06:53
Hi Eileen. Lately I have been experiencing terrible pain in the vaginal area like burning pokers going through me. I feel like something is contracting and my "inners" being pulled out of my body. Could you possible explain this to me. Kind regards, Karen
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Eileen — 11.07.2017 10:50
Hello Karen, The best advice is to get this symptom checked out by the doctor to find out what is going on for you. Then you can see what the next step is in terms of treatment.
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Deborah Snow — 11.07.2017 05:58
I think I may have a prolapse as when I need a poo I can feel bowel contents in my vagina. Should I see the doctor about this or is it just something you live with? Thanks in advance.
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Eileen — 11.07.2017 15:07
Hi Deborah, I think it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing this symptom, to investigate things for you. You may need treatment to help.
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Deborah — 12.07.2017 07:14
Thank you Eileen,
I will make an appointment to see my GP :)
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Barbara Subramony — 11.07.2017 04:59
Hi Eileen, Thank you so much for your articles. After a year and half, I started to bleed, not heavy though. Been to the doctor, and after a DNC, he picked up a cyst which was fortunately benign. I am 57 years old, and have battled with the lining of my womb thickening, which was the case in this instance now. Due to late menopause, per my doctor he has recommended a full hysterectomy. What are your thoughts on this. Thank you so much again.
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Barbara
If your doctor feels that this is the best option for you then I would be included to follow his advice. However, did they explain why you need a full hysterectomy? Getting your ovaries removed would result in a quick hormonal fall which could trigger a sudden menopause and you might be recommended to take HRT which can have its own problems later on. I would ask if it is possible to keep your ovaries, this will result in a lot less hormonal trauma for you!
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Sue — 10.07.2017 21:32
I was wondering as my period is very few and far between now can I still get caught pregnant? I am 51 years old now. I have had 3 In 17 months. Kind regards x
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Sue
You are not considered safe from pregnancy until you have not had any periods for two years so, in theory, there is still a risk so I would still use some kind of precaution. However, the older you are and the less periods you have the less likelihood of a pregnancy.
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Debbie — 10.07.2017 20:58
I never had bleeding for 2 year now every 5 moths I get. Heavy bleeding. Is that normal my doctor sent me for virginal scan that come back normal
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Debbie
If you are still getting the odd heavy period it is best to ask your doctor to investigate further for you, especially as you went a full two years without any - this would normally indicate that you had gone through the menopause! Also ask them to check your iron level as heavy periods can quickly cause low iron which can result in other health issues such as fatigue, anxiety or joint pains.
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Joan sohm — 10.07.2017 20:21
It had been 3 1/2 years since I had a period. Lately, I've been extra tired and hungry. Could I get pregnant even though blood work looked like I was post menopausal?
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Joan
You are considered safe from pregnancy after 2 years without a period. You symptoms could be caused by a number of factors such as being extra busy or a bit run down or dealing with stress or anxiety, maybe check your present lifestyle to see if there have been any specific changes going on. If the fatigue continues then it may be best to get a check up with your doctor.
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Jackie — 10.07.2017 20:19
Hi.
I have been 15 months without a period then I got a small droplet of blood and a bit of brown discharge for a day. Is this anything to be concerned about and does this mean I have to start counting all over again for the end of my menopause.
Thanks
Jackie
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Jackie
This can happen and is often the last fling of your hormones! However, it is a good idea just to get a check up with your doctor as well. Usually, if it is mild spotting, you don't need to start counting all over again!
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Lesley — 10.07.2017 19:40
I'm almost 55 and still have regular periods. Anything from 28 to 45 days. Fed up now.
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Lesley
Unfortunately, a small number of women do start the menopause later, however, the fact that there is now a difference in the time between periods may indicate that your hormones are slowly starting to change.
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jacqueline nelson — 10.07.2017 19:32
Hi I'm 42 and always been on some kind of contraception I've not had a period for the past 16yrs but for the last few months I've had a dark brown jelly like discharge I've had this checked out and was told it's normal but wasn't explained what it was can you help
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Jacqueline
Unfortunately, I am not able to help with this, sorry. It could be a number of issues so you would need to go back and ask your doctor or nurse to explain exactly what it is.
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Julie — 10.07.2017 18:45
I am 52 years old and I my periods have almost disappeared altogether, although I have a Mirena coil fitted my periids were only slight almost spotting at times. I initially had this coil fitted to stop heavy periods (10 + years ago), and have had about fitted over the years. I was wondering if I should now have the mirena coil removed to let nature take its place. I have recently had bouts of quite heavy bleefing. Julie
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Julie
At this point it would be a good idea to discuss with your doctor if you still need the coil, but do mention the heavy bleeding to them as this can often cause low iron which can then result in other health issues.
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Eve — 10.07.2017 18:37
Hello Eileen is spotting normal? I haven't had a period for over 4 months now. Recently had really sore breasts, terrible pmt but not a proper period, more spotting. Thanks for your help.
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Eve — 10.07.2017 18:29
Hello Eileen is spotting normal? I haven't had a period for over 4 months now. Recently had really sore breasts, terrible pmt but not a proper period, more spotting. Thanks for joyful help.
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eileen — 12.07.2017 08:56
Hi Eve
This is quite a common scenario as you start the approach to the menopause and usually nothing to worry about, it can be an indication that your oestrogen is spiking which would account for the spotting and PMT symptoms. You may find that this stops shortly and you may go on to miss a few more periods. However, if the spotting continues it is always a good idea to get a check-up with your doctor as well.
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