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What causes changes to your periods?
Falling oestrogen levels will affect the monthly cycle so your periods can become light, heavy, long, short, late, early or missing, and in any combination! You can get one set of symptoms then a few months later something completely different can happen.
Confusing? Absolutely! And it is also impossible to tell which ones you will get or how long all this will last!
But, hopefully I can shed a little light on what might be going on.
The average age for this chaos to start is 45-55 but some women can start earlier, especially if other close female relatives started around the same age. Ethnic origin, smoking, obesity and certain chronic health issues may mean an earlier menopause too.
Missing periods
You may find that you miss one period then get one or two back, then miss several and so on, and eventually your periods stop for good – this can take up to several years. A few lucky women can find that their periods just stop without warning and that’s it!
What should you do?
There is really nothing specific: this is just your hormones naturally winding down.
Heavy periods
Periods can still be regular but start to get heavier and heavier, or you may find that you miss a few then the next one you get is really heavy.
What should you do?
Heavy periods, if they continue can cause anaemia, which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood, poor sleep, muscle/joint aches, flaky nails and brittle hair; so taking a gentle iron tonic would be a good idea.
Periods getting further apart
Instead of being regular your periods start to come later and later. Usually this leads to missing some, and then they stop.
What should you do?
This is just the way your hormones are naturally winding down so you don’t need to do anything.
Periods getting closer together
You may find your get a period then 2 weeks later get another one. These are often heavy and can last up to seven days or more at a time.
What should you do?
Periods like this can cause anaemia too, so a gentle iron tonic would be a good idea. Some women find the herb Agnus castus helpful, as this is traditionally used to help restore a proper monthly cycle when periods have started coming too close together. If they start to get really heavy or end up running into each other then please see your doctor.
Flooding
You may suddenly find that your periods are so heavy that you are bleeding very heavily. You may need to change sanitary towels or tampons very frequently or find that you are bleeding so much that you stain your clothes.
What should you do?
Go to the doctor immediately: this must be treated! Although this is common it is not good for you. As well as causing anaemia it can cause dizziness and weakness. We have many women contacting us who do the right thing and go to their doctor who says it is fine and not to worry. Please don’t accept this. If you were bleeding this way from any other part of your body you would be rushed to hospital!. If the doctor still refuses to help, go to Accident and Emergency.
Short periods
Instead of your periods running the usual length of time, you may find they only last a few days. These tend to be light but some women find that they can start to get really heavy.
What should you do?
If your periods are light there is no need to do anything. If they are heavy then a gentle iron tonic would be a good idea. If they are really heavy, follow the advice above re doctors/A&E.
Long periods
You may find your periods start to run for longer than normal. These can be light or heavy or a combination, usually starting light then getting heavier and heavier.
What should you do?
Again if they are getting heavy go for an iron tonic, or to the doctor if it’s a case of flooding.
Spotting
This can happen in between periods or instead of a period, lasting a day or going on for weeks.
What should you do?
If the spotting is accompanied by pain, especially if it is between periods or it goes on and on, then it is best to check with your doctor.
Painful periods
Some women find they suddenly start to get painful periods when they have not had them before, and some women who have painful periods find that they get worse. Often, if you have missed a few periods then you can get one that is painful too.
What should you do?
A daily magnesium supplement can often calm this down, and if the painful periods are also closer together you may find the herb Agnus castus helpful. However, if the pain is severe or affecting your daily life do get it checked out by your doctor.
Phantom periods
Even though your periods are missing you still get the usual symptoms and it almost feels like one is coming on. Although your hormones are falling there is still a monthly cycle, not high enough to trigger a bleed but still high enough to give PMS-like symptoms.
What should you do?
This is very common at the start so you don’t really need to do anything, but a magnesium supplement and a vitamin B Complex may help to ease the symptoms. However, if the pain is severe or affecting your daily life do get it checked out by your doctor.
Periods come back after being missing for a year
Many women find that they can go without a period for over a year or more then suddenly either get a single one back again or a few months’ worth. This 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); even starting a new relationship can ‘re-boot’ your hormones!
What should you do?
This is very common but remember that you are considered through the menopause after not having had a period for 2 years but if you get a period back you have to start counting from the beginning again, sorry! It is best to get this checked out by your doctor as well.
Periods come back after 2 years or more without any
Same as above but it is really important to check with your doctor.
Periods have changed colour or smell different or you are getting clots
Many women find that the blood looks different, maybe darker and thicker or lighter and thinner and it can smell different. Blood clots can occur at this time too.
What should you do?
This is very common and usually just part of the hormonal changes going on. However, you can also be more prone to vaginal infections so if these symptoms are accompanied by pain or discomfort then do get them checked out. The same with clots if they are big or you are getting lots of them.
Get in touch!
If you are getting any symptoms that I have not listed or you are wondering about what is happening to your periods please do get in touch with me via email or Live Chat or please feel free to leave a comment below.
Just a word of caution
If any of these symptoms are worrying you in any way at all please go and see your doctor. It is amazing how many women contact us with on-going symptoms and they just don’t want to ‘bother’ their doctor. Remember: it is your National Health Service and that is what your doctor is there for!
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Melissa — 06.12.2020 18:33
I am 50 I haven't had my period for almost a year, and have no signs of menopause and I started what I think Is a period last night . Is it normal? Can I still get pregnant?
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eileen — 07.12.2020 09:47
Hi Melissa
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.
We advise that pregnancy is still a possibility until there have been no periods for two years.
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Cassy — 20.11.2020 03:17
IM 47 YO IM 14 DAYS LATE ON MY PERIOD I HAVE A 5 YO BOY COULD I BE PREGNANT OR IS IT MENOPAUSE I HAVE BEEN REGULAR ALWAYS
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eileen — 20.11.2020 16:35
Hi Cassy,
You're in the right age range to be perimenopausal. However, the only way to actually find out if you are pregnant or not is to do a test.
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yldiuului20 — 28.10.2020 16:15
Супер давно искал
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oobhnrrrs — 27.10.2020 17:58
Годнота спасибо
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Maria — 19.02.2019 17:47
So here I am 60 yrs old and still having periods. Why?? My last period was in 2015 and lasted for 6-8 months. They finally stopped. I felt weak, nausea and headaches, body aches. I also had big blood clots. I thought I was done. What's happening?
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Eileen — 20.02.2019 08:15
Hi Maria
As your last period was a few years ago it is important to get this checked out by your doctor. There could be a number of reasons so you do need a proper examination and diagnosis.
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Donna claire — 22.09.2017 23:26
Hi.. I am 47 and yhis month my period came 3 days early and was very light only for 4 days.. My breasts remained tender all the way through my bleed which is unusual as the tenderness always goes away when my period starts.. 1 week later my period started again? It's not a constant flow. It's not heavy and no no pain.. is this perimenapause.
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Eileen — 25.09.2017 15:05
Hello Donna, These symptoms are common ones on the approach to the menopause (you are in the average age bracket 45-55yrs) . However, ask the doctor to test your hormone levels and iron levels to clarify this situation. Heavy bleeding or any prolonged bleeding is not good for you. Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day, avoid caffeine as this can trigger symptoms and try a gentle iron tonic from the Health food shop for now to help.
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Ren — 20.09.2017 14:30
Hi
I used to have irregular periods for about 4 years. Since last 1.5 years I have regular cycles so I was happy to TTC. Suddenly when i tried to conceive around O time, I didn't get my periods for 60 days. I got excited and did various pregnancy tests both at home and hospital but it was all negative. So I got my periods after 60 days. I saw a bit more clots in my period, don't k ow why. Now what is surprising is I got my period again 19 days later. This has never happened to me. I don't know why. Please advise
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eileen — 21.09.2017 13:20
Hi Ren
Please could you let me know how old you are, thanks.
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Ren — 21.09.2017 12:59
I'm 29
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eileen — 21.09.2017 14:36
Hi Ren
All sorts of things can upset the monthly cycle such as stress, going on a diet, taking up exercise, even being unwell so it is best just to get this checked out by your doctor if this continues.
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Anne — 07.09.2017 16:57
My cycle used to be every 32nd day I have seen a change over the last year now I am at 21 days. Periods used to be heavy for the 1st two days.heavy clous and lasting 5 days now they are becoming light stop on day 3 and on day 5 staryvagain for 2 days.
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Eileen — 08.09.2017 14:41
Hi Anne, Many women start the menopause in this way. If you find that periods are changing you could ask the GP to test your hormone levels to clarify if these changes are due to the menopause approaching.
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Sam — 28.08.2017 21:20
I keep going to my doctor as I have periods every 2 weeks .. lasting 10days it's really getting me down.
I'm age 43
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eileen — 29.08.2017 09:26
Hi Sam
Although frequent periods are quite common on the approach to the menopause they do need checking out. I would go back to your doctor and ask them to investigate further for you. The very least they should be offering you an iron supplement and a possible medication to help stop the bleeding!
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Judith — 25.08.2017 19:40
my period started on Tuesday, it's been very light and it's still very light now. I am 45.
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eileen — 29.08.2017 09:26
Hi Judith
Had it stopped for a while before?
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Judith — 29.08.2017 13:09
it's stopped and started again for a few months now. but this time my period was very light.
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eileen — 29.08.2017 15:14
Hi Judith
This is a common scenario as you approach the menopause, your periods can come and go for a while and they can be light or heavy, long or short, far apart, close together in any combination. Eventually they should get less and less then stop.
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Judith — 29.08.2017 16:13
thank you - I have since made an appointment with my doctor just to get some advice... however, thank you for the help
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eileen — 30.08.2017 12:54
Good idea, always best to check if you are worried at all.
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Ankita Sharma — 14.08.2017 22:32
Hi I am having just spotting 1 week before the periods but no periods yet
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eileen — 16.08.2017 09:13
Hi Ankita
This can happen and is often due to fluctuating hormones, however, it is also a good idea to get this checked out by your doctor as well.
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Anita — 14.08.2017 15:19
Hello. I am 44, for around 4-5 years my periods have been odd. (Also Gary in increased sex drive, migraines, bad skin, 40 lb weight gain without diet change, slight but noticable hair loss etc ) but its my periods which concern me. At first the started changing to heavy 2-3 weeks. This lasted for over a year, then they wet to a nice welcome pattern of one every 2-3 months. This went on for 2-3 years. I honestly thought they may fade out... Then wham! , 8 months ago I am back to 2-3 (sometimes 4) weeks. And its staying that way. Is this normal? It feels like I'm going backwards again. And it's so upsetting.
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eileen — 16.08.2017 09:13
Hi Anita
Have you had all this checked out by your doctor? If not I would advise seeing them. Hormonal fluctuations like this are quite common on the approach to the menopause but could be caused by other factors. Also, frequent periods can make you low in iron very quickly which could cause other symptoms such as fatigue, joint pains, poor hair, weight gain. Your doctor can check for low iron, low thyroid function, low vitamin D and B12 just to rule them out.
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Clare — 12.08.2017 11:32
I'm going to turn 35 in a week. My last period was just over 6 months ago. I have had bloods tested and it's "normal". Pregnancy tests have been done. I had my first period on my 10th birthday and was anorexic for a few years during my teens falling to 4st 6lb, my periods stopped for a yr during this time.
My facial and body hair has increased and my face has broken out in spots more than usual. The past 6 months I've had night sweats and the past couple of weeks what I would describe as a prickly fire staring in my legs and making its way to my face, turning me into a hot sweaty mess! I am waiting for an abdominal scan.
I have 2 children, both breastfed, the youngest is 9. Could I be experiencing the menopause? Very long winded comment, apologies.
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eileen — 15.08.2017 07:18
Hi Clare
Just to let you know I have answered you privately.
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Kelly — 30.07.2017 19:51
Hi I'm 40, I had a baby 16 months ago so my doctor says I can't possibly be near to menopause? Is this true? I'm have hot sweats and just generally warm all the time. My periods are now every 30 days instead of 28 and last 3 days and have a break and back for a day. One month can be really heavy another really light and I just feel like I'm in constant pms state
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eileen — 31.07.2017 11:51
HI Kelly
If you have had another period after so short a time it is important to go back to your doctor about this. Other issues such as fibroids or endometriosis or PCOS may cause heavy or interupted periods so this should be investigated.
Some women do have an early menopause, especially if other close female relatives started arou8nd the same age, also smoking, being very overweight and some health issues such as Diabetes or thyroid problems can trigger an earlier menopause too.
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Julie — 28.07.2017 07:31
I'm 58, I entered my menopause late, I am still having the odd day of spotting every couple of months is this normal or should I see my GP.
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eileen — 28.07.2017 12:08
Hi Julie
For some women it can take a long time for your periods to stop completely. However, it is always a good idea to get this checked out by your doctor as well, just to put your mind at rest.
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Victoria De Pedro — 27.07.2017 16:40
Hi, this is victoria , I am 49 years old now. I have gel problems that last months and this today I have spots blood start to the period out. Before I never feel any problems of my period . Now I feel dizzynes sometimes or I have pain under my stomach . Also before no smell my period but this time I have bad smell. But my period only 4days stop exactly 6 days I already finish my period. So what is my problem? Please reply me and I wait your advice. Thank u !
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eileen — 28.07.2017 12:08
Hi Victoria
Periods changing and your other symptoms are often the first sign that you are starting the approach to the menopause and you are in the average age range which is 45-55. The best thing to do is ask your doctor to test your hormone levels and that might give you a better idea as to what is happening.
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Annemarie — 25.07.2017 14:17
hi i turned 40 last month i have been having all the perimenopause symptoms but blood test normal?irregular periods tender breast,mood swings,and headaches etc i would appreciate any advice.
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eileen — 26.07.2017 09:11
Hi Annemarie
When you say irregular periods do you mean they tend to come later that 28 days or you miss some or are they closer together, thanks!
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julie smith — 16.07.2017 13:45
im 57 havent had a period for 18 months been on hrt patches for 6 months but this morning seen a slight show is it normal or should i worry
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eileen — 17.07.2017 10:46
HI Julie
Bleeding can happen with HRT but it is important to get it checked out by your doctor as well.
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Alma — 12.07.2017 15:39
Hi ! I have a question. What should I do about me not having my period ? Its stop for 2months now and I am worried. I still have the symptoms like before I start my period. Symptoms of having a headache, a bit cramp but not bad
Its feels my normal period cramp but no blood. I dont have any pain inside nore when I urinate & all. Or when my bf and do the physical. I am 45 years old. I appreciate you're respond and thank you. Please I need you're help or advice.
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eileen — 13.07.2017 10:13
Hi Alma
Experiencing period pains without a period is actually very common. Even though your hormones may be falling there is still a cycle - not high enough to trigger a bleed but still high enough to give PMS symptoms, including pain.
You may find a daily magnesium supplement can help with this . The less congested your abdominal region is, the better you'll feel, so ensure that your bowel is moving at least once per day. Drinking plenty of still, plain water daily helps with this too.
However, if the pain gets worse it is important to see your doctor.
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Paula — 08.07.2017 21:20
Hi, I am 52 years old. I have been under alot of stress. I normally have my period every 3 mo's with baseball size clots at times. In June on the 26th I had my period with less clots for 5 days . After I stopped I ended up having blood when I wiped . This occurred on July 5th and 8th. I am also anemic and have LOW Vitamin D levels. My hair is thinning, brittle nails, clamminess at night , anxiety, fatigue . dizziness, brain fog... HELP!!!
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eileen — 13.07.2017 10:13
Hi Paula
We do know that stress can have a huge impact on your menopause symptoms so supporting your nervous system with magnesium, B Vits and a stress remedy such as Stress Relief Daytime can often be of benefit. Low vitamin D and low iron can cause a number of menopause-like symptoms too so hopefully you are already on a vitamin D and iron supplement from your doctor?
Check your diet too, as your nutritional needs go sky high just now and maybe take a multivit as well.
Have you discussed the clots with your doctor, if not then it is important to let them know.
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sam — 02.07.2017 07:11
Hi I am pre-menopausal at 49 I'm deadly hot most of the time please help thankyou
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eileen — 03.07.2017 10:28
Hi Sam
Some women can experience heat rather than flushes or sweats and this can often be helped by sage as well. You could try our sage tincture, taken 3 times a day. Remember the water as dehydration can make this worse!
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lisa Roberts — 29.06.2017 18:43
i came on my period the end of may i have been on all this month apart from two days at the begining it was light. i was spotting but as the month has been going on its got heavyer and heavyer. im getting sore becuse im constantly wearing pads .
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eileen — 30.06.2017 08:33
Hi Lisa
Prolonged bleeding is quite common as you approach the menopause but it is not good for you and can cause low iron. This in turn can trigger fatigue, anxiety and poor sleep so it is important that you go and see your doctor. They can often give you a non-hormonal pill to stop the bleeding. For any soreness you could gently apply St John's Wort Oil.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/st-johns-wort-oil/index.php
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lisa — 29.06.2017 20:14
iv been to the doctors iv got to wait till the 5th of july to be examined im only 24 iv never had this before its really unusual for me
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eileen — 03.07.2017 10:28
Hi Lisa
As you are only 24 it is very unlikely the menopause but could be due to other factors such as stress, hopefully the doctor will be able to help you.
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Pamela — 26.06.2017 13:20
I am 34 years old and my period cycles can go 50+ days. I used to be 28 days spot on. I have not had any changes besides your everyday stress but it is freaking me out because im told i am to young for menopause.
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Eileen — 27.06.2017 07:19
Hi Pamela,
It's really unlikely to be the menopause so don't worry - actually, stress is something that can affect your cycle quite dramatically! As you are taking Stress Relief Daytime (which doesn't have any hormonal effects) I am guessing that you have some stress in your life? This may be the cause of changes to your cycle, but it's always sensible to check these things with the doctor.
Best Wishes,
Eileen
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Millie — 24.06.2017 14:07
I have found that lately I have had difficulty in inserting tampons. Having not had a period for three months (this timespan has happened before) I was hoping thaat it was the beginning of the end, but no such luck and now things are trickier with this added problem. Can I do anything to help this situation?
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Eileen — 26.06.2017 10:03
Hi Millie,
Depending on your age, it is very likely that this is indeed the start of your menopause. The fact that your period has returned doesn't mean it's not, just that you haven't quite exhausted the supply of eggs yet! The trouble with tampons is probably due to the lack of oestrogen (which also reduces the frequency of your periods), which makes the membranes in the vagina a little drier and tighter. A lubricant may help but longer term you may find that taking Omega-7 oil (from Sea Buckthorn) or a hyaluronic acid supplement will help with the dryness (which may become apparent in your skin generally or even in your eyes - some women experience this).
Best Wishes, Eileen
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