The 40s can be an exciting and positive period in a woman’s life. Many report feeling a greater sense of confidence, increased self-assurance, and much-needed stability in careers and relationships.
Just like a woman may become psychologically stronger and have a better understanding of her priorities, her body also undergoes certain changes. Some of the most common challenges women in their 40s face are fertility decline, changes in body shape, and the onset of menopause.
A lot of women in their early and mid-40s notice they’re having irregular periods or menstruation. Is this an early sign of menopause starting to set in? In this article, we will discuss what irregular periods are and whether they relate to menopause.
Signs of Irregular Menstruation
To better understand irregular menstruation or periods, we must first define a normal menstrual cycle. This cycle extends from the first day of one’s period to the first day of the next. On average, it may happen every 25 to 30 days.
According to the Mayo Clinic, menstruating even every 21 or 35 days is normal. This period is not the same for every woman and may be inconsistent during the initial years. Over time, most women develop a regulated menstrual cycle.
Once it has begun, menstruation can last anywhere between 2 and 7 days. Now, this cycle or time period can become irregular or difficult to predict. Also, irregularities are said to exist when a woman’s periods happen before 21 days or after 35 days each time.
Besides delayed and erratic menstrual cycles, some women may skip a month or two altogether. This is also a sign of irregular periods. Finally, changes in the flow (lighter or heavier) may further indicate that a woman’s menstruation is irregular.
What is Considered to Be Menopause?
As per the National Institute on Aging, menopause refers to a stage in a woman’s life when her periods stop completely. It is usually understood when a woman has not had her menstruation for at least 12 months. This means she can no longer get pregnant past the point of menopause.
Now, the truth is that no woman stops menstruating suddenly out of the blue. There usually exists a transition period leading up to menopause known as the perimenopause stage. This stage tends to happen anytime after a woman turns 40 years old. In some cases, it may even occur as early as the 30s.
Some women display mild or no symptoms of perimenopause. In others, the transition period can be a bit turbulent, marked by distinct changes like irregular periods, hot flashes, low libido, mood swings, and brain fog.
The perimenopause stage can last for years until a woman’s periods stop completely. In the US, the average age of reaching menopause is 52 years.
Should You Be Concerned?
From what we have discussed, your irregular periods in your 40s could very well be a sign of approaching menopause. This is undeniably true if you experience the other symptoms mentioned above.
Now, perimenopause is not a disorder but a normal part of aging and life. Unless a woman is experiencing health complications because of it, there should be nothing to worry about. However, the onset of menopause can instill panic among many women.
This is especially true because of how the period is often marked by hormonal imbalances. During this stage, the production of estrogen and progesterone significantly reduces.
Another hormone not typically associated with women, testosterone, may also decrease in levels during perimenopause. According to EVEXIAS Health Solutions, this hormone serves as the precursor to estrogen.
If testosterone levels drop in women, there will be other repercussions besides irregular periods, including poor bone density, a lack of muscle strength, anxiety, and extreme fatigue. Low testosterone in women calls for hormone replacement therapy for better sexual function and psychological well-being.
Also, women experiencing excessive bleeding that requires changing pads or tampons every two hours must consult with their healthcare provider. The road to menopause can often seem rocky but it is navigable with the right knowledge, resources, and care options.
Does Menopause Require Treatment?
As mentioned earlier, perimenopause and menopause are two natural stages of an aging woman’s life. It is not a disease that needs to be cured or treated. The only thing healthcare providers focus on is the severity of symptoms.
If your doctor perceives that your menopausal symptoms are difficult to manage, they may recommend treatments or lifestyle changes accordingly. Let’s look at the possible areas they may deal with –
- You may be asked to undergo hormone replacement therapy to get relief for mood swings, sleep issues, low sex drive, or vaginal dryness.
- Lifestyle changes like a healthier diet and greater physical activity may help ease symptoms.
- Some women are even recommended low-dose antidepressants or medicines for night sweats or hot flashes.
Studies have found that nearly 1.3 million women enter their menopause stage of life every year. Out of these, at least 90% of them experience some or the other menopausal symptoms.
Despite menopause and its transition period being normal, many women report being uninformed about both. Parents as well as schools must take the initiative of informing girls and young women so they know what to expect later in life.
Healthcare providers can also share insights with women in their late 30s or early 40s. Knowledge is a powerful weapon and now is the time to wield it.