Irregular periods can occur for a variety of reasons, from hormonal changes, pregnancy, and weight gain to stress and overexercise. In some cases, it could also be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or uterine or ovarian cancer, so it’s best to consult a doctor to know for sure.
But if you start experiencing irregular periods in your 40s, experts say it could be a sign of perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition.
Read more: Early menopause: Understanding the health risks and symptoms to watch out for
What is Menopause?
Different women experience menopause at different ages. Speaking to the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Neha Gudara, Consultant Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, said, “Menopause usually begins in women between the ages of 40-44 and is marked by changes in menstrual flow and the length of the menstrual cycle.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines menopause as the transitional period that begins when the first signs of menopause appear and lasts until one year after the last menstrual period.
The onset of menopause varies from woman to woman, with some women going through menopause in their 40s and others starting earlier or later depending on individual factors.
Are irregular periods a sign of menopause in your 40s?
During menopause, your menstrual cycle may become irregular: It may slow down or occur more frequently, says Gudara.
She added that menstrual bleeding may be lighter or heavier, both of which are associated with menopause.
“This is caused by a sudden change in hormone levels, especially oestrogen. About six months before menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly, causing symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and depression, which are common among women,” explains the doctor.
According to the WHO, menopause is considered to occur when a woman has missed menstruation for 12 consecutive months, without any other apparent physiological or pathological cause and without clinical intervention.
Other symptoms to look out for
As estrogen levels in the body decrease, especially during perimenopause or menopause, other symptoms may appear, including:
fire
Night sweats
Palpitations
Vaginal dryness
Pain during intercourse
Urinary incontinence
Sleep problems or insomnia
Mood swings
Depression and/or anxiety
Management Tips
“Whenever a woman experiences irregular periods, she should consult her gynaecologist or specialist and get examined to distinguish between symptoms of menopause and those due to other hormonal issues,” says Dr Gudara.
She added that women can manage these perimenopause symptoms by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet rich in protein, essential fatty acids, isoflavones and other nutrients, especially soy.
Secondly, doctors advise women to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise like yoga, walking etc. In addition, stress levels should be effectively managed and women should try to get enough sleep.
Finally, Dr. Gudara recommends undergoing screening tests such as a Pap smear, breast exam, mammogram, ultrasound and various vitamin deficiency tests, especially if you notice any changes in your normal menstrual cycle.
read more
What are the benefits of Kalonji in improving women’s health?
Disclaimer
