Common Changes during Perimenopause
Changes in your monthly cycle are probably one of the first signs you are experiencing. There are two common signs of menopause periods:
- Irregular period
- Heavy period
Both symptoms can also be an indication of other illnesses, so it is important to have a thorough exam if you are at all concerned about these symptoms.
Irregular periods take on two forms:
- Changes in time between cycles
- Length of period
During the early phase of perimenopause, you may notice that the length of your monthly cycle is becoming less predictable. You may have a period at 24 days or it takes longer than your normal cycle. Also the length of your period may start to change and becomes longer or shorter.
It is also normal to have different irregularities from month to month.
But not only do your periods become irregular, the bleeding pattern can also change. Many women begin to experience spotting in perimenopausebetween their normal cycles. This is nothing to worry about after you had a pelvic exam to rule out that nothing else is going on.
Menopause periods can become so heavy, that they are debilitating. Let’s not even talk about trying to lead a normal life when you feel that you have to change your tampons or pads every 30 minutes. And totally forget light colored pants!
A common treatment for a heavy period is progesterone, preferably in natural hormone form (such as Prometrium). If you prefer a natural treatment first, try the herbs Vitex (Chasteberry) or Rhemannia (Rehmannia Glutinosa).
All too often, heavy menopause periods often lead to hysterectomy as a treatment. Luckily this is somewhat changing because doctors begin to understand that hysterectomies have severe consequences that may appear later in life. Many of my friends regret their decision to agree to a hysterectomy and wish they would have looked into some alternatives first.