Sarvesh Health City

Sarvesh Health city
Sarvesh Health City
Book an Appointment

Abnormal Periods After 40: Signs of Perimenopause

abnormal-periods-after-40-signs-of-perimenopause
abnormal-periods-after-40-signs-of-perimenopause

Menstrual‍‌‍‍‌ irregularities after 40 creates a common confusion in women, indicating there’s something wrong. Many times, such changes can be a natural aging process and can be considered as the signal of perimenopause, the transitional phase to menopause. In a hormonal fluctuation scenario, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen as they age and the menstrual cycles, moods, sleep, and overall well-being are the most affected areas in this period.

Sarvesh Health City, the best gynecology hospital in Hisar, provides the right diagnosis and the most suitable treatment for women going through gynecological problems. Knowing these changes early allows women to control the symptoms and keep their health during the period of ‍‌‍‍‌change.

Why Periods Become Irregular After 40

The‍‌‍‍‌ periods of a female are regulated by hormones that are interdependent, mainly estrogen and progesterone. The main cause of irregular ovulation is reduced production of estrogen by the ovaries after 40. Without regular ovulation the endometrial lining doesn’t shed consistently which leads to abnormal bleeding.

Some women may observe:

  • Periods that are missed or delayed
  • Flow that is heavier or lighter than usual
  • Cycles that are shorter or longer
  • Spotting that happens between periods

These changes are generally safe and often reflects the very first signs of perimenopause, the body’s way of transitioning to menopause.

Indications‍‌‍‍‌ of Perimenopause

Perimenopause is generally associated with a woman’s age of 40s, midway to late. The average age at which it starts is approximately 47. The time of transition can be as short as a few months or as long as a number of years and it ends with menopause, which is the medical term for the time when a woman has not had the period for 12 months.

  • Menstrual cycles become unpredictable (menses may be shorter, longer, or even skipped). 
  • Hot flashes or night sweats
  • Inability to sleep
  • Changes in mood, anxiety, or mild depression
  • Vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse
  • Lack of sexual desire

The symptoms happen because the ovaries are about to be removed from the reproductive cycle and hormone levels become very ‍‌‍‍‌unstable.

Abnormal‍‌‍‍‌ Periods After 40 Caused by Other Factors

As mentioned, perimenopause is the leading cause of irregular bleeding after 40, but it is not the only one. Some diseases may show the same symptoms and even worsen them. These diseases are:

  • Uterine fibroids or polyps: Noncancerous growths that can cause excessive or very long bleeding.
  • Thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia: The uterine lining becomes thicker, which usually leads to abnormal bleeding.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Though it is mostly the case in younger women, it can continue in the 40s and cause irregular menstrual cycles.
  • Certain medications: Hormonal therapy, anticoagulants, or birth control changes that may affect menstruation.

Understanding What Is Abnormal

A normal menstrual cycle is different for each individual and generally ranges between 21 to 35 days. Menstrual bleeding usually lasts 3–7 days. Periods are defined as abnormal when:

  • The time between periods keeps varying dramatically
  • Bleeding is more or less than it used to be
  • Spotting or bleeding occurs between cycles
  • Periods are longer than a week or stopped for several months without pregnancy

If these alterations become dominant, it is very often a herald of hormonal changes related to perimenopause. However, a medical check-up is necessary to be certain that no other condition is ‍‌‍‍‌present.

Changes‍‌‍‍‌ in Hormones and Their Impact on Periods

Hormonal changes during perimenopause are responsible for a lot of the symptoms experienced in that period of a woman’s life. In particular, variations in levels of estrogen and progesterone, the most important hormones of the reproductive system, can be very erratic. 

At times, a person may have a cycle with high estrogen and low progesterone, which would result in heavy bleeding, whilst on other occasions the estrogen level may be low and hence there would be no bleeding or it would be very light. Eventually, the hormonal swings become a menstrual cycle without any regular pattern.

Symptoms‍‌‍‍‌ And Changes Outside The Period

Besides these changes in the menstrual cycle, abnormal periods can also be accompanied by these symptoms:

  • Hot flashes: Feelings of warmth spreading very quickly over the face, neck, and chest, frequently followed by sweating.
  • Sleep difficulties: Problems with falling asleep or waking up in between due to night sweats.
  • Mood swings: Due to fluctuations in hormones, anxiety, irritability and other symptoms can also be seen.
  • Fatigue and brain fog: Concentration issues and forgetfulness is also common.
  • Sexual discomfort: Vaginal dryness and decreased libido resulting from lower estrogen levels.

Although these symptoms disappear after a certain period, they may affect the women’s emotional state and daily routine. A doctor’s visit and advice may be a solution in managing them ‍‌‍‍‌efficiently.

Managing Abnormal Periods and Perimenopausal Symptoms

Perimenopause is a stage that one cannot avoid, yet the symptoms associated with it can be handled effectively by consulting a doctor and making some changes in lifestyle. The treatment could include the following based on the particular requirements of a person:

  • Healthy eating habits – a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids helps both bones and the heart to be healthy.
  • Regular physical activity – it induces hormone balance, lessens the occurrence of mood swings, and helps in controlling body weight.
  • Mental relief – Meditation, yoga, and deep sleep can help in attaining stable emotional state.
  • Medical therapies: Hormonal therapy to regulate cycles and ease hot flashes. 

Non-hormonal treatments for sleep and mood issues. 

  • Vaginal moisturizers or estrogen creams for dryness.
  • Hormonal therapy to regulate cycles and ease hot flashes.
  • Non-hormonal treatments for sleep and mood issues.

Final Thoughts

Abnormal‍‌‍‍‌ periods after 40 are usually hormonally driven and are part of the body’s natural reaction to the changes that happen on the way to menopause. Still, it is a good rule of thumb that you never disregard those that continue to be irregular, as they can sometimes signal that you have some other secret health problems. It is keeping health and wellness by recognizing the signs early and seeing a trusted gynecologist. 

As the best gynecology hospital in Hisar, Sarvesh Health City is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including hormonal testing, ultrasound imaging, and women’s reproductive health care of a higher ‍‌‍‍‌standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1.‍‌‍‍‌ What causes abnormal periods after 40? 

Ans. Most of the cases of irregular periods after 40 are due to hormonal fluctuations perimenopause, however, thyroid problems, fibroids, and stress can also be the factors.

Q 2. When should I see a gynecologist for irregular periods? 

Ans. If your periods suddenly become extremely heavy, go on for more than a week, or stop altogether for several months, it’s advisable to see a specialist for a check-up.

Q 3. Can perimenopause cause heavy bleeding? 

Ans. Yes. Sometimes when ovulation is irregular, estrogen may accumulate in the uterine lining thus resulting in very heavy bleeding in some cycles.

Q 4. Is pregnancy possible during perimenopause?

Ans. Yes. Fertility is still there but it is very limited, ovulation may still happen randomly, hence, pregnancy is still possible until menopause is ‍‌‍‍‌confirmed.

Media Resources

Media enquiries

  • Sarvesh Health City
  • Sarvesh Health City Site No. 1, Sector 14, Hisar – 125001 (Haryana)
  • +91 6901 626262
  • +91 6901 636363

Social Media

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube

Healthcare at your fingertips

Dr-Sarita
DR. SARITA KALRA

CO-CHAIRMAN & SR. OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNAECOLOGIST

Meet Dr. Sarita Kalra, Co-Chairman & Sr. Gynaecologist, trusted by thousands for expert care in women’s health. Book your appointment today!