Menopause Periods: Irregular menses before onset of menopause

Menopause is evidenced by the cessation of the menstrual period. Before they completely stop, however, menopause periods can become problematic for some women. In the years leading up to menopause the ovaries stop producing as much estrogen and other hormones as well as eggs. This can disrupt the normal cycle that a woman usually experiences. As a rule women have 11-13 periods annually. This number is fairly consistent in the absence of extenuating circumstances such as illness, stress, extreme weight gain or loss and malnutrition.

As women progress toward menopause their periods can become more erratic. For instance, they may be spaced closer together or further apart. Perhaps these menopause periods may happen in clusters like two in the same month. They may also cease altogether for months at a time. In addition, these periods may be heavier or lighter. This can be compounded in some women if they have other gynecological considerations like fibroids (benign uterine tumors) or Endometriosis.

Menopause periods may be more painful for some women. It is also fairly common for women who are entering into menopause to experience more pronounced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMS such as tender, swollen breasts and abdominal swelling frequently occur.

Women on average menstruate until they are around 50 years old. For a few years before their last period, changes in the reproductive system lead to menopausal periods that highlight their changing fertility. However, woman can still become pregnant even in the face of irregular periods. It isn’t until 12 consecutive menopause periods have been missed that concern over pregnancy can be abated. Women often express anxiety over the changes in their cycle at this stage, but they are common. In some women these changes happen rapidly while in others the process takes much longer. Eventually the symptoms and discomfort of menopausal periods diminish altogether.

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