Period changes and the 4 phases of perimenopause
Have your periods changed?
Perhaps they've become less regular or are more frequent or they've become heavier. Perhaps you've started experiencing really bad PMS, maybe even for the first time?
If you're in your late 30s or early to mid 40s, these changes to your periods might be a sign that you've entered perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the transition time where your ovaries begin to wind down and your hormones change leading up to menopause. Menopause is the point in time when you've not had a period for 12 months (menopause can also begin as a result of hysterectomy when your uterus and ovaries are removed, this is referred to as surgical menopause).
Because we're all individual, how long you spend in perimenopause can vary from anywhere from 2-12 years, but on average it's about 4-6 more most women. The average age to reach menopause is 51 but it may be earlier or later from woman to woman.
Some women barely notice the changes of perimenopause, but for many it is a time of immense change physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
One of the physical changes that can help you gauge which stage of perimenopause you are in (there are 4 main stages and again they can look a bit different for each woman) are changes to your periods.
Here is a bit of a guide:
Stage 1- Very early perimenopause (lasts 2-5years on average)
Your cycles are still mostly regular but begin to be a bit shorter in length eg. you start to get your period more frequently such as every 21-26 days. Your periods may also become heavier and more painful and you might also be experiencing some mood changes, more noticeable PMS, migraines or sleep issues.
During this phase oestrogen swings wildly and tends to be high whilst calming progesterone tends to be lower.
Stage 2- Early menopause transition (lasts 2-3years on average)
Your cycle begins to become more irregular and might vary in length for up to 7 days eg.some months your period comes sooner and other months it might be longer between periods.
You might also start to notice some night sweats or hot flushes and your moods might be up and down.
This is due to oestrogen still swinging but dropping to lower levels than you're used to at time plus low progesterone.
Stage 3- this can begin on average up to 4 years pre-menopause
You start to miss periods some cycles and have your first cycle which is longer than 60 days between periods. Your periods could be much heavier or lighter than you've been used to.
You could be noticing more hot flushes and night sweats, mood swings, digestive issues, fatigue, headaches/migraines and joint pain.
Stage 4- Late stage perimenopause (often approx the 12 months leading up to menopause)
You're now missing periods often and going up to 6 months between. Your body may have begun to adapt to having lower oestrogen levels so some of the previous symptoms related to wildly fluctuating oestrogen such as migraines and mood changes may have started to lessen.
Period changes can occur due to lots of other factors so if things have changed for you and you're concerned it is wise to look into what could be going on.
If you can identify with being in one of the stages of perimenopause and are finding it challenging and would like some support to minimise the upheaval and discomfort, optimal nutrition, herbs and stress management strategies such as breathwork or NER (Naturopathic Emotional Release) can really help!
My More Energy & Less Stress In Perimenopause includes all of these and is tailored to you and your needs over 6 weeks.
If you've noticed changes to your cycle or have had symptoms appear that you think might be hormonal in nature and would like to set yourself for as easeful as possible experience of this transition time check out my 6 week all inclusive program More Energy & Less Stress In Perimenopause.
6 week More Energy & Less Stress program includes:
-4 x 1:1 consultations incorporating naturopathy, coaching, breathwork or Naturopathic Emotional Release (NER)
-Individually tailored herbs or nutritional supplements to support hormone balance, support sleep, boost mood and energy and reduce the effects of stress on your body
-Dietary suggestions as needed
-Guided audios to support relaxation and reduce stress to use in between sessions
Investment in your health: $895
Read more here: https://blossomwellbeing.com.au/more-energy-less-stress-perimenopause/
There is also a payment plan option of 3 x fortnightly payments of $300- sign up with payment plan option here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7SM6LV7BA3UTS
If you'd like to have a chat about the program first to find out how it can help and to make sure that it's the best option for you you are very welcome to book a time for a free chat here: https://blossomwellbeing.as.me/pre-program-chat
