February 19, 2025

Demystifying Your Irregular Periods by Introducing You to Perimenopause

Understanding Irregular Periods A Guide to Perimenopause
Photo: Unsplash.com

By: John Glover (MBA)

“I’m late.”

Those two words instill a variety of emotions within women when they’re talking about their period. From a young age, women are often taught that their menstrual cycle should arrive like clockwork every month. But – as anyone who has lived through the ups and downs of womanhood knows – Mother Nature isn’t always so predictable. Irregular periods, while sometimes alarming, are your body’s way of indicating that it’s changing; some natural, others that might require more attention.

Many women will experience an irregular period during their lifetime. According to the National Institutes for Health, 14% to 25% of women experience irregular periods. These could be shorter or longer periods or a heavier or lighter flow during their menstrual cycle. This number doesn’t even include the average irregularities that occur due to minuscule factors such as stress or a fluctuation in diet.

Despite how common irregular periods are, the lack of awareness and normalization around them leaves many women feeling isolated and uncertain. Conversations about irregular periods should be introduced when young girls first learn about menstruation. If more women understood that their cycles don’t have to be perfectly predictable, we could reduce the anxiety that often accompanies changes in menstrual health.

“Irregular periods don’t always have to mean something is wrong. Your menstrual cycle can fluctuate for a variety of reasons such as weight loss or gain, starting a new medication, or even something as simple as stress. A woman’s body is complex and oftentimes, it feels like it has a mind of its own,” says Proov CEO Amy Beckley.

Now, of all things concerning women’s health, people find discussing periods to be relatively easy comparative to the rest. The problem is: This comfort surrounding periods has unfortunately minimized the discussion and knowledge around other reproductive health issues many women experience.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a medical condition that is defined as the transition into menopause. As estrogen levels begin to decrease, women can begin experiencing menopause-like symptoms as they progress into menopause. One of those symptoms includes: irregular periods.

“However, there are times where an irregular period might need some additional monitoring,” notes Beckley.

It’s important to understand that an irregular period doesn’t always mean there is something to be alarmed about. Too often, there’s a stigma or mystification around the changes that come with aging, particularly when it comes to menopause.

“Irregularity in your menstrual cycle can be an indication of perimenopause – the transition to menopause. During this transition, it is not uncommon to see changes in your cycle. With your hormone levels fluctuating and the end of your menstruation cycle approaching, it is almost expected that your cycle will become more sporadic; whether that be longer flows, heavier periods, or no period at all. That doesn’t mean you need to be concerned. This is a natural cycle for women and so long as it is managed effectively, it should not feel like a hindrance in your life.”

Irregular periods due to perimenopause are entirely normal. They simply represent a shift in your reproductive health as your body gradually prepares for the end of your menstrual cycles. Be mindful to monitor those changes and note anything of serious concern, but do not work yourself up over something a little reading and advice could help.

Fluctuations in your menstrual cycle – particularly during perimenopause – are normal and should not become a source of stress and worry. As Beckley highlights, “This is a natural cycle for women, and so long as it is managed effectively, it should not feel like a hindrance in your life.”

Your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your body’s changing needs. Sometimes, it can be challenging to recognize when your body is in need of attention or if it is just experiencing normal transitions. Whether it’s stress, medication, or the onset of perimenopause, irregular periods are a part of many women’s lives. Knowing when to seek advice and normalizing these changes can help empower women to navigate their health with confidence.

Published by: Martin De Juan

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