CHANGES IN YOUR CYCLE CAN INDICATE THAT PERIMENOPAUSE HAS ARRIVED

As you hit your mid/late thirties slash early forties, your periods start to become a little less predictable. Maybe it’s nothing crazy, just a day early or late, but gradually they may become more erratic. You might notice they're coming closer together, but never really think anything of it. However, this change can often mean one thing: the onset of peri.

Perimenopause is a period of hormone fluctuations lasting anywhere from a year to over a decade, before reaching the final menstrual period (a.k.a menopause, which occurs at an average age of 51).

"In the beginning, it's very subtle changes to the cycle length"

"Changes in the menstrual cycle often happen well before you start to have mood swings or any of the things that are classically associated with perimenopause," says Dr. Sharon Malone of Alloy Women's Health. "It's very subtle changes in the cycle length."

At any given moment in peri your estrogen levels can be high, and the next they can be low. Progesterone can be low as well. These hormone fluctuations are what cause the new variations in cycle.

And it's not just your calendar that changes. Your flow can change as well. Your previously heavy periods may become lighter or can go the complete opposite way and get alarmingly heavy. Again, it depends on the individual, and always speak to a doctor about any health concerns.

A change in cycle is often the first indicator of peri, but not always

A change in cycle is often the first indicator of peri, but not always. Sometimes your periods won’t change at all, but you can start having other signs of peri such as extreme moods, itchy skin, achy joints, night sweats, and sleep issues, such as waking up annoyingly early. There are soooo many peri signs and it’s really good to get familiar with them, so you don’t waste time trying 17 different detergents to alleviate your itchy skin, for example.

Due to the aforementioned hormones in flux, a single blood test will not diagnose peri. A blood test might be done to rule out other issues (such as thyroid dysfunction), but peri is ultimately figured out based on your list of symptoms. Talk to your doctor to confirm, of course, or find a practitioner in the NAMS database.

The Perisphere is not medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.