How Your Period Will Change as You Age

For people who menstruate, having a period can feel like both one of the most constant, and one of the most chaotic parts of your life. From the moment that you start your first period as a teenager, right up until the menopause—normally in your late 40s and 50s—having your period becomes a normal part of life. So why is it they often catch you off guard?

Your teens 

This is where it all begins. According to the NHS, most people in the UK tend to experience their first period between the age of 10 and 16. At first, it is typical for teenagers to experience irregular ovulation, and it could even take a few years for you to start experiencing regular, predictable periods – along with regular unwanted side effects such as cramps, PMS, and breast tenderness. These symptoms can be a real pain, but rest assured, they are a normal part of menstruation. 

Your 20s 

For the most part, your 20s should be relatively undramatic in the menstruation department. Typically, your monthly cycle will have become more regular by now, and you'll know what to expect month in, month out. Because you can expect some degree of regularity during this decade, any sudden changes in your menstrual cycle are worth following up with your GP. A sudden heavy flow or a greater intensity of period cramps could both be signs of a bigger issue.  

Your 30s 

Like your 20s, you shouldn't experience anything too out of the ordinary during menstruation in your 30s, so if you experience any unexpected changes during this decade, it's definitely advisable to contact your GP. Endometriosis, for example, is most commonly diagnosed when a woman is in her 30s, so be sure to look out for any of the symptoms, including extremely bad period pain and severe pains during or after sex.  

Your 40s 

During your 40s, you can expect to experience some big changes in your menstrual cycle, as this decade is likely to mark the beginning of perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations. The menopause is a natural part of ageing, and there's no clear-cut age when it begins. For most women in the UK, the menopause is likely to begin between the ages of 45 and 55, with 51 being the most common age according to the NHS.  

In your 40s, therefore, you are likely to experience perimenopausal symptoms caused by oestrogen level fluctuation as your body prepares for the final few years of menstruation.