How does your period change as you grow older?
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveFrom
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.
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. If you
suffer from particularly painful cramps, or experience feelings of depression
during PMS, you should contact your GP to rule out any potential underlying
health concerns.
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.
Another factor typical of people in their 20s is the use of birth
control. During this stage of life, many women might not be thinking about
having children, therefore, birth control can dictate how you experience your
periods during your 20s. An intrauterine device (IUD), for example,
can result in heaver
periods and more intense pain (although this often improves after the first
few months), whereas the combined pill can result in more
regular periods, but have also been found to have an impact on some women's
mental
well-being. Be sure to consult your GP and do extensive research to find
the type of contraception best suited to you.
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.
Another factor that many women have to take into account
during their 30s is pregnancy. This is the most common life stage for couples
to try for a baby, and with pregnancy, comes a complete upheaval in your
menstrual cycle. When you're pregnant, you can expect your regular period to
vanish into thin air. However, although it isn't technically a period, many
women experience vaginal bleeding during their pregnancy and new mums often
experience postpartum bleeding after giving birth – maternity towels can help
you to manage this.
Everyone is different, and each new mum will see their
periods begin to return at different stages after giving birth – according
to the NHS, this could be as soon as five to six weeks after labour. For
mums who are breastfeeding, periods may not return until after they've stopped
breastfeeding. This is because the hormones that your body uses to make
breast milk can affect the hormones that control your periods.
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. At this stage, fluctuations
in your hormones can cause irregular periods, a heavier flow, longer
occurrences of PMS, and spotting in between periods. Although all of these
changes are completely normal during this life stage, you should still be on
the lookout for any major irregularities that you think go further than
perimenopausal symptoms and consult your doctor to be on the safe side.
The characterising feature of menstruation in your 40s is
likely to be a frustrating irregularity. Your periods can become almost
impossible to predict, with your flow changing dramatically month by month.
Even during this time of fluctuation and irregularity, however, it is still
possible to fall pregnant, so be sure to still think about your birth control
options if you're not planning on having a baby at this point.
Your 50s
When you reach your 50s, it's time to prepare for all things
menopause. Lots of things are going to change during this time, and you should
prepare yourself for menopausal symptoms while remembering that they are
completely normal and shouldn't cause alarm. Typical symptoms of the menopause
can include:
·
Hot flushes
·
Mood swings
·
Fatigue
·
Vaginal dryness
·
Night sweats
·
Fluctuations in sexual desire
·
Achiness
·
Bladder issues
·
Extremely heavy periods
·
Headaches
Needless to say, this stage can be difficult to get
accustomed to and the symptoms can really disrupt your day-to-day life.
However, they are all completely natural and shouldn't ring any major alarm
bells unless you feel that your symptoms are highly unusual.
It all seems like a lot to wrap your head around, but so
long as you know what to expect (even when it is to expect the unexpected)
you'll be able to prepare as best you can for the next stage of your menstrual
cycle. What's more, knowing what to expect from your period at various stages
of life makes it easier to spot any serious irregularities for which you should
seek medical attention. Ultimately, everyone's body is unique, and although the
idea of all these changes may seem daunting – especially for teenagers who’ve
just started menstruating – you'll soon grow accustomed to your own cycle and
be ready for anything it throws at you!
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Created on Apr 28th 2021 10:07. Viewed 389 times.