Many women (approx. one in three) experience heavier periods during perimenopause, also known as menorrhagia. The requirement to change sanitary products more frequently and double protect becomes a necessity as leaking accidents and unexpected gushes can occur, often at the most inconvenient times.
For menopausal women, menorrhagia usually happens between the ages of 42 and 53. The reason is mainly due to the body releasing higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in an attempt to maintain normal ovulation as the number of mature eggs in the ovaries has decreased. The body reacts to this by producing more estrogen causing the uterus wall to thicken, resulting in heavier periods.
Along with heavy flow, the blood can be darker, persistent and contain large blood clots during these periods. Other physical symptoms may include extreme bouts of tiredness and cramping. Some women may need to take iron supplements to replenish levels due to blood loss. As time goes on, our estrogen levels start to drop and the uterus walls begin to get thinner. Periods become less frequent until they stop altogether.
It’s comforting to know that heavy periods are normal for some women prior to menopause but if you are experiencing unusual symptoms like excessive bleeding, frequent mid-cycle spotting or would like to manage the heavy flow with HRT therapy, it is recommended to talk to your doctor.
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