What Do You Need To Know About The Menopause
The menopause is the natural process women go through as they reach a certain age and signals the point when a womans monthly periods have come to an end.
Although reaching the menopause technically means you have had your last ever period, we often use this phrase to describe the lead up to your periods stopping. Periods rarely just stop suddenly, many women experience irregular periods for some time. This might include heavier, more painful periods or lighter, less frequent ones these patterns can go on for a number of years. Every woman is different but you are generally considered to be fully through the menopause after not having a period for at least two years.
Alongside the often irregular periods, many women often experience a whole number of symptoms in the lead up to the menopause as oestrogen begins to drop, this can be anything from hot flushes to joint pain.
On this page I give a quick overview of what the menopause involves and specifically the effects it can have on the menstrual cycle. Visit A.Vogel Talks Menopause for more in-depth information and video blogs from our menopause expert Eileen.
How Do I Know If I Have Pms Symptoms
PMS symptoms usually occur 5-7 days before a girl/womans menstrual period. There are actually a total of 150 known symptoms of PMS. The most common symptoms include: mood swings, breast soreness, bloating, acne, cravings for certain foods, increased hunger and thirst, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea, irritability, and feeling blue or down in the dumps. If you have any of these symptoms and they happen during the week before your period starts and go away when your period arrives or a few days later, you may have PMS. If you feel blue or down in the dumps and these feelings last longer than the week before your period, its probably not related to PMS. In this situation, its particularly important to ask your primary care provider if you should talk to a counselor or therapist.
Since there are so many possible symptoms of PMS, its a good idea to keep track of them. Remember to note if the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Use a period and symptom tracker for 2-3 months and then bring it to your next medical appointment. A record of your symptoms can help your health care provider figure out the best treatment choices for you.
Most Common Symptoms Your Period Is Coming
- Crying for no reason
Acne breakouts Acne breakouts before your period occur in about 50 percent of women. It is common to develop pre-period acne around your chin, jawline, back, and face. When ovulation occurs and does not result in a pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone decline and testosterone increases. Testosterone and other androgens cause sebum production. Sebum is the gland that is responsible for producing oil in the glands. When oil gets into the gland, it causes clogged pores, which then cause acne. Acne usually resolves itself towards the end of your menstrual cycle.Digestive issues Many changes in your body occur due to the rise and fall of hormones your digestion and bowels are no exception. Your digestive tract is close to your reproductive organs. When the uterus contracts, it can also cause contractions in your digestive tract. These contractions may affect the frequency of how often you produce a bowel movement. Other digestive issues you may notice:
- increase in the passing of gas
Lack of energy If pregnancy does not occur, your progesterone and estrogen levels begin to drop rapidly causing fatigue. Often fatigue is associated with lack of sleep and mood changes.Headaches About 50% of women who have periods may experience migraine headaches. Migraines may occur before, during, or after your period. The fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen cause migraines and headaches.
Also Check: Can You Have Your Period While Pregnant
Pads And Panty Liners
Sanitary pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that you stick inside your underwear.
All pads have a sticky strip on the bottom. Thats what attaches the pad to your underwear.
Some have extra material on the sides, known as wings, that you fold over the edges of your underwear. This helps keep the pad in place.
Pads typically need to be changed every four to eight hours, but there isnt a set rule. Simply change it if the material feels sticky or wet.
They come in different sizes. Each size is made to accommodate a different level of bleeding.
Generally speaking, the smaller the pad, the less blood it can hold.
Youll probably use a more absorbent pad at the beginning of your period then switch to something lighter once the bleeding slows down.
You may also find it helpful to wear a heavier pad overnight so you dont have to worry about leakage.
Even the largest pads are still quite thin, so you shouldnt be able to see it through your clothes. If youre worried that people might be able to tell, stick to looser-fit bottoms.
Panty liners are smaller, thinner versions of a sanitary pad.
You may find it helpful to use them a couple of days before your period is supposed to start to prevent accidentally bleeding on your underwear.
You may also want to use panty liners toward the end of your period, as the bleeding may be spotty and unpredictable.
Treatments For Early Pregnancy And Periods
Both early pregnancy and period symptoms are easily managed on your own.
Once youâve found out that you are pregnant, you should learn what to avoid and what to do to help your baby have proper development. Before you try any home remedies, check with your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you and your baby.
To ease pregnancy symptoms, eat healthfully, drink plenty of fluids, and take your prenatal vitamins. Reduce your stress with yoga and meditation. If these remedies do not work, contact your doctor about safe medications to take.
If you have gotten your period and are not pregnant, there are remedies you can try at home to care for your PMS symptoms. These include:
- Exercising regularly through the month
- Eating healthy foods consistently
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Youre Constantly Missing Days Of Pills
Taking a daily pill for birth control is one of the most common forms of contraceptives. But it does, of course, require you to take the pill at the same time every day, which many can miss sometimes. Self reports that forgetting to take your daily pill is fairly common. In fact, the publication notes that data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2017 showed that 15% of women aged 15 to 44 missed one oral contraceptive pill within a month-long period, and 16% missed two or more pills. Many people taking the pill know that they can just take the one they missed the next morning. However, missing more than that means that using a backup contraceptive method is a good idea until youve taken your pills regularly for a full week. And if the latter is something that happens often, thats a lot of stress on your body and peace of mind.
Dr. Samantha M. Dunham, clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Health, told Self that a long-acting reversible contraceptive is all about the set it and forget it course of action. It may require more effort to start up, but requires less effort over time, she said. If youre not good with remembering or setting alarms, for your sanitys sake, a LARC could be the right move.
How Can Herbal Remedies Help
There are some herbal remedies which can help with symptoms of the menopause and the troublesome periods to go with them.
- Agnus castusAgnus castus is a licensed herbal remedy used to help relieve the symptoms of PMS. In the lead up to the menopause your periods might become heavier and more painful than before due to fluctuations in the hormone oestrogen
- Soy isoflavones Our Menopause Support contains an extract of fermented soya beans, providing phytoestrogenic isoflavones to gently support you through the menopause
- Sage Our Menoforce® Sage tablets is a licensed herbal remedy used to relieve excessive sweating and menopausal hot flushes.
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Signs Your Period Is Coming
The body works in mysterious ways to alert you that your period is coming. We dive into some of the different signs so youre never caught off guard.
Even less fun than your actual period is the week or two of symptoms that many of us experience leading up to it. Premenstrual syndrome, which most of us know as PMS, is very common. In fact, nearly half of women experience PMS at some point in their lifetime. And while it looks different in everyone, PMS is thought to be caused by the same thing: fluctuating hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
The signs your period is coming arent the same for every person, and they can even change for an individual from month to month. For some, PMS symptoms are a minor annoyance, but for others, they can be debilitating.
You can always use Flo’s online period calculator to get an idea of when your next period might be due, but it’s also worth delving into some of the physical signs your period may be on its way. That way, you know what to look out for so you dont get caught short without your menstrual product of choice.
Mood Changes Before And During Periods
Many people will experience mood changes just before or during the first few days of their periods. These changes can include being a bit irritable or more sensitive, or feeling angry, anxious or even depressed.
This can be hard for your child and the rest of the family to cope with. Giving your child a bit more privacy and space around this time can make it easier for everyone, without making a big deal about it.
If your childs mood changes are upsetting or disrupting their everyday life, they might like to see a health professional, like the GP.
Recommended Reading: Is It Bad To Not Have A Period
You’ve Recently Had A Big Growth Spurt
What Age Is Menarche
Youll likely get your period between ages 11 and 14. In the U.S., most people experience menarche around 12 and 12 ½. Another way to predict when youll get your period is to think back to when you noticed changes in your breasts . Menarche usually happens 2 to 2 to 2 ½ years after your breasts begin to develop.
You can get your period as early as 9 or as late as 15. Many factors influence when menarche begins, but its common to get your period at around the same time your mother or birthing parent did.
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Your Face Is Breaking Out More Than Usual
What Are Period Symptoms And How Do I Deal With Them
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. Its when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.
Some of the most common PMS symptoms are:
Some people get PMS every time they have their periods. Others only get PMS every once in awhile. You may have all or just some PMS symptoms. And some people don’t get PMS at all. Learn more about PMS.
Cramps are one of the most common symptoms to have before/during your period. They can be super painful, or just a little annoying. You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine . Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help. Learn more about how to deal with cramps.
Certain types of birth control like the pill, shot, implant, and IUD can help with PMS and other period problems. If your PMS is so bad that its hard to do normal activities during your period, talk to an adult you trust or your family doctor. You can also call your local Planned Parenthood health center. You shouldnt have to suffer every month, and they can help you find the cause and get treatment.
Read Also: How To Know If Your Period Is Late
Is A Cycle Always 28 Days
The average cycle is 28 days but, for some women, it is as short as 21 days, for others it is as long as 35 days. When you first start having periods, it can also take a while before your periods develop a regular pattern. Your cycle also changes as you get older.
Your menstruation cycle stops temporarily when you are pregnant. Breastfeeding also affects your cycle. At the end of menopause, your cycle stops permanently.
Breast Pain And Swelling
Do you experience increased pain in your breast before your period starts? Do you notice your breasts are slightly larger before your period?
Before period, some women may experience breast pain and swelling. This is a sign of period coming soon. Some women may have a lump in their breast that disappears after period starts.
Changes in the breast before your period is due to the effect of hormones. Hormones Estrogen and progesterone, will cause your ducts to enlarge and your glands to swell.
In women with a 28-day menstrual cycle, breast tenderness usually occurs 4 days before period .
What to do?
- Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can ease your breast pain
- If your breast pain is persistent, you should talk to your doctor
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When Will I Get My First Period
Find out if you’re displaying the common signs of starting your period.
Can’t see the quiz?
As they approach their teenage years, most girls start to wonder when their periods might start. Some look forward to this moment as a sign that they are really growing up. Others are a little nervous about how they will feel, or how they might manage their period. Either way, it can be good to know whether you are likely to get your period soon.
With periods usually starting between the ages of 10-16 years, it can be hard to predict when your first period will arrive. However, your body will probably start to show some tell-tale signs when your first period is on its way. “Puberty has a predictable pattern,” explains GP Dr Jeff Foster. “Understanding the significance of different signs such as breast development, vaginal discharge, pubic hair and underarm hair can give us an indication about whether a first period is likely to occur soon.”
How To Know When Your Next Period Is Coming
Firstly, you need to know your average cycle length. For this, check the first date when you get your periods.
Add up the number of days between the first day you get your periods and the day before you get your next period. Do this for a number of cycles.
Next, divide the sum total of days by the number of cycles. The result is your average cycle length. Now you can count when your next period is due by counting the average cycle length starting from the last day of your previous cycle.
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Wondering Why You Always Feel A Little Strange When Your Period Is About To Arrive Well Thats Your Bodys Alarm Bell Ringing To Indicate That Aunt Flo Is Round The Corner
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What is the most common way to keep a tab on your period? Well, you could either go by the date of your last period or you could take the help of an app. But what if we tell you that you dont need anything of this sort? Yes, your body has its ways of telling you when your period is round the corner.
Basically, these signs show up because of cyclic changes in your hormones. Your body starts to experience some hormonal fluctuations that may cause these signs to appear. Also, chemical changes in the brain, like fluctuation in serotonin , can also cause premenstrual signs .
According to Dr Aruna Kalra, senior gynaecologist and obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, these signs are very common. Almost 90 percent of females experience PMS signs a few days before the start of their menstrual cycle. However, the signs and symptoms may vary from woman to woman. Some experience mild signs, while others have severe PMS signs.
But what are these signs?
Here are 10 signs that knock at your door when youre about to have your period
1. Abdominal cramps
Abdominal cramps is the first sign that you will notice. It means your periods are going to ring the doorbell anytime soon. These cramps are caused due to uterine contractions. These contractions play a critical part in shedding the inner lining of the uterus, when theres no pregnancy. These cramps usually show up one to two days before your period.
2. Acne
3. Sore or heavy breasts