Women's Hormone Health · Kingwood, The Woodlands & New Caney
Irregular Periods in Perimenopause
Cycles that come early, late, heavy or light are often the first sign of perimenopause. Here is what is happening, what is normal and when to get checked.
Why it happens
Why your cycle changes
During perimenopause, ovulation becomes less regular. Some months estrogen runs high without enough progesterone to balance it, and other months levels drop. The result is cycles that are shorter, longer, heavier, lighter or skipped altogether.
This phase often starts in your 40s and can last several years. Menopause is reached after 12 months in a row without a period.
Common signs
- Cycles shorter or longer than usual
- Skipped periods
- Heavier bleeding or clots
- Spotting between periods
- Worse PMS or breast tenderness
What can help
Ways to feel better
Everyday steps
- Track your cycle, flow and symptoms for a few months
- Keep up iron-rich foods if periods are heavy
- Prioritize sleep and stress management
- Bring your tracking notes to your visit
See a doctor sooner if
- You soak a pad or tampon every hour
- Bleeding lasts more than 7 days
- You bleed after sex or between periods often
- Any bleeding 12 months after your last period
Treatment options
How hormone therapy may help
Irregular bleeding has several possible causes, so we look for thyroid problems, fibroids and other issues first. When hormone shifts are the cause, cyclic progesterone or a tailored hormone plan may help steady your cycle and ease related symptoms.
When symptoms are driven by falling or fluctuating estrogen and progesterone, hormone replacement therapy for women may help. Options include bioidentical estradiol, progesterone and, for some women, low-dose testosterone, delivered as creams, patches, pills or EvexiPEL hormone pellets. Women who still have a uterus need progesterone along with estrogen.
We treat irregular periods for patients from Kingwood, The Woodlands, Porter, Humble and across the Lake Houston area at our New Caney office. Your first visit starts with lab work and a real conversation about your symptoms.
Questions
Common questions
Are irregular periods normal in perimenopause?
Yes, changes in cycle length and flow are very common. Very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause should always be checked.
Can I still get pregnant with irregular periods?
Yes. Pregnancy is still possible until you have gone 12 months without a period, so use contraception if you do not want to become pregnant.