Menstrual Cycle Variations: Understanding the Impact of Age on Menstruation
Every woman's menstrual cycle is unique, and it can change throughout her lifetime. Here's a guide to understanding the normal variations, potential causes for concern, and when to seek medical advice.
During breastfeeding, many women may not have periods at all. After pregnancy, a woman's period might vary significantly, with some experiencing heavier, longer, or more painful periods, while others see an improvement.
A healthy period typically has a complete menstrual cycle of 24 to 35 days, with monthly bleeding lasting 4 to 8 days, and no more than 80 milliliters (about 2.7 ounces) of blood lost during one period. However, it's important to note that there's no such thing as a "normal period" for every woman, as each cycle can fluctuate.
The levels of hormones in our bodies change during different phases of our lives, causing changes in our periods. For instance, as a woman approaches her late 30s, her periods may become less frequent or less regular, which is perimenopause - the beginning of her body's transition to menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman's period stops completely for 12 consecutive months, usually in her late 40s or early 50s.
Changes in your period could potentially indicate problems with the thyroid, or a number of other medical problems. If monthly bleeding lasts longer than 8 days, soaks through a pad per hour for more than two hours in a row, or there are other significant changes, it could be a cause for concern.
Consistent overexercising or an eating disorder such as anorexia can cause a missed period. A missed period during any decade could be a sign of pregnancy. Extreme stress can also cause a missed period.
If changes occur to your period outside of the aforementioned parameters without an obvious explanation, it is recommended to mention it to your doctor. You should also tell your doctor about any bleeding that occurs in-between periods.
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help determine what "normal" looks like for a woman and bring attention to anything that might be out of whack. Going on or off birth control, or switching birth control methods, can cause changes in the flow or length of a woman's period in her 20s.
The average age at which a girl starts her period is 12, but some girls may not get theirs until their mid-teens. It's essential to remember that every woman's body is different, and it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle.
Lastly, any woman with postmenopausal bleeding should tell her doctor, who may want to evaluate her for endometrial cancer. If you're experiencing any unusual changes in your period, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
