Irregular Periods and Our Hormonal Changes

Irregular periods are often one of the first signs that we are on our MidLife-Journey towards menopause and this symptom may be more than just inconvenient.

Did you know that most women will experience irregular periods for three to ten years before they stop completely. In fact, only 10% of women reach menopause without any.

For Women in Business, suffering with irregular periods plus the compound effect of the other 39 changes is particularly challenging, with 51% of women reporting they take time away from their business or career due to PeriMenopausal and Menopausal symptoms.

MY IRREGULAR PERIODS STORY

I wished I had taken more notice of my irregular periods rather than update my diary without thinking about it.

So I had my menopause age 40 and the earliest sign was my irregular periods. I was so busy I did not stop thinking about what my body was trying to signal to me. So my body was telling me my menopause was just less period away…

WHAT CAUSES IRREGULAR PERIODS?

The normal length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this varies between individuals. Irregular periods are when the length of the cycle is more than 35 days, or if the duration varies.

Before menopause, women often have periods that can be irregular, and the amount of blood shed may vary. Menopause occurs when 12 months have passed since the woman’s last menstrual period. After the menopause, a woman will no longer have periods but during that peri-menopausal stage your periods may last for longer. They may be more painful, have larger gaps between cycles or indeed you may bleed for longer.

During perimenopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels start to decline as our ovaries prepare to stop producing these hormones completely. Oestrogen is responsible for thickening the wall lining of our uterus before ovulation. Therefore as levels start to fluctuate, this lining is often shed irregularly and can lead to heavy bleeding and sometimes painful cramping.

It is progesterone that is responsible for triggering the lining of our uterus to be shed, if fertilisation hasn’t taken place. It is also responsible for controlling the intensity and duration of our menstrual bleeding. When progesterone declines it can cause irregular periods.

During this time of life as hormone production decreases, you may experience PMS and not get a period. It can be a very confusing time, but as you know your body the best don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

HOW TO MANAGE IRREGULAR PERIODS

Therefore it is important to learn to be kind to your hormones. We can benefit from having healthy meal plans that promote our hormone balance, which is key to irregular period treatment.

Using my MidLife Resilience System will help you regain control over your health and above all give you the tools to feel empowered as we move through our perimenopause and menopause transition.

MIDLIFE-BODY

• Food – Eat a balanced meal plan containing protein, fruit, vegetables and complex carbs
• Vitamin A – Helps to keep the wall lining of the uterus healthy to stimulate regular shedding
• B Vitamins – Effective in preventing irregular periods. B6 helps correct irregular blood circulation and restore hormonal imbalance. B9 reduces pain of menstrual cramping. B12 plays a major role in healthy blood circulation
• Vitamin E – Helps minimise pain of heavy menopausal periods by reducing menstrual blood loss and cramping
• Vitamin K – Increasing intake can help to reduce heavy bleeding during irregular periods and can minimise appearance of menstrual blood clots
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Are beneficial in regulating hormones and menstrual patterns

MIDLIFE-SELFCARE

• Calm – Relaxation is key if experiencing irregular periods as stress can compound them. Relax in a warm bath or shower with essential oils like lavender
• Sleep – Get good quality sleep to help your body repair & refresh
• Triggers – Reduce intake of sugar and caffeine as both can disrupt your cycle. High blood sugar can put your hormones even more off balance and caffeine increases blood flow temporarily, so can make already heavy periods worse

IRREGULAR PERIODS SUMMARY

Only 10% of women reach menopause without any irregular periods.

Irregular periods are when the length of the cycle is more than 35 days, or if the duration varies.

Use my MidLife Resilience Coaching Boost below or Watch my Video to help manage irregular periods, with the focus on Food, Movement and Self-Care so you Feel Stronger.

KEEPING WOMEN IN BUSINESS…

Are you a Woman in Business who wants to manage your irregular periods before they impact You, Your Family and Your Business?

Do you want to know more about the “40 Changes To Accept Over 40″ that happen as you transition through PeriMenopause and Menopause?

Therefore you have three choices to learn more about My Mission of Keeping Women In Business through Change & Growth:

• Join my Complimentary Coach and Club Webinar and experience Group Coaching including your own “40 Changes” MidLife Resilience Assessment to complete ahead of the webinar on the 8th February…
• Book a Complimentary Consultation with me including your own MidLife Resilience Assessment to complete ahead of our Coaching Session at a time that suits you…
• Or register to join The Women in Business MidLife Club which includes Your Personal Club Welcome Session & MidLife Resilience Review, The Women in Business MidLife Club” on a Private Intranet Site & Smart Phone App and Personal Coaching Sessions via video to agree Coaching Plans and Review Progress…