Why menstruation cycle changes

You may also experience hot flashes, sleep issues, vaginal dryness, urinary issues and emotional changes. Most women will experience menopause in their 50s. The average age of menopause is 51 and a normal range is between ages A good indicator of when you may begin menopause is when your mother did. Other factors that can impact age of menopause include the number of babies you have women with more babies tend to have later menopause , tobacco users may have menopause earlier and ethnicity can impact age of menopause.

African American and Hispanic women tend to have earlier menopause than Caucasian women. If you experience bleeding after menopause, let your doctor know right away. It could be a sign of something serious like uterine cancer. Although your menstrual cycle can change over time, alert you doctor if you notice any of these potentially serious symptoms :. Your menstrual cycle can tell you a lot about your overall health.

If at any time you experience any unusual symptoms or sudden changes to your cycle, let your doctor know. Jeffrey Fitzer, M. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Kaunitz A, et al. Approach to abnormal uterine bleeding in nonpregnant reproductive-age women. Accessed March 22, Welt C, et al. Evaluation of the menstrual cycle and timing of ovulation. Barrett KE, et al. In: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology.

New York, N. Hammer GD, et al. Disorders of the female reproductive tract. Melmed S, et al. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Philadelphia, Pa. See also 3 diet changes women over 50 should make right now Asthma and menstruation Belly fat in women Breast-feeding nutrition: Tips for moms Ovulation Caffeine and menopause symptoms Diabetes and menopause Fitness tips for menopause Headaches and hormones Menopause hormone therapy: Follow-up appointments?

A woman isn't in menopause until her periods have ceased for at least a year. Whatever your age, remember that your period offers a lot of insight into overall health. So if you experience any unusual symptoms, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor, says Dr.

Highly irregular periods or drastic changes to your flow may be a sign of thyroid issues, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or a number of other treatable health concerns. To get more sexual health content delivered to you inbox, sign up for our newsletter. By Kristine Thomason Updated June 27, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Save Pin FB More. All rights reserved. A period that comes every cycle at exactly the same time is not the norm.

But even outside of those times, slight variations in timing and symptoms are common. If you are stressed out during the first half of your cycle, for example, your ovulation may happen a couple of days later than usual. This will cause certain symptoms such as sore breasts to happen later as well. Your period will also then be a couple of days late 1. They can be caused by changes in your environment, behavior, or health, including things like diet and exercise, sleep changes and jetlag and smoking 3,4.

Slight changes in your cycle length, period length, and period volume are also normal over time 1. Menstrual cycles are caused by the rhythmic ups and downs of your reproductive hormones, and the physical changes those ups and downs cause. They trigger the growth of follicles in the ovaries, the release of an egg ovulation and the growth and shedding of the uterine lining the period.

The reproductive hormones include estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and others. In a way, hormones in the menstrual cycle act a bit like they are in a relay race. As the cycle moves forward, one hormone often triggers the next, which then triggers the next, moving the cycle through its different phases. Having more or less of certain hormones will create changes in the pace and timing of the cycle.

Regular mid-cycle spotting may be caused by ovulation 1. Any unpredictable spotting or continual changes to period length should be addressed with a healthcare provider 8.

If the majority of your cycles fall outside these ranges, read more here.