Improved support about menstruation changes during perimenopause

The research, published in Post Reproductive Health, highlighted how as women approach the menopause, their periods may become unpredictable, heavy and cause worse premenstrual symptoms – including mood swings, breast tenderness and headaches.

The team of researchers from the UCL EGA Institute of Women’s Health and Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, interviewed 31 perimenopausal women aged between 40 and 55, who lived in the UK.

Premenstrual symptoms were also described as being more intense and lasting much longer than before. This ranged from new feelings of anxiety, to uncontrollable mood swings, and generally longer periods of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Almost all of the women spoke of having unpredictable periods that accompanied the perimenopause – including changes in cycle length, period duration and the amount of blood flow. This was the case even if their periods had been regular throughout the rest of their lives.

Most women stated that due to these constant and unpredictable changes, it was challenging to commit to plans, in case they coincided with a period that would leave them unable to cope (either emotionally or physically) outside of their home.

Reference: Perimenopausal women’s voices: how does their period at the end of reproductive life affect wellbeing? ; Post Reproductive Health, DOI: 10.1177/20533691231216162