Longer lasting periods in perimenopause
Let's talk about perimenopause periods that last longer. Are yours lasting longer than they used to? Are they lasting seven days or more, whereas before they were three or five days? Perimenopause periods can last longer because ovulation, the release of an egg, becomes less reliable naturally as we get older, and this can cause longer periods.
You might have to use more pads or tampons. Blood volume can change, and periods can get heavier or they can get lighter. How heavy or how many days your period lasts is determined by hormonal activity in the first half of the cycle. From days 1 to 14, the body wants you to use up all the eggs and get pregnant.
If ovulation has been spluttering, it's going to ramp up a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (HSH), which ramps up oestrogen levels. So you get this longer follicular phase where the uterus is being lined with blood and therefore longer periods, heavier periods.
If you're not on hormonal contraception, the herb Agnus castus can be useful because it can relieve PMS symptoms like cramps and irritability, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
Perimenopause can also make us less stress resilient because hormonal changes impact the nervous system, and this can be another factor that causes ovulation to become a little bit less reliable.
We know stress impacts ovulation and period length. It's a good idea to track period changes and symptoms as you approach and navigate perimenopause because it's going to tell you what's happening behind the scenes and tell you where to focus your attention and your energy. Passiflora is a lovely herb for stress if you need it. You can get this herb in drops or sprays.
If your periods are heavy or more frequent, or if you're feeling very run down and tired, consider asking your GP to check your iron levels or your stores to make sure everything is okay.
Other topics that you may find helpful:
Perimenopause period changes: What you need to know
