Menopause means the end of the menstrual cycle. Menopause is when you have gone 12 months without a period. It usually takes place between the age of 45 to 55. The period between menopause is known as perimenopause.

The symptoms of perimenopause can last from the age of 1 to 10. During this period, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are in flux.

This shift can be erratic by affecting the ovulation and the rest of your cycle. You might notice different things like irregular periods, different bleeding patterns, and missing periods.

Other symptoms of perimenopause are:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• sleep troubles
• memory issues
• difficulty urinating
• vaginal dryness
• changes in sexual desire or satisfaction

Here are the things which you can expect from your periods and also what can you do to manage the symptoms of perimenopause:

Spotting between the periods

If you notice the blood on your underwear between the periods, which doesn’t require the use of the tampon or the pads, it is likely to spot. Usually, the spotting results from the changing hormones and the endometrium buildup of your body.

If you are regularly spotting the blood every two weeks, it might signify a hormones imbalance. In that condition, you can consult with the health care provider.

What can you do?

First of all, keep a diary with you to track the periods. The diary includes information like when the period starts, how long they last, and how heavy they are.

If you are worried about leaks and stains, consider wearing the panty liners. You can easily find disposable panty liners at most of the drug stores. They are in a variety of materials and lengths.

You can also use reusable liners like the Lunapads. They are made of fabric, and you can easily reuse them.

Abnormally heavy bleeding

Your urine lining builds when the estrogen levels are more than the progesterone levels. This will result in heavier bleeding during the period, and the lining sheds.

It might also cause a skipped period by causing a lining to build up by creating heavy bleeding.

You can know the bleeding is heavy if it:

• soak through the one pad or tampon an hour for the several hours
• requires double protection like the pad or tampon for controlling the flow
• makes you change the tampon or pad during the sleep
• last longer than the average period

When the bleeding is heavy, it can last for a more extended period. It will also disrupt your daily life.

You may feel uncomfortable exercising and carrying on with your regular tasks. Heavy bleeding can also cause fatigue and also increases the risk of other diseases.

What can you do?

You may know that taking ibuprofen during the period can help in menstrual cramps. It can help reduce the flow up to 30 per cent if you take it during heavy bleeding.

It will be best to take 200 mg every four to six hours during the day. You can consult with the healthcare provider if the pain continues.

Some women might have a family or a medical history that discourages hormones in the perimenopausal period.

Dark or brown blood

The colours of the blood during the menstrual flow might be changed. It might seem red or dark brown. It generally occurs at the end of the period. Brown or dark blood are considered as the sign of the old blood flowing out of the body.

You might also notice a change in the texture of the discharge of blood. The release might be watery and thin. It might also be thick and clumpy.

What can you do?

First of thing is it will be better to consult with the doctor. The main reason for the change in the colour of the blood is the number of times it takes to cycle out of the body.

But not every time! Sometimes, it might also be a sign of other underlying conditions. It might also be the infection if there is a foul order to the vagina discharge.

Shorter cycles

Your uterine lining will be thinner if your estrogen levels are low. It might result in lighter bleeding and last only for a few days. It is a common problem in the earlier stage of perimenopause.

What can you do?

You can use leakage protection like pads, liners or period underwear if you are worried about the unpredictable and short period.

When to see your doctor?

In some of the cases, bleeding might be a sign of other underlying conditions.

See your doctor if you are experiencing the following things:

• heavy bleeding due to which you have to change your tampon or pad every hour
• bleeding last more than the seven days
• bleeding that cannot be spotted happens more frequently more than every three weeks