Duration periods on premenopausal : what do you need to know ?

Écrit par Kevin Calatayud
le 23/01/2025

The premenopause brings several aspects of women's health to the fore, including fluctuations in the length and regularity of menstrual periods. During this phase, menstrual cycles can become unpredictable, unexpectedly lengthening or shortening, and flow can vary from light to very heavy. These variations, caused by significant hormonal changes, can lead to confusion and concern about the duration of premenopausal periods.

Menstruation generally lasts between 3 and 7 days. The duration of premenopausal periods can vary from one woman to another, and even from one cycle to the next. A shorter or longer flow can be influenced by factors such as hormones, stress, diet and age. If your periods last less than 2 days or more than 8 days on a regular basis, this may be a sign of hormonal imbalance requiring medical consultation.

premenopause and menstruation every 15 days

Understanding these changes is essential to managing this transition in a woman’s life. This article aims to shed light on the premenopause, its impact on the menstrual cycle, the causes of these changes, the associated symptoms, and proposes solutions to better cope with this period.

What is perimenopause or premenopause ?

Perimenopause, also known as premenopause, is the transition to menopause. It differs from menopause, characterized by theabsence of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months. During perimenopause, menstrual cycles continue, but may become irregular. This phase generally begins in the mid-forties, with an average age of around 47.5 years, although the exact age may vary from one woman to another.

Several factors, including heredity, smoking and certain medical treatments, can influence the age at which perimenopause begins. Its duration also varies, but generally lasts between four and eight years. During this period, estrogen levels gradually decline, leading to hormonal fluctuations and various symptoms.

Understanding these elements is essential to better manage this phase of a woman’s life and recognize the changes occurring in her body.

The impact of perimenopause on the menstrual cycle

Hormonal fluctuations and their effects on menstruation

The perimenopause is marked bysignificant hormonal fluctuations, which have a considerable influence on the menstrual cycle. The gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, produced by the ovaries, leads to significant hormonal variations.

These variations affect ovulation and the menstrual cycle, causing menstrual irregularities. The hormones estrogen and progesterone, essential for a regular cycle, are secreted less consistently, disrupting the usual rhythm of the cycle.

Changes in cycle frequency and duration

Menstrual cycles can become irregular during perimenopause, with changes in frequency and duration. Some women experience shorter cycles, reduced to 21 or 24 days, leading to more frequent menstruation.

Others may experience longer cycles, extending to 35 days or more, spacing their periods further apart. This irregularity makes it difficult to predict the date of the next period.

Variations in menstrual flow: heavier or lighter

Menstrual flow can also vary significantly, becoming either heavier and more prolonged, lighter or spotting for up to 10 days.

These changes are linked to hormonal fluctuations and the reaction of the uterine lining to them. Understanding these variations in cycle and menstrual flow is essential to better manage perimenopause.

The causes

Perimenopause is often seen as a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it can be influenced by a variety of factors. Let’s explore the main causes that can affect this hormonal transition.

The natural decline in the number of eggs : in the ovaries is a major cause of perimenopause. This phenomenon reduces the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, essential for menstrual cycles and fertility.

Medical conditions and certain treatments: certain treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy (especially if they target the pelvis, abdomen and lower spine), can induce early menopause by damaging the ovaries and stopping hormone production.

Genetic factors also play a key role: chromosomal abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome or fragile X syndrome, can cause early menopause. A family history of early menopause can also increase the risk of experiencing this phase earlier.

Autoimmune diseases : causing the body to attack its own tissues, including the ovaries, can lead to early menopause. Metabolic disorders and certain viral infections, such as mumps, are other factors to consider.

Lifestyle also has an influence: smoking can accelerate the onset of perimenopause. Surgery, such as removal of the ovaries, is also a direct cause of early menopause.

Understanding these causes offers women the opportunity to better prepare for and manage the changes associated with perimenopause.

Symptoms associated with menstrual changes

Exacerbated premenstrual syndrome

Perimenopause can intensify premenstrual syndrome (PMS), significantly impacting daily life. The drop in estrogen and progesterone levels aggravates PMS symptoms, leading to mood swings,irritability, fatigue and changes in menstrual flow. Some women may also experience new symptoms or an intensification of pre-existing symptoms, such as increased abdominal pain or tender breasts.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flushes and night sweats are among the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause, resulting from hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen levels. The hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature-regulating center, wrongly perceives this drop as overheating the body, causing hot flushes and night sweats. The latter can be extremely disruptive, wetting clothes and bedding and interrupting sleep.

Sleep and mood disorders

Sleep disturbances and mood swings are also common during perimenopause. Hot flushes and night sweats can disrupt sleep and cause night-time awakenings, often leading to insomnia. Hormonal fluctuations can also induce stress, anxiety and other mood disorders, such as depression and mood swings, making it difficult to maintain restful sleep and affecting emotional balance.

Solutions to help you get through this period

To better manage perimenopause and reduce its symptoms, we recommend adopting a number of strategies and lifestyle changes. Discover practical and effective solutions below.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables such as berries, kiwis, broccoli and carrots, is essential. These foods, rich in antioxidants, help combat skin aging and other symptoms. Wholefoods such as brown rice, quinoa and lentils are sources of fiber, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and curb cravings. Consuming quality proteins, such as sardines, poultry and tofu, is essential for tissue regeneration and maintaining muscle mass.

Regular physical exercise

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining muscle mass, managing stress and improving sleep quality. It can also prevent menopause-related illnesses such as osteoporosis.

Stress and sleep management

Adopting stress management techniques such as meditation, relaxation and acupuncture can help. It’s also a good idea to aim for 8 hours of restful sleep a night, for good hormonal and emotional balance.

Use of supplements and medicinal plants

Certain plants and supplements, such as sage, chaste tree, cimicifuga and shatavari, can relieve various perimenopausal symptoms. Micronutrients such as magnesium, omega-3s and calcium, in combination with vitamin D, are also beneficial.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

HRT can be considered to compensate for hormonal deficiency and relieve symptoms, in various forms such as pills, patches, gels or implants. A medical consultation is required to assess suitability and adjust doses.

Consultation with health professionals

It’s essential to consult a gynecologist or general practitioner on a regular basis for personalized follow-up. They can offer detailed advice, manage symptoms and adjust treatments as required, as well as referring you to other specialists if necessary.

By implementing these solutions and taking good care of yourself, you can make the most of perimenopause and maintain your general well-being.

Conclusion

The menopause period, characterized by hot flashes, menstrual irregularities, mood swings and other physical and emotional symptoms, marks a significant transition in a woman’s life cycle. Navigating through this phase, which can last several years, requires a comprehensive understanding of hormonal changes and management tailored to your health needs. Adopting a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular physical activity, and managing stress well are essential strategies to ease this transition. It’s also important not to neglect sleep, and to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized assessment. He or she can recommend treatments, including hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision, the use of herbal remedies or other supplements, to help you get through this period and maintain your general well-being.