Irregular Periods

Irregular periods are probably the first sign of menopause that you will encounter. It marks the beginning of a perimenopause period. This menstrual cycle becomes erratic, large clots or even missed. It is entirely normal as to have these irregular periods as your body is undergoing menopause changes. If you do not expect to be pregnant, you can do first try to do a follicle stimulating count (FSH) test to determine the state of your hormones. Look for additional symptoms that will likely to appear later such as hot flashes.

If your FSH count is high, it means that that you are in perimenopause. The pituitary hormone FSH rises as it tries to compensate the reduction in progesterone production by pushing the ovaries to make more estrogen. Sometimes it overshoots resulting in too much estrogen. These drastic changes are the cause of irregular periods during menopause and can continue for years.

Not all irregular periods are due to perimenopause. There are other factors that can contribute to this problem and as such, a visit to your doctor can tell you why really cause it so that the correct treatment can be administered. If the cause is menopause, you should be prepared for the other symptoms to appear. As your two important hormones, estrogen and progesterone changes, so does your periods. Some women even experience heavy bleeding due to this changing of hormone levels.

Watch out if your irregular periods and bleeding is not a typical abnormality of menopause. You should visit your doctor as heavy bleeding can also be an indicator of ovarian disease or even cancer. Take note of longer that usual menstrual duration and if there is associated pain on your body. These will require a doctor examination.

Some women may be tempted to go for a surgery to alleviate the irregular periods but it is better to be left as last resort option. You can try to seek alternative treatment to help you go through the menopause years. As the irregularities are most probably caused by hormone changes, herbs that have estrogen like properties and ability to balance the hormones may offer safer solution compared to hysterectomy.

You are considered to be fully menopausal once you have not had any bleeding for consecutive period of 12 months. However, any bleeding after being fully menopause should be checked out by your doctor. It may be the first sign of uterine fibroid tumors or even cancerous cells. If identified early, it usually can be controlled. It is important for you to routinely have a pap smear test even after menopause.

Herbs that can help in dealing with irregular periods often target to restore your hormonal imbalance. Dong quai, chaste tree, black cohosh, garden sage and cinnamon are just some of the list of herbs that may be appropriate to assist you in dealing with irregular periods.

Irregular periods are the first sign that your body is telling you to get ready for menopause. Take this opportunity to educate yourself on the other symptoms that will likely to follow suit. Talk to your doctor early so that he or she can advise you on what to expect before, during and after menopause.