ne month it’s early. The next, it’s late. Then suddenly… nothing at all. These unpredictable changes are part of the many types of periods during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. It’s when your cycle starts to change without a heads-up.
Before this, you’ve mostly known what to expect from your body. You knew when your period’s due, how heavy it’ll be, how long it’ll last. But now, nothing’s the same. Your hormones are changing, your body’s reacting differently, and suddenly it feels like you’re figuring it all out from scratch again.
The tricky part? No two people go through perimenopause the same way, which can leave you confused and lonely, feeling like no one understands you. So, to help you feel a little more in control (and a lot less alone), here’s a breakdown of the different types of periods during perimenopause, why they happen, and what makes it different for everyone.
Why am I spotting between periods?
You’re not on your period, but there’s a tiny spot of blood on your underwear. It’s actually pretty common. Research shows that around 67% of perimenopausal women experience spotting that lasts more than 6 days.
As estrogen and progesterone rise and fall unpredictably during perimenopause, the lining of your uterus starts to shed at random times, showing up as spotting. If you’ve had a history of irregular periods, used hormonal birth control in the past, or are going through big lifestyle changes (like weight loss, new workout routine, or lots of stress), you might be more likely to notice spotting. Even simple things like travelling across time zones, catching a cold, or going through emotional stress can be enough to cause it.
If you’re spotting more regularly, check in with your doctor to make sure it’s not fibroids or polyps, which are very common during perimenopause. And while you figure it out, manage spotting with Nua’s everyday panty liners. They’re made for daily use, safe on all skin types, and super soft.
Why is my period suddenly so heavy?
According to studies, 34% of perimenopausal women experience 3 or more days of heavy bleeding. This happens because estrogen levels shoot up higher than progesterone, making the uterine lining grow thicker than usual. When it finally sheds, boom, it’s heavier than ever.
You’re more likely to experience this if you’ve always had heavy periods, recently gained weight, have high BMI, skipped a cycle (leading to more buildup), or have conditions like endometriosis that worsen with hormonal changes. Stress and poor sleep can also throw your hormones off balance, making the bleeding feel more intense.
For heavy flow days, Nua’s zero irritation pads are built with a 50% wider back and high absorbency while still being thin to keep you protected and irritation-free. And if those aren’t enough, Nua’s 360° Comfort Period Panties offer leak-proof protection that holds up to 4 pads’ worth of flow.
Why does my period blood look brown now?
Brown or dark red blood is usually just older blood that took its time to leave your body, and during perimenopause, that’s completely normal. Since your cycle isn’t running on a fixed schedule anymore, your uterus might not shed its lining as quickly or as fully as it used to. That’s why brown blood can start showing up more often.
Things like low physical activity, sitting for long hours, digestive issues, or even natural body differences like a tilted uterus can slow things down and cause that older blood to appear. That’s why some people experience this more than others...........continue
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