Diagnosis & Treatment of
Menopausal Bleeding
Perimenopause means “around menopause” and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.
Women start perimenopause at different ages. You may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.
The level of estrogen, the main female hormone in your body, rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause. Your menstrual cycles may lengthen or shorten, and you may begin having menstrual cycles in which your ovaries don’t release an egg (ovulate). You may also experience menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness. Treatments are available to help ease these symptoms.
Once you’ve gone through 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, you’ve officially reached menopause, and the perimenopause period is over.
Irregular periods are a hallmark of perimenopause. Most of the time this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, see Dr. Portera if:
Bleeding is extremely heavy — you’re changing tampons or pads every hour or two for several hours
Bleeding lasts longer than seven days.
Bleeding occurs between periods.
Periods regularly occur less than 21 days apart.
Signs such as these may indicate there’s a problem with your reproductive system that requires diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Portera.
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Center for Urinary and Pelvic Disorders
6215 Humphreys Blvd.
Suite 110
Memphis, TN 38120