weir: heavy periods not often talked about
conversations about irregular bleeding are important so that women know what to expect.
2 minute read
shirley weir is the founder of menopause chicks
the stereotypical indicator of menopause is hot flashes. and while it is true that many women will experience hot flashes as a result of decreasing estrogen in the final year of perimenopause (the 12 period-free months leading up to menopause), the most common perimenopause experience is irregular bleeding.
when women are unaware of this probable change, it causes concern. women sometimes believe they have a serious health condition, like cancer, or head to the emergency room.
perimenopause is a phase of life leading up to menopause that includes hormone fluctuations. as progesterone fluctuates (also referred to as estrogen dominance), the first change women often experience is changes to their monthly periods. this means that sometimes periods get heavier, lighter, shorter, less predictable or more frequent.
what’s interesting is that although this is a common experience, but it isn’t commonly talked about. in fact, according to the international menopause society, 70% of gynecological visits are due to heavy bleeding.
i am not saying don’t consult your health team to discuss any concerns regarding bleeding. in fact, that is the best thing to do — if for no other reason than to rule out something serious.
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i am saying that conversations about irregular bleeding are important to raise more awareness about perimenopause so that women know what to expect, and are less worried by these changes.
so when do you consult a doctor? signs that you should seek medical attention include bleeding that is so heavy it requires a new pad every hour, or that lasts more than two weeks, and any bleeding after menopause (12 months after your final period)
dr. jerilynn prior of the centre for menstrual cycle and ovulation research in vancouver, advises women with a heavy flow to keep track of their experience, take ibuprofen (200 mg every 4-6 hours which decreases flow by 25-30%), and treat blood loss with extra fluid and salt and to increase iron-rich foods, or take a high-quality iron supplement (consult your physician or pharmacist for guidance).
in addition to changes in bleeding, estrogen dominance is also characterized by decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, mood swings, foggy thinking, fatigue or difficulty sleeping.
and while estrogen dominance can feel overwhelming, there are ways to manage it:
pay attention to how you eat, move, sleep and manage stress. hormone imbalances can be tweaked with lifestyle changes. dr. christiane northrup, author of the wisdom of menopause, emphasizes how important it is for women to treat perimenopause as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. she also recommends that womenâ re-focus on diet (adequate fibre and add a high-quality multi-vitamin), proper exercise, including strength-building exercise, and stress management activities such as meditation and practicing saying ‘no.’
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talk to your health care provider or a hormone balance expert about hormone therapy. hormones are what make our bodies work. dr. northrup recommends that women to learn what hormones do, the signs of hormone imbalance, and the benefits of hormonal support, as that is one important way we can make an important investment in our brain, bone and heart health.
shirley weir is the founder of menopause chicks, an online facebook community that advocates for women in perimenopause, menopause & beyond. she is also the author of mokita: how to navigate perimenopause with confidence & ease. download at mymokita.com
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