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Spotting During Perimenopause: What's Normal, and What's Cause for Concern?
During the lead-up to menopause, hormone fluctuations commonly cause periods to change. Spotting, heavy periods, lighter periods, and shorter or longer cycles are all possible during perimenopause.
When these shifts start happening, it can be difficult to tell what’s normal and what’s something to see your provider about. Fortunately, you can count on the team at Ideal Gynecology to help you get answers when you experience irregular periods or spotting. We’re in your corner through the perimenopause and menopause transition, offering support that keeps you thriving through all seasons of life.
Is it spotting or a period?
During a period, menstrual flow is heavy enough to use a sanitary pad or tampon. Spotting, on the other hand, is much lighter than what you’d experience during your period. You may notice a small amount of blood on your underwear that occurs when you aren’t due for your period.
Spotting sometimes occurs just before your period or shortly after your period ends. It can also occur around mid-cycle. If you notice small spots of blood outside of your period, it’s likely spotting.
What’s considered a normal period during perimenopause?
Before perimenopause, periods often follow a typical, predictable pattern, so it can come as a surprise when they become irregular or change in some way. The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can be as long as 21 to 35 days, and periods can last anywhere from two to eight days.
Perimenopause, however, is characterized by erratic declining hormones, and this often means what was previously normal for you when it comes to your period changes. For some women, expecting the unexpected is the new normal for their period.
Am I experiencing irregular periods?
Tracking your cycle is an excellent way to determine if you’re experiencing irregular periods, but rest assured that irregular periods aren’t uncommon during perimenopause. Still, changes in your period during this time of transition provide a clue that your hormones are likely fluctuating.
Any time there are changes to your period, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit to discuss these shifts. Our team evaluates period changes to rule out anything serious.
What if I have symptoms along with spotting?
Changes to your period are often just one sign that you’re transitioning through perimenopause. This time of hormonal fluctuation tends to make itself known with various symptoms that can be bothersome, including:
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Vaginal dryness
- Problems concentrating
- Loss of sexual desire
- Joint pain
If your symptoms are troublesome enough that they’re interfering with the way you feel and function, Ideal Gynecology provides perimenopause and menopause support with various treatments to help manage your symptoms. Although hormone replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for relieving symptoms, we offer a variety of treatments to suit your health status, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
What about spotting after menopause?
Though spotting during perimenopause is less worrisome, you should, however, always see your provider if you experience spotting after you’ve reached menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. In fact, you should have any bleeding after menopause checked out.
Once you’ve gone through menopause, you shouldn’t have any bleeding. Our team will want to rule out serious causes, such as cancer. Many conditions can cause postmenopausal bleeding. Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps are common causes of bleeding after menopause.
Pelvic exams and ultrasounds check for abnormalities. An ultrasound helps to see if your uterine lining is thickened. Depending on the results, our team may recommend a hysteroscopy – a safe, minor procedure that involves using a scope to take a look inside your uterus.
Comprehensive perimenopause support
Whether you’re experiencing menstrual changes or uncomfortable symptoms, Ideal Gynecology is here to answer questions and help you find solutions that work for you. To learn more and to request a visit, contact our Atlanta, Georgia, office and find out how our team can best support you.
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