Calls for improved support about menstruation changes during perimenopause

Perimenopausal women need better education and support about how their periods might change towards the end of their reproductive life, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. The research, published in Post Reproductive Health , highlighted how as women approach the menopause, their periods may become unpredictable, heavy and cause worse premenstrual symptoms - including mood swings, breast tenderness and headaches. The team of researchers from the UCL EGA Institute of Women's Health and Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, interviewed 31 perimenopausal women aged between 40 and 55, who lived in the UK. Almost all of the women spoke of having unpredictable periods that accompanied the perimenopause - including changes in cycle length, period duration and the amount of blood flow. This was the case even if their periods had been regular throughout the rest of their lives. Most women stated that due to these constant and unpredictable changes, it was challenging to commit to plans, in case they coincided with a period that would leave them unable to cope (either emotionally or physically) outside of their home. Additionally, many women talked about the increased heaviness of their periods during the perimenopause.