A change in your menstrual pattern is usually the first sign of menopause. During the time referred to as peri-menopause, which for you and many women may last as long as 5 or even 10 years, the menstrual cycle is likely to become less predictable. You notice changes as early as your late 30s.
Even though you are still having periods, it is possible that you are not ovulating, or if you are ovulating that you are not having the full progesterone surge in the second half of your cycle.
If there is insufficient progesterone at the end of your cycle, you will have signs of Estrogen Dominance
Because the decline of ovarian function occurs gradually, only 10 to 15 percent of women experience an abrupt cessation of menstruation.
For most women the change is more gradual, with a steady decrease in both the amount and duration of menstrual flow, until it eventually ceases to occur.
Irregular and longer cycles occur as hormonal regulators become less reliable. As menopause nears, the periods become further apart and the flow becomes lighter. If menstruation doesn't occur for 6 months to a year, menopause probably has occurred. If you have vaginal bleeding after a prolonged lack of menses you should see your doctor; it could be a sign of disease.
More frequent or heavier bleeding may also be experienced during the menopausal years. This occurs when estrogen continues to stimulate the uterine lining, while production of the progesterone needed to counteract its growth declines. Thus, when the lining is shed, the flow is much heavier than usual.
Declining ovulation may also shorten the menstrual cycle; so that periods come so close together that you bleed throughout the month. A 7 to 10 day menstrual period is not uncommon and bleeding between periods may also occur.
Any unusual menstrual patterns should be evaluated by your doctor, to make sure they are truly due to changing hormone levels, rather than such conditions as fibroid tumors, polyps, uterine cancer, or cervical cancer
Progesterone Cream and irregular Periods.
As will be seen from the above irregular periods in the pre-menopause years are a result of fluctuating estrogen levels. Even though you are menstruating you may not be ovulating, or if you are ovulating you may not be having the full progesterone surge in the second half of the cycle.
- You should start the cream on day seven of your cycle.or halfway to ovulation
- Use the cream till your period starts or you reach day 27 then stop.
- If no period arrives start the cream again after seven days. Use the last day you used the progesterone as day one of your cycle.
- During the peri-menopause the normal cream use is to start the cream on day 12 to 28. These are the times from around 47years.
- Refer to above for irregular cycles, or use the cream from day 12 if you are still having regular cycles, but are peri-menopause.
- It may take 3-4 cycles to regulate your period.
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