Irregular Periods at 43: Signs of Menopause or Something Else?

Q: Irregular Periods at 43: Signs of Menopause or Something Else?

Dear Xuan： Your condition is irregular menstruation, also known as hormonal imbalance, which can be influenced by factors such as insomnia, stress, medication, and illness. <br>However, it is not related to fibroids. <br>Women approaching menopause are also more prone to hormonal

Menstruation is delayed?

I am 43 years old, and my menstrual cycle has been relatively regular, about 26-28 days.
However, since January of this year, my periods have frequently been delayed.
In January, my period was two weeks late, and my gynecologist suggested it might be due to stress.
After receiving an injection to induce menstruation, my period finally came.
In July, it was three weeks late again, and I had to get another injection to induce menstruation, which came a week later.
Now, my period, which was due on August 15, has not appeared yet.
I would like to ask the doctor why this is happening.
Is this a sign of perimenopause? Are there any side effects from repeatedly receiving these injections? Should I undergo further examinations, such as an abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, my mother has uterine fibroids; does this increase my risk? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Xuan, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/01

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Xuan: Your condition is irregular menstruation, also known as hormonal imbalance, which can be influenced by factors such as insomnia, stress, medication, and illness.
However, it is not related to fibroids.
Women approaching menopause are also more prone to hormonal imbalances.
Administering menstrual induction injections will not have adverse effects.
If you frequently experience irregular menstruation, you may consider having blood tests to check hormone levels.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Attending Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2009/09/01

More Info

Irregular menstrual cycles can be concerning, especially when they deviate from what has been a regular pattern for many years. At 43 years old, it is indeed possible that you are experiencing perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. During this time, hormonal fluctuations can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods, changes in flow, and even skipped cycles.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. As women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s to early 50s, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. This can manifest as irregular periods, which may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

In your case, the significant delays in your menstrual cycle, such as the two-week delay in January and the three-week delay in July, followed by the absence of your period in August, could suggest that your body is undergoing these hormonal changes. Stress can also play a significant role in menstrual irregularities, as it can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates the menstrual cycle. However, given your age and the pattern of your cycles, hormonal changes are likely a contributing factor.

Regarding the use of hormonal injections to induce menstruation, while they can be effective in prompting a period, they are not without potential side effects. Frequent use of such medications can lead to hormonal imbalances, and it is essential to discuss the long-term implications with your healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative treatments or lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.

As for further evaluation, it may be beneficial to undergo additional tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound, especially considering your family history of uterine fibroids. Fibroids can contribute to menstrual irregularities and may require monitoring or treatment if they are symptomatic. An ultrasound can help assess the size and number of fibroids and rule out other potential causes of your irregular periods, such as polyps or other structural abnormalities.

In summary, while irregular periods at your age can be a sign of perimenopause, it is essential to consider other factors, including stress and family history. Consulting with your gynecologist about your symptoms, the use of hormonal injections, and the need for further evaluation will provide you with a clearer understanding of your situation and help you make informed decisions about your health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and staying informed about your reproductive health can empower you during this transitional phase.

Similar Q&A

Is Irregular Menstruation a Sign of Menopause at 44?

Hello Doctor, my mother is 44 years old and her menstrual cycle has been irregular for the past few months, sometimes arriving early and other times late. The duration of her periods also varies, sometimes lasting up to two weeks. Could this be due to menopause, or could there be...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptives, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesions in the uterus or cervix, infections, ovulation, pre...

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Signs of Perimenopause?

I am 43 years old. My menstrual cycles have been as follows: 23 days in May, 26 days in June (which is my usual cycle), 30 days in July, and 20 days in August. Only June has been normal compared to my usual cycles. Are these changes signs of perimenopause? How should I address th...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Natasha: In addition to menstrual irregularities, the most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, palpitations, night sweats, frequent urination, vaginal dryness, and pain during intercourse. Given your current age of 43, it is unlikely that you are experienc...

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities During Menopause: A Guide

Hello, doctor. I am 51 years old and have been taking "Vinina" for sleep issues related to menopause for about 10 months. Recently, in the past two months, my menstrual cycle has become very irregular, occurring 3 to 4 times a month, each lasting about 5 days, with a ga...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, irregular menstruation is a common symptom of menopause. You may discuss changing medications with your doctor or have further examinations for uterine fibroids. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Is Low Menstrual Flow a Sign of Menopause at 43?

Dear Dr. Chen, For the past three years, my menstrual cycle has been very regular, occurring every 24 days. However, the flow has been extremely light, requiring only panty liners, and it lasts just one day. Initially, the color is often dark red, almost black, but there are no ...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
At 43 years old, there has been a decrease in menstrual flow and a shortening of the menstrual cycle in recent years, which are early signs of declining ovarian hormone secretion, consistent with the earliest symptoms of female menopause. Currently, the concept of hormone replace...