Irregular menstruation basically refers to menstrual cycles that aren't considered 'normal'. This means that your menstrual cycles can either be longer or shorter than usual, heavier or lighter than usual, or spaced more time apart or less time apart. They are also usually considered the very first signs that menopause is almost upon you.

Although seen as a menopausal symptom, irregular menstruation is actually a part of perimenopause, which occurs a few years before menopause itself. Still, because some women have a few years of irregular menstruation to look forward to before the actual dreaded phase, it would help to know what can be expected when this happens. Read on.

How Does Menopause Affect Menstruation?

Irregular menstruation during menopause happens because of the drop in female hormone levels, including progesterone and estrogen. As they drop, the pituitary glands will then send out more hormones to stimulate the follicles. However, as the hormone levels try to balance out, menstruation can start going all over the place.

Heavy And Watery Menstruation During Menopause

Progesterone and estrogen happen to be in charge of uterus lining regulation. Since the uterus will shed its lining every month during the female menstrual cycle, the uterus lining will get thicker and result in more bleeding when the hormone levels go out of line. This can go on for up to six years before complete menstrual cessation.

One menopausal symptom that women usually find disturbing is watery menstruation. This usually happens to women who go through heavier menstrual cycles. Fortunately, watery menstruation isn't something to worry about unless it comes with abdominal pain.

Frequent And Missing Menstruation During Menopause

It is quite common for women to skip periods completely during menopause. In fact, this could happen for a few months straight, though some women will only experience it every other month. Conversely, there are also women who experience more frequent menstrual cycles during this stage. It really just depends the individual.

Shorter Or Longer Menstrual Cycles During Menopause

A lot of women also experience longer menstrual cycles with minimal flow that last for three weeks. Other women have it much easier and end up with menstrual cycles that only last a couple of days.

How To Treat Irregular Menstruation During Menopause

One easy way to keep your menstrual cycle in check would be to ensure that you get enough magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins in your daily diet. These nutrients happen to be great at regulating menstruation. If you would prefer to try out herbs, though, chasteberry tree and black cohosh would be the best choices for you. You can also take natural estrogen sources into consideration like estrogenic foods or natural supplements. A lot of women actually turn to these supplements nowadays because they are completely safe and don't come with any side effects.

In general, irregular menstruation is just another annoying part of menopause. However, you can keep your mind at ease because it will pass in a couple of years and is definitely nothing to worry about.