Change in monthly periods
Menopause is known as the end of your menstrual cycle. You have reached menopause if you have gone a year without a period. You will notice some irregularities in your periods, different bleeding patterns, or missed periods before they end.
Period changes that may occur as you approach menopause include:
- Spotting between periods
- Abnormal and heavy bleeding (lasts longer than 7 days)
- Brown or dark bleeding (especially at the end of period)
- Short cycles (periods 2 or 3 days shorter than normal; cycles for 2 or 3 weeks instead of 4)
- Long cycles (cycles longer than 36 days)
- Missed periods
- Overall irregularity
When to see the doctor
When the body begins to end the reproductive phase with lesser production of hormones you enter perimenopause, your periods become irregular & a gradual decrease in fertility is noticed. You may often be confused about what is normal and what is not. It can be difficult to know whether a pain is a symptom of menopause or if it is a medical condition that needs immediate medical attention. It is thus essential that you know when to see a doctor for menopause.
If you have trouble managing your menopause symptoms, it is best that you talk to your doctor. A gynecologist can be considered as the best doctor you can talk to regarding menopause. Your gynecologist may help you identify, assess and provide treatment options for your symptoms.
When to see the doctor
Unexpected Symptoms
Unusual bleed and period pattern
Extreme Emotions
Extreme mood swings, anxiety,or irritability impacting your quality of life
Ongoing Symptoms
Bleeding in postmenopause years
Extreme Symptoms
Unbearable hot flushes, Unbearable symptoms last more than five years after menopause