To think periods don't just drastically change when you hit 40?

[JELLYFISHANDCHIPS]

Just that really.

I understand perimenopause could start at 40 or even earlier but is it normal to hit 40 and for them to be shorter and lighter by a good day or two?

This has happened for two months now. Unlikely I'm pregnant but not impossible.

Can I ask for your period dramas at this age pls

Dramas?

I'm 43. My cycle was 5 weeks long throughout my 20s and 30s (probably teens too, I don't remember). In the last year or so I've noticed that it's shortened to 4 weeks. (So annoying!)

I am 40 and mine changed quite suddenly 2 years ago. For 27 years apart from pregnancies and BF they had always lasted 5 days. Since 38 they are 2 days long. My mum’s periods stopped at 45 so for me I’m thinking peri menopause but so far no other symptoms.

Well I’ve only been 40 for a couple of months but no nothing has changed.

They can, yes. For me it was a couple of years later than that, but everyone is different.

My periods have changed since turning 40 only last year. My cycle has gone from 30 days to about 25/26 days and period is longer and heavier. Smears and scans for fibroids/cysts have all come back clear. Must be old age .

I’ve just started tracking mine as I felt my cycle was shorter and it is. They’re still 4-5 days but 27 day cycle now. I’m 41.

I'm coming up to 37 and have noticed that for the past 6 months mine have been a 24- 27 day cycle rather than a 28-30 day one. It was quite a sudden change.

Yep - as I hit about 38, mine got shorter and really light. I was worried but we were very lucky and it didn't stop me conceiving dc2 easily at 40.

Talking to friends, some said the same; others had got heavier, but of the handful of women I mentioned it to, ALL had noticed some changes by late 30's.

That being said, you can't go wrong in having it checked out if you are worried because it's not normal for you.

I'm 50 but have been having lighter and shorter periods for a good few years now.

Somewhere in my 40s, I skipped the odd period and the ones I did have got shorter and lighter. I am heading for 50 now and I don't think I've had any for a year or more and I think that is the definition of the menopause?

Sorry to sound so vague, but I'm one of those women who have never taken any notice of my periods or dates (never tried for kids) and whenever the doctor asks me date of last menstrual period, I am unable to tell him.

Mine went heavier and longer last year (I'm 39)

Mine got shorter and heavier at around the same age.

Mine changed drastically around that age. The pain was like contractions whereas before I took a couple of paracetamol and got on with my day.

I'm 43 and my last period was in November. Complete stop, nothing,no spotting since. Before that I was always regular.

I'm 43. Mine have become more frequent and heavier
Also worse and longer lasting PMT

Am 41 and my periods have gone from 5 heavy days to 3.5 much lighter days in the last 18 months. Most of the cramps/diarrhea/headaches have reduced in intensity. If this is perimenopause, bring it on!

I had DD at 40. My periods returned when she was 3 months old, much lighter and shorter (3 days rather than 5). It’s been like that for 5 years now. I am delighted!

I'm 38 amand last couple of months mine a longer in between and lighter, though seem to have more cramps. I don't know family history as DM had a hysterectomy in her early/mid 30s as her periods were so bad.

period dramas 😂

Nope, you don't need to be 40, mine have gone weird at 38

Forgot to say, since I've noticed a change in my cycle, I've also been experiencing very different and worse pains- not stomach cramps but horrible, painful, tight cramping in my thighs and hips and lower back that seems to come on around ovulation and come and go until my period starts. It's really unpleasant.

My cycle got much shorter since hitting 40, now 3.5 weeks, heavier too. I also had fibroid investigations and all clear. I think it's just age too.

Not longer or shorter just heavier as in a lot heavier. Ended up in hospital having a blood transfusion and several months of iron transfusions.

I’m 42 and now on tranexemic acid to try and lighten the periods as on day two I was literally confined to the bathroom. Would soak through a tampon and towel within 15-20 minutes. The acid was fab at first and had virtually no bleeding but a year later I’m finding that they are getting heavier again and having to use super tamponsnand night time towels again. Although not the huge clots being passed that happened before.

Mine have. A lot heavier and more regular than before.