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As women, the moment we got our first period is forever etched into our brains. It might’ve appeared overnight or come on during cross-country, but for half of us, it was shrouded in mystery.
New research from Bodyform finds just 53.74% of women felt they were sufficiently educated and prepared by their teachers to have their first period.
A further 48.15% felt they weren’t taught about the fact it can change as you age, while 46.95% felt they didn’t leave with an understanding of what constitutes a ‘normal’ bleed.
The study also found that, primarily, most of us are learning about periods in the classroom (35.95% said they were mainly educated about the female anatomy here), while 34.75% were taught by parents, and 28.60% just had to adapt as they went along, using their own personal experience.
This lack of education has real implications for women’s wellbeing, too, as two-thirds (69%) felt their health outcomes might’ve been better if they’d been supported in this area as teenagers.
So, how and why does your period change with age? Are we still going to be experiencing the same type of bleeds when we’re in our 40s?
Metro chatted to a GP to find out.
Why does your period change over time?
Dr Clair Grainger, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, says it’s totally normal for your cycle to change as you get older.
She says: ‘Hormone levels naturally fluctuate at different stages of life, influencing everything from cycle length and flow to symptoms such as cramping, mood changes, and PMS.
‘While some changes are expected, it’s important to know what’s normal for you. If your periods suddenly become much heavier, significantly more painful, very irregular after being irregular, or you’re experiencing bleeds between periods or after sex, it’s worth speaking to a professional.’
Teenage years
When periods first begin as a teenager, it’s relatively common for them to be unpredictable.
According to the NHS, most girls will start when they’re about 12, but some might begin as early as eight. And, over the course of our lifetimes, we’ll have between 350 and 450 periods. Lucky us.
Dr Clair says that, during the first few years, the hormonal communication between the brain and the ovaries is still maturing, which means ovulation doesn’t always happen every single month. This can translate to irregular cycles, periods that are either early or late, and bleeding that varies.
She says: ‘Cramping can also feel particularly intense, while acne, bloating and mood changes are common as hormone levels fluctuate.’
While painful periods are common during these years, particularly severe symptoms shouldn’t be dismissed, particularly if they’re stopping you from going to school, exercising, or just enjoying your life.
20s
After the hurricane of your teenage years, it’s common to become more regular during your 20s. This is mainly because hormones start to stabilise, and ovulation becomes more consistent.
‘Cycles often become easier to predict, although stress, travel, weight changes and exercise can still influence them,’ Dr Clair explains.
‘This is also the decade when many people begin using contraception, which can change the pattern of their periods.
‘The combined contraceptive pill can help prevent ovulation, regulate cycles, reduce menstrual bleeding, and improve period pain.
‘Some hormonal methods may even make periods much lighter or stop them altogether, though some may experience more pain or bleeding until they find the right contraception for them.’
More common symptoms during this age bracket include predictable cycles, PMS, and period pain.
Millions of women are using the wrong painkiller for period cramps
According to a new study, millions who experience periods could be targeting the wrong types of painkillers in their bid for respite.
Analysing 211 million supermarket receipts between 2006 and 2015, the research, published in the PLOS Digital Health journal, found that people are overwhelmingly reaching for paracetamol over any other medication.
This is specifically within the context of period pain, as the purchases were evaluated in conjunction with products like pads and tampons.
However, the experts behind the study, from the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham, note that it’s actually not paracetamol that you should be taking for cramps, but ibuprofen.
Of all the purchases covered by the study, 50% of those buying period products to cover bleeding also included some form of pain relief in there, too.
Two-thirds of these were paracetamol, while the remaining third were ibuprofen, despite it being the most effective treatment for period pain.
30s
Again, periods can remain pretty regular throughout your 30s, though of course, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can temporarily switch things up a bit.
This is statistically most likely to happen during this decade, as in the UK, the average woman is now 30.9 when she has her first child.
Periods stop during pregnancy, though you may notice some spotting (this is different, not caused by ovulation, and should be checked with your midwife).
When your cycle returns largely depends on whether you’re breastfeeding – which delays menstruation by keeping the hormone prolactin high. For some women it’s weeks, while for others it’s months, or until they end breastfeeding entirely.
When periods do return, women often report changes; either they’re heavier and longer than before childbirth, or shorter and lighter if you’re lucky. Eventually, hormones settle down.
If you’re worried about things becoming irregular, it’s good to keep in mind that the average gap between periods starting is around 28 days.
Sometimes, it varies in length, but it’s considered irregular if the gap between them is less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
40s
Now, your 40s are when the routine you’ve been in for almost 30 years starts to change. This time of your life is when many people begin the transition towards menopause, which is also known as perimenopause.
‘Oestrogen and progesterone levels become more variable, meaning periods often become less predictable,’ Dr Clair shares.
‘Cycles may become shorter or longer, bleeding can become heavier or lighter, and you may occasionally skip periods altogether.
‘Alongside these changes, many people experience hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.’
While changes during perimenopause and menopause are relatively common, severe period pain or heavy and frequent bleeding shouldn’t just be accepted as intrinsic parts of ageing.
Dr Clair says if your symptoms are affecting your ability to go about your day, again, it’s vital you seek medical advice.
She adds: ‘For those experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats or disrupted sleep, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help restore hormone balance and manage symptoms.
‘Superdrug Online Doctor offers HRT and menopause treatment following an online consultation, making it easier to access appropriate care.’
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk
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