Learn what period changes are common in perimenopause and which bleeding changes need medical assessment.
Periods can become shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, closer together, further apart, or less predictable. Some cycles may be skipped. The pattern can be annoying, messy, and confusing, especially if you are using hormonal contraception or have always had irregular cycles.
Bleeding changes can overlap with fibroids, polyps, pregnancy, contraception, medication effects, thyroid problems, infection, endometriosis, and other gynaecological causes. Perimenopause is common, but it is not a reason to ignore bleeding that is clearly different for you.
Tracking dates, heaviness, clots, pain, spotting, and cycle length helps. Depending on the cause and your preferences, clinicians may discuss contraception, bleeding management, anaemia checks, symptom support, or other investigations.
Seek care for bleeding after 12 months without periods, bleeding that is much heavier or clearly different from before, bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods that worries you, or symptoms of anaemia such as unusual tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
When did the pattern change? How many pads, tampons, cups, or changes are needed? Is there spotting, pain, bleeding after sex, or bleeding after 12 months without periods? Could pregnancy or contraception be relevant?
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