Periods in your 20's v/s 40's
Most of us may think that isn't it the same bleeding, cramps and PMS. But no, your menstrual cycle changes as you grow and here's how periods can differ in your 20's and 40's.
In your teens, when you just started bleeding, you re still adjusting to the cycle and there's always an unexpected surprise apperance. But as you reach your 20's, your cycle gets more consistent.
The cycle is more or less fixed and is monthly. Not to mention the start of the unpleasant symptoms of breast tenderness, PMS and nasty cramps. Many menstruators around this age start taking hormonal pills due to various reasons. The pill triggers changes to your flow, making it lighter, less pain and PMS or more regularised periods.
In fact, birth control pills prevent ovulation, and without ovulation, there's no uterine lining buildup that has to be shed, this can result in no flow.
It's the beginning of more changes, including perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations, which are precursors to menopause. Your body starts preparing for menopause. These hormone fluctuations cause ovulation to be more irregular, and your estrogen level change means you could start experiencing missed periods, a heavier flow, spotting between periods, and longer stretches of PMS.
During perimenopause your periods can be less predictable and even if ovulation is erratic, you can still get pregnant. A woman isn't in menopause until her periods have ceased for at least a year.
Take care and make sure to note your change in cycle.
