New research from Bodyform has revealed that many women feel they were not properly prepared for their first period. The study found just 53.74% of women felt they were sufficiently educated and prepared by their teachers to have their first period. A further 48.15% said they were not taught that periods can change as you age, while 46.95% felt they did not leave with an understanding of what constitutes a ‘normal’ bleed.
The research also showed that 35.95% of women were mainly educated about female anatomy in the classroom, 34.75% were taught by parents, and 28.60% said they just had to adapt using personal experience. In addition, 69% believed their health outcomes might have been better if they had been supported in this area as teenagers.
Why do periods change with age?
According to Dr Clair Grainger, a GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, 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.’ She adds that while some changes are expected, it’s important to know what’s normal for you, and to speak to a professional if your periods suddenly become much heavier, significantly more painful, very irregular after being regular, or if you experience bleeding between periods or after sex.
Teenage years
Periods are often unpredictable when they first begin. According to the NHS, most girls start when they’re about 12, but some might begin as early as eight. Over the course of a lifetime, women have between 350 and 450 periods. Dr Grainger explains 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 month. This can lead to irregular cycles, early or late periods, and varying bleeding. 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, particularly severe symptoms should not be dismissed, especially if they stop you from going to school, exercising, or enjoying your life.
Your 20s
In your 20s, periods often become more regular as hormones stabilise and ovulation becomes more consistent. Dr Grainger says cycles often become easier to predict, although stress, travel, weight changes and exercise can still influence them. She also notes this is 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 make periods much lighter or stop them altogether, though some may experience more pain or bleeding until they find the right contraception.
Millions may be using the wrong painkiller for period cramps
According to a study published in PLOS Digital Health, millions who experience periods could be targeting the wrong type of painkiller. The research analysed 211 million supermarket receipts between 2006 and 2015 and found people are overwhelmingly reaching for paracetamol over ibuprofen. The experts, from the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham, note that ibuprofen is actually the most effective treatment for period pain. Of those buying period products to cover bleeding, 50% also included some form of pain relief. Two-thirds of these were paracetamol, while the remaining third were ibuprofen.
Your 30s
Periods can remain pretty regular throughout your 30s, though pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can temporarily change things. In the UK, the average woman is now 30.9 when she has her first child. Periods stop during pregnancy, though some spotting may occur and should be checked with a midwife. When your cycle returns largely depends on whether you are breastfeeding, as breastfeeding delays menstruation by keeping the hormone prolactin high. For some women it’s weeks, for others months, or until they end breastfeeding entirely. When periods return, women often report changes: they might be heavier and longer, or shorter and lighter. The average gap between periods is around 28 days, and it’s considered irregular if the gap is less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
Your 40s: the perimenopause transition
In your 40s, the routine of the previous decades starts to change, and many people begin the transition towards menopause, known as perimenopause. Dr Grainger says: ‘Oestrogen and progesterone levels become more variable, meaning periods often become less predictable. 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 are common, severe period pain or heavy and frequent bleeding should not be accepted as inevitable. Dr Grainger advises that if symptoms affect your ability to go about your day, it’s vital to 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.’
