What Happens to the Menstrual Cycle at Different Ages?

Menstruation will accompany women for most of their lives, and it will bring various physical and emotional effects to them. At different ages, our menstrual cycle changes, but it's also related to our overall health status at that time. This article will explain what happens to our menstrual cycle at different ages, from the 20s to the 40s.

20s Girls

20-30 years old is the peak period of female hormone secretion, the menstrual cycle is relatively stable. Many women think that menstrual pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, blood clots, etc., are expected. In fact, these are not normal; these could be caused by hormonal imbalance or gynecological diseases.

On the other hand, many people think that young women are not likely to suffer from gynecological diseases, but this is actually a misconception. If you ignore various menstrual warning signs and delay seeking medical treatment, your condition can continue to worsen. For example, excessive menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia, resulting in dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, and other symptoms. In severe cases, oxygen supply to various organs will be reduced and affect multiple bodily functions. Therefore, if you have persistent menstrual pain or excessive menstrual bleeding during your menstrual period, you must seek medical advice immediately to find out the cause and prescribe the proper treatment as soon as possible. 

30s Young Women

In your 30s, physical function, metabolism, hormone secretion will inevitably decline. Women need to pay special attention to uterine health. The incidence of endometriosis will increase with age from the beginning of menstruation, accompanied by symptoms such as excessive menstruation. In the long term, it will cause anemia and other diseases, which will affect the body's function and quality of life. Therefore, regular gynecological examinations must be performed to stay healthy. In addition to observing the changes in the menstrual period each month, it is also necessary to pay attention to whether there is physical and mental discomfort before menstruation. 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) rates are generally higher in women aged 30-40, which may be caused by heavy pressures such as work, family, marriage, and children. Menstruation begins with spotting for 3–5 days before bleeding starts. Physical and mental discomforts such as breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, fatigue, low mood, nervousness, irritability, etc., occur. If it is severe enough to affect your life, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

40s Mature Women

The menstrual cycle of mature women in their 40s lasts about 33 days, with a 7-day growth phase and a 21-day regression phase. The beginning of menopause is usually around 45 years old, so menstruation will likely become less regular during these years. The menstrual cycle may also be shorter or longer according to health conditions.

How Do I Know if I Have Too Much Menstrual Bleeding? 

Although bleeding is normal and expected during menstruation, a hefty flow may be evidence of an underlying condition. If you have cramping or abdominal pain and a heavy flow of more than 80 ml in a menstrual cycle is considered too much menstrual blood. Specifically, symptoms include: 

• The menstrual period exceeds 7 days. 
• The menstrual cycle is less than 21 days. 
• Need to use extra-absorbent extended sanitary napkins and replace them every 1-2 hours 
• A large blood clot expelled Hemorrhage (a large amount of menstrual blood suddenly gushes out, wet underwear or clothing)
• Need to get up frequently at night to change sanitary napkins
• Severe patients will have anemia, such as dizziness, pale face, and tiredness. 

Even if you don't experience any other symptoms, it's essential to monitor your period and track how much blood you lose each month. Call your doctor if you notice any changes in bleeding.

Tips on How to Take Care of Women's Health

The gynecologist reminded that women from 25 years old should regularly receive Pap smears and pelvic exams. Consult your doctor to determine how often you should undergo a pelvic exam or a Pap smear. Depending on several different factors, such as general health or sexual history, some women may need to have them more often than others.

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