What's normal in perimenopause
As ovulation becomes irregular, your cycles become unpredictable. Periods can be shorter (every 21 days), longer (every 60), heavier or barely-there. Most of this is normal. The line between 'chaotic' and 'concerning' is about volume, duration and timing relative to menopause.
Red flags, see a doctor urgently
- • Any bleeding 12+ months after your last period
- • Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for 2+ hours
- • Passing clots larger than a 2p coin / quarter
- • Bleeding after sex
- • Dizziness, breathlessness or extreme fatigue (signs of anaemia)
Treatment options
- • Mirena coil, first-line for heavy peri bleeding; reduces flow ~90% in 6 months
- • Tranexamic acid, taken during periods, reduces flow ~50%
- • Cyclical progesterone, regulates erratic cycles
- • Endometrial ablation, for severe cases when family is complete
Track your cycle, spot the change.
Lila tracks the patterns that matter in perimenopause, and flags shifts your GP will want to see.
