Your menstrual cycle will change

Although menstruation occurs every month, however, menstrual cycles are often unpredictable. Menstruation can occur sooner or later, occur every month or two months, or last for seven days, less, or even more. And as we get older, this menstrual cycle will adapt due to hormonal changes related to age, pregnancy, and premenopause.

Menstrual cycle before 20s

In adolescence, women tend to experience erratic menstrual cycles. The menstrual cycle often comes faster or slower, which is usually accompanied by several symptoms that occur since a few days before menstruation, known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

PMS symptoms usually include abdominal cramps due to uterine muscle contractions, breast pain and enlargement, and pain in the legs and hips.

Menstrual cycle in the 20s to early 40s

The good news is, in your 20s, your menstrual cycles will be more regular and predictable. The distance between the first day of your period this month and the first day of your period next month is usually 28 days, and menstruation will last 2 to 7 days.

When you have a baby but are not breastfeeding, you will usually start menstruating again after six weeks of birth. Or, if you are breastfeeding, you will have your period again after stopping or reducing the amount of time you breastfeed. Abdominal cramps during menstruation will also improve after you give birth, this is because the cervical opening becomes slightly larger, so that the outflow of blood does not require strong uterine contractions.

Unfortunately, certain factors can affect your menstrual cycle, such as choice of contraception, stress, and other problems. In your 20s to early 30s, there are a number of symptoms that, if they happen to you, should be checked by a doctor immediately:

Heavier bleeding. This can be caused by benign growths called fibroids.
Excessive pain that lasts all month. This can be caused by endometriosis or an infection of the lining of the uterus.
Late menstruation. This can be an early sign of pregnancy or caused by polycystic ovary syndrome if menstruation is accompanied by excess hair growth, weight gain, and high cholesterol.

You need to see your doctor if you have abnormal menstrual cycles of more than 7 days, menstrual cycles of less than 21 days or more than 38 days, pain that is excessive than normal stomach cramps, bleeding between menstrual cycles or after sexual intercourse, or delayed menstruation. Checks are carried out to find out your exact condition.

Menstrual cycle in the late 40s to 50s

Although the average menopause occurs in the 50s, however, menopause can occur earlier for some women, this is called premature menopause. And usually, 10 years before menopause, some women often experience changes in their menstrual cycles.

Towards menopause, menstrual blood flow can change to become lighter, heavier, or longer. You can also experience menopause-like symptoms hot flashes or night sweats.

Even though ovulation is unpredictable at this age, you still need to use contraception if you don't want to experience pregnancy. And if at this age you experience heavy bleeding accompanied by dry skin, hair loss and slow metabolism, you need to consult a doctor; because this can indicate a thyroid problem in your body.