Feel the Change in Your Periods in the 20s, 30s & 40s: Study

We all dread when it is that time of the month. It is common for us to hear how periods are a cause of worry in many instances. With every passing year, your period may come with a host of new complications. It is vital for us to understand that with ageing, it is common to face changes in the menstrual cycle. From unbearable cramps to an irritable bowel syndrome, there are many ways the body reacts before or during periods. As per Lauren Streicher, MD and author of Sex Rx-Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever, it is common for girls in their 20s not to ovulate regularly. Irregular ovulation leads to an irregular period cycle. Let’s take a look at how possibly the body reacts to different age brackets:

Also read: Women are Using Menstrual Cups to Conceive Quicker: Study

The Energetic 20s

This age is considered to be apt to handle physical stress better than 30s and 40s. Girls in their 20s are more energetic. However, with less ovulation, it is common to have an irregular period. You may even encounter mood swings, cramps and tenderness in breasts for those with a regular menstrual cycle. “It was in my 20s that I started taking regular birth control pills”, says Nikita Sharma, a software engineer based out of Gurugram. “It was a conscious decision to take pills for me to concentrate on my career. However, these pills did lead to a drastic change in my menstrual cycle. To my surprise, the flow reduced, the pain almost vanished, and I was comfortable like never before during my periods."

As per Dr Richa Jagtap, Clinical Director & Consultant Reproductive Medicine at the Nova IVI Fertility Centre, female fertility is of prime importance and is directly related to the periods. Contraceptives restrict ovulation, leading to reduced or even nil period flow.  

The Changing 30s 

Periods in the 30s is said to pretty much predictable as there are little to no changes in the period cycle. The flow is pretty much the usual. The alarming signs can be more substantial than usual flow and intense pain in the abdomen. In such cases, get yourself tested for fibroids. Women in their 30s are prone to conditions like fibroids and endometriosis. 

Dr Sucheta M. Parte, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology shares, “Polycystic ovaries is common in women in their 30s face. Leading a healthy, stress-free life with proper attention to exercise and diet will go a long way in keeping diseases at bay.”

The Mighty 40s 

40s is the start to fluctuations in the perimenopausal hormones. This stage is the start of menopause, which usually happens in 50s. Nothing is predictable in this phase. Mood swings, hot flushes, and what not; 40s is all about coping with different emotions during periods. Irregular ovulation and fluctuation in the estrogen level may lead to missed periods, spotting and drastic mood swings. It is also common for ladies to get detected with BP issues.