Your Period Changes As You Age: What You Should Know

We all remember that day—the day when you got your first period. Once the initial shock and embarrassment wore off, it took a little getting used to. But like most women, you probably figured it’d get easier with age. After all, once you reach your 30s and 40s, you’ve had decades of experience—right? Unfortunately, though, it isn’t quite that simple. 

In fact, for many women, it can feel like their period is anything but routine. Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes it’s light and other times you have the worst—cramps—ever. As it turns out, periods don’t just change from month to month, they actually change from decade to decade. Hopefully that means they'll be moving in the lighter direction!

Sheila Warren, RN, GMC's Wellness Navigator, provides a quick look at your period through the decades:  

Your 20s:

While irregularity was the name of the game in your teenage years, your 20s come just in time with some much needed consistency. A typical period in your 20s lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days and comes every 21 to 35 days (hopefully luck is on your side and you fall on the shorter end). But just because this is a typical cycle for a majority of women doesn’t mean it’s the norm for you and your body. Don’t fret if your period doesn’t come and go like clockwork. And if you have frequent cramping to boot, that is to be expected as women in their 20s report more cramping than older women.

It’s important to clarify that while irregularities here and there may be common, experiencing them several months in a row isn’t. Here’s what you should know:

·         Missed periods: Everything from stress, medications and exercise can impact your period, but if it goes missing for several months, there could be something else to blame (like polycystic ovary syndrome). If you miss 3 in a row, it’s time to see your women’s health provider.

·         Heavy bleeding or spotting: Benign growths, like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, are common culprits when it comes to irregular bleeding. Spotting can also be the result of lower than normal progesterone. But timing is everything, so if you notice spotting after sex or your period is extra heavy several months in a row, it’s time to see your doctor.

Your 30s:

Unlike your 20s, your 30s are a time when your monthly cycle becomes less about the actual bleeding and more about all the accompanying symptoms. Thanks to an uptick in hormonal surprises, you’re more likely to experience night sweats, mood changes, breast tenderness and shorter cycles (meaning more frequent periods).

Some of these changes are due to a shift in hormones, namely a drop in estrogen levels. Make sure to take note if you notice these changes:

·         Intense PMS: Sure, you may have left the intense cramping back in your 20s, but now the bloating, sore breasts, food cravings and mood swings really settle in. There are subtle, everyday changes you can make to minimize these symptoms, like getting sleep, routine exercise and a balanced diet. But if these changes don’t seem to make a dent in your PMS, ask for help from your women’s health expert.

·         Extra heavy bleeding: A heavy period is hard to define--after all, it means something different to every women. However, a good rule of thumb is to talk to your provider if you are changing your feminine hygiene products every 2 to 3 hours, multiple days.

·         Long stretches between periods: More time between periods may be music to your ears, but big gaps between periods could be cause for concern. For instance, going over 60 days between periods could indicate low estrogen levels or premature ovarian failure.

Your 40s:

Just when you thought you were a period pro, then along come your 40s. Similar to your teenage years, this decade throws a bit of a curveball as period irregularity becomes your new normal. Thanks to your ever-shifting hormone levels, each month’s period is a bit of a wild card. Some months you may not have any bleeding, other months your ovaries are making up for lost time with a heavier-than-normal flow—it just depends on the month. And don’t forget about increased PMS symptoms like hot flashes and moodiness.

While you may be counting down the years until you’re done with periods for good, in the meantime, if you notice any of these changes, talk with your women’s health provider:

·         Extra heavy bleeding (and pelvic pain): Because of varying estrogen levels, it makes sense that your periods may be varying, too. However, conditions like endometriosis and fibroids can be aggravated by shifting hormone levels. If you notice heavy bleeding with pelvic pain, make sure to see your women’s health provider.

·         Skipped periods: Just because irregular periods may be more common, that doesn’t mean there can’t be a (unexpected) underlying cause behind an absent period. It’s important to be mindful of pregnancy until menopause.

Everything you need to know about your flow.

Women’s health is only one piece of your overall health, but that doesn’t make it any less important. That’s why GMC’s Wellness Navigator offers personalized care and support to honor what makes you—and your health—unique. Whether you’re in search of expert information, preventative care or recommendations for diagnostics and treatment, Sheila is always there, ready to help. Remember, there is no health concern too small.

The Perfect V-day Menu: 9 Healthy Foods That May Spark Romance

You were probably hoping that we would be talking about all of the surprising benefits of delicious Valentine’s Day candy, but no such luck. Instead, we’re swapping out tasty chocolate for raw oysters. Just kidding.

While oysters may be one of the most notorious aphrodisiacs, they aren’t exactly the yummiest option when it comes to foods that can spark the love and improve your health. In fact, there are over 20 different foods—some easier to find than others—that claim the name of aphrodisiac. But do they really live up to their reputation?

“Well, it’s complicated,” says Sheila Warren, RN, GMC’s Health Navigator. “Many experts believe that the placebo effect plays a major role in how romantic people feel when eating these foods, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still enjoy them.” After all, these foods provide healthful nutrients that support a variety of different functions, including hormone levels, blood flow and energy—all of which play a role in sexual health.

So, this Valentine’s Day, try thinking outside of the box (the box of candy that is) and try enjoying some of these fun foods instead:

   1. Chili peppers. Not only is this flavorful little pepper the perfect color for Valentine’s Day, they also give your endorphins a jumpstart, as well as raise your heart rate.

   2. Avocado. Take it with a grain of salt (and lime) that since the time of the Aztecs, this favorite food has had the reputation of being an aphrodisiac because of its energy-boosting vitamins, folic acid and vitamin B9, as well as B6, which supports testosterone production.

   3. Chocolate. It is Valentine’s Day after all. Instead of milk chocolate, reach for dark chocolate for two key nutrients—phenylethylamine and caffeine—which will promote a sense of well-being. Oh, and don’t forget the spike in dopamine (one of the feel-good hormones).

   4. Bananas. While bananas are known for their high amounts of potassium, they also provide the enzyme, bromelain, which boosts testosterone production. They also support healthy energy levels thanks to vitamin B6 and B12.

   5. Honey. With all of its health benefits, you’ll want honey to bee mine. Amongst its many vitamins and nutrients, honey also has boron, a compound that supports healthy levels of estrogen and testosterone.

   6. Coffee. The perfect drink for when it’s chilly outside and you need a little pick-me-up. Also, thanks to its stimulating properties, coffee also increases heart rate and blood flow.

   7. Arugula. Like avocados, this leafy plant has been known for its aphrodisiac qualities since the first century A.D. Its well-known antioxidant properties help to defend against free radicals, as well as support a healthy libido.

   8. Olive oil. Although other types of oil have been in the health spotlight lately, olive oil is still one of the best sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help promote healthy blood flow and hormone production.

   9. Artichokes. Unfortunately, that deliciously cheesy spinach and artichoke dip may not provide all the benefits that artichokes have to offer—but, if you opt for the real deal, you’ll enjoy an abundance of vitamins and antioxidants all of which support blood flow.

Fall in love with your health.

Sexual health is only one piece of your overall health. That’s why GMC’s Health Navigatoris prepared to help you make the most of your health at every age. Whether you’re in search of medical information, preventative care or recommendations for diagnostics and treatment, Sheila is there to offer support at every stage of your health care journey. Remember, there is no health concern too small.