Irregular periods and cycle changes in perimenopause

What happens to your cycle as ovulation becomes less predictable, and when to get checked.

Changes to your periods are often the first sign of perimenopause. Cycles can get shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, and some months may be skipped altogether.

This guide explains what is typical, how tracking helps you and your doctor, and which kinds of bleeding always need medical advice, whatever your age.

Articles in this guide

Heavy periods in perimenopause: why they happen and what helps Heavy periods in perimenopause are common, but you don't have to put up with them. What counts as heavy, why it happens, signs of anemia, and what helps.
Spotting between periods in perimenopause: what it can mean Is spotting between periods normal in perimenopause? The common causes, why bleeding between periods or after sex is always worth checking, and what to expect.
Can you get pregnant in perimenopause? Birth control in midlife Can you get pregnant during perimenopause? Yes. Why fertility dips but doesn't vanish, when birth control can usually stop, and the options that suit midlife.
Irregular periods in perimenopause: when your cycle stops making sense Shorter, longer, heavier, skipped. Why periods change in perimenopause, what's typical, which bleeding needs checking, and what helps.

Other guides

Perimenopause basics: what it is, stages and how long it lasts · Brain fog, mood and anxiety in perimenopause · Perimenopause sleep problems and night sweats · Hot flashes, aches and body changes in perimenopause · Irregular periods and cycle changes in perimenopause · Perimenopause treatment: HRT and other options · Perimenopause lifestyle and self-advocacy · Symptom dictionary · Toolkit

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