Throughout reproductive years a woman’s body increases and decreases production of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in a regular pattern causing monthly menstrual cycles. The regular pattern of hormone production is what gives your monthly bleeding its predictable quality.

During perimenopause – the period preceding menopause your body begins to slow its production of these hormones, and the pattern becomes irregular. As a result, you can experience some irregular bleeding.

Some months, your period may seem lighter, heavier, shorter, or longer. Your period may come sooner or later than expected, or you may skip a period altogether. Irregular bleeding during this time is normal and is no cause for alarm. However we always recommend you let your London Obs gynaecologist know when you start to experience changes in your bleeding.

Abnormal bleeding can also be a symptom of several other gynaecological conditions.