As women age, many of us find that our menstrual cycles take a turn for the worse. I had a particularly eye-opening experience at 37 while raking the lawn one sunny afternoon. Suddenly, I was hit with intense shakes, a ravenous hunger, and an overwhelming sense of anxiety that left me fuming for no apparent reason. My grip on the rake was so tight I could have snapped it in half.
Initially, I thought I might be pregnant again—what else could explain this madness? I rushed inside, devoured snacks like a feral beast, and remained irritable. That night, despite my exhaustion from raking and feasting, I lay awake in a pool of sweat, unable to find sleep. The next day, as I headed to the store for a pregnancy test, coupled with a box of Twinkies and some Doritos, I realized it was simply PMS—the worst case I’d ever experienced. I hoped it was a one-time thing, but the following month proved me wrong; I was once again engulfed in the same storm of emotions and cravings.
Fast forward four years, and here I am, bracing myself for another wave of PMS that sends me racing for carbs and leads me to question every life choice I’ve made. My monthly “shark weeks” have become far more intense than they ever were in my teens, twenties, or even early thirties.
Shared Experiences
After discussing this chaos with a friend, she revealed that her cycle also went haywire around the age of 35. She experienced severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and mood swings so extreme that she often found herself running to the store for a pregnancy test, convinced it was something more than just PMS. But alas, it was simply the dreaded PMS during our “in-between” years—when many women have finished having children but haven’t yet reached menopause.
The Science Behind the Chaos
If you feel like your uterus is staging a coup every month, know that there’s a scientific reason behind it. Dr. Emily Carson, a women’s health expert with over two decades of experience, explains that our 40s mark a significant shift in our cycles. “During this decade, the ovaries begin to produce hormones through what I call ‘follicular rejects,’” she states.
Women are born with approximately 1 to 2 million immature eggs, but by puberty, that number dwindles to around 400,000. Over the next 25 years, unless you’re pregnant or on birth control, one of these eggs matures each month within a follicle that produces estrogen and, after ovulation, progesterone. For every egg that matures, thousands perish, leaving us with fewer and less robust eggs in our 40s. Consequently, fewer of these eggs develop into healthy follicles capable of producing the necessary hormones, leading to our cycles becoming erratic.
Dr. Carson explains that when a follicle develops poorly, it tends to produce less hormone and may even die off prematurely, resulting in shorter cycles. What used to be a reliable 28-day cycle can shrink to 24 days or less. Low estrogen levels can also trigger menopausal-like symptoms even while you’re still menstruating. These hormonal fluctuations affect our mood, leading to feelings of anxiety and irritability, especially as both estrogen and progesterone dip just before and during our periods. It’s like a dress rehearsal for menopause!
Heavy and Painful Periods
As if that weren’t enough, our periods tend to become heavier and more painful as we age. Dr. Carson points out that adenomyosis—a condition where endometrial cells invade the uterine muscle—can cause painful periods and excessive bleeding. The thickening of the uterine wall prevents proper contractions, leading to heavy flow and discomfort.
So yes, we still get our monthly visitor, but with less estrogen and progesterone, things can feel downright unbearable. Yet, as women, we have a remarkable ability to push through life’s challenges, from running marathons to hosting gatherings, even when “Aunt Flo” pays an unwelcome visit.
Seeking Support
If you’re noticing significant changes in your cycle, remember that science has your back, even if it doesn’t necessarily make things easier. While wine and chocolate can help dull the edges, it’s always wise to consult your gynecologist if something feels off. For more information on women’s health and fertility, you can check out this excellent resource from Johns Hopkins.
Conclusion
In summary, as we age, hormonal changes can lead to more intense PMS symptoms and irregular periods. It’s a normal part of life for many women, but understanding the science behind these changes can be comforting. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support or consult with a healthcare professional if you feel something isn’t right.