Information on Premenopausal Bleeding

Premenopause, also called perimenopause, occurs two to eight years before the start of menopause. The age at which women experience this stage of menopause varies, although according to Mayo Clinic, it is more likely to occur in the 40s. Bleeding in premenopause is a common occurrence, and can stem from many different things.

Hormonal Changes

• As your body starts to prepare for menopause, levels of the hormone responsible for regulating your monthly menstrual cycles (estrogen) begins to rise and decline. This fluctuation can cause your cycle to become sporadic, heavier, lighter and scanty. It may also cause you to have in-between bleeding, called spotting.

Uterine Changes

• Later in premenopause, the uterine lining begins to thin due to a decrease in estrogen. As the walls become thinner, the blood vessels inside start to weaken, and then break. This is called uterine atrophy, and it causes light and sporadic bleeding.

Vaginal Changes

• The vagina goes through changes just as the ovaries and uterus do during premenopause. The vagina becomes dry, and the vaginal lining begins to thin out. This causes some women to bleed and to experience discomfort during and after sexual intercourse.

Ovarian Changes

• During menstruation, an egg is formed in the ovarian follicles and is released during ovulation. When hormone levels fluctuate, an egg may not form, causing the follicle to fill with fluid forming a cyst. Ovarian cysts may cause symptoms such as pain, abnormal bleeding and bloating.

Special Consideration

• Although bleeding does occur in this early stage of menopause, all instances of bleeding should be considered abnormal until investigated properly by your health physician.