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Ask Jerilynn |
Heavier Flow in Perimenopause
Thank you for your question. It is quite common for women in perimenopause,
which you probably are, to have heavier flow and with that go clots. Often
menstrual cramps also increase.
The only worrisome problem about clots
and heavier flow is if it means that you are at risk for a low blood count
(anemia) because of loss of iron. An indicator of that is use of 16 or more
soaked normal-sized pads or tampons in one full period. Often the reason for
heavy flow in perimenopause is that estrogen levels are high and progesterone
levels are low or the time of progesterone in the cycle (luteal phase) is too
short. These hormonal changes also cause the increased cramps.
I'd look
at “Very Heavy
Menstrual Flow” for some suggestions. If it persists you should tell your
doctor, get a blood count and probably start cyclic progesterone
therapy.
The good news is that periods and all of the changes of
perimenopause will eventually go away and you will graduate into menopause.
Hope this is helpful to you.
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