One month it’s early. The next, it’s late. Then suddenly… nothing at all. These unpredictable changes are part of the many types of periods during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. It’s when your cycle starts to change without a heads-up.
Before this, you’ve mostly known what to expect from your body. You knew when your period’s due, how heavy it’ll be, how long it’ll last. But now, nothing’s the same. Your hormones are changing, your body’s reacting differently, and suddenly it feels like you’re figuring it all out from scratch again.
The tricky part? No two people go through perimenopause the same way, which can leave you confused and lonely, feeling like no one understands you. So, to help you feel a little more in control (and a lot less alone), here’s a breakdown of the different types of periods during perimenopause, why they happen, and what makes it different for everyone.
Why am I spotting between periods?
You’re not on your period, but there’s a tiny spot of blood on your underwear. It’s actually pretty common. Research shows that around 67% of perimenopausal women experience spotting that lasts more than 6 days.
As estrogen and progesterone rise and fall unpredictably during perimenopause, the lining of your uterus starts to shed at random times, showing up as spotting. If you’ve had a history of irregular periods, used hormonal birth control in the past, or are going through big lifestyle changes (like weight loss, new workout routine, or lots of stress), you might be more likely to notice spotting. Even simple things like travelling across time zones, catching a cold, or going through emotional stress can be enough to cause it.
If you’re spotting more regularly, check in with your doctor to make sure it’s not fibroids or polyps, which are very common during perimenopause. And while you figure it out, manage spotting with Nua’s everyday panty liners. They’re made for daily use, safe on all skin types, and super soft.
Why is my period suddenly so heavy?
According to studies, 34% of perimenopausal women experience 3 or more days of heavy bleeding. This happens because estrogen levels shoot up higher than progesterone, making the uterine lining grow thicker than usual. When it finally sheds, boom, it’s heavier than ever.
You’re more likely to experience this if you’ve always had heavy periods, recently gained weight, have high BMI, skipped a cycle (leading to more buildup), or have conditions like endometriosis that worsen with hormonal changes. Stress and poor sleep can also throw your hormones off balance, making the bleeding feel more intense.
For heavy flow days, Nua’s zero irritation pads are built with a 50% wider back and high absorbency while still being thin to keep you protected and irritation-free. And if those aren’t enough, Nua’s 360° Comfort Period Panties offer leak-proof protection that holds up to 4 pads’ worth of flow.
Why does my period blood look brown now?
Brown or dark red blood is usually just older blood that took its time to leave your body, and during perimenopause, that’s completely normal. Since your cycle isn’t running on a fixed schedule anymore, your uterus might not shed its lining as quickly or as fully as it used to. That’s why brown blood can start showing up more often.
Things like low physical activity, sitting for long hours, digestive issues, or even natural body differences like a tilted uterus can slow things down and cause that older blood to appear. That’s why some people experience this more than others.
That said, if you notice dark flow with a strong or foul smell, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor. It could be a sign of infection or something that needs attention.
Why is my period not on time?
Multiple studies have shown that both early and delayed periods are common signs of perimenopause.
Sometimes, estrogen spikes early in your cycle, which can make your body ovulate sooner. That means your period arrives faster than usual, even every 2–3 weeks. This is more likely if you’ve always had shorter cycles, ovulated early, recently lost weight, started intense workouts, or are dealing with stress, poor sleep, or calorie cutting.
Other times, your body might skip ovulation altogether. This means the usual rise and fall of hormones doesn’t happen, so the uterus doesn’t get the signal to shed its lining. That’s when the cycle becomes longer, sometimes over 38 days. As per research, this happens to like 70% of the perimenopausal women.
Longer gaps between periods are more common if you’re closer to menopause, or if you have conditions like thyroid issues or insulin resistance.
If surprise periods are becoming your new normal, Nua’s panty liners or period underwear are an easy, comfy, irritation-free way to stay ready for those “just in case” days.
Why is my period missing for weeks at a time?
Sometimes, you look at your calendar and realise you haven’t had a period in months. That’s actually a sign you’re getting closer to menopause. Once you’ve gone 12 full months without a period, you’re officially in menopause.
But this doesn’t happen at the same time for everyone. Some people reach this stage earlier because their body has fewer eggs left. For others, it could be due to health conditions like autoimmune disorders or past treatments like chemotherapy. Even emotional stress like caring for a sick parent, raising teenagers, or going through a big job change can make your cycle disappear for months.
And here’s where it gets a bit tricky. Just because your periods have paused doesn’t always mean ovulation has stopped. Some months, your body might still release an egg. So if you’ve missed a few cycles and there’s even a small chance of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to take a test, just to be sure.
Cycle-logically speaking
Perimenopause doesn’t follow a rulebook and that’s exactly why tuning into your body matters. Your changing cycle is your body’s way of communicating. By tracking what’s happening and staying aware of the shifts, you give yourself a better chance at navigating this phase with more clarity and confidence.
Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just stay kind to yourself and take it one cycle at a time.
