Is it normal to have two to maybe three periods in a month? I think I might be starting perimenopause because I’m also depressed almost all the time.

Answer:

Let me put it this way, you’re definitely not alone.

More than ¾ of all perimenopausal woman experience unpredictable menstrual cycles. One of the first signs that you’re entering perimenopause is skipped periods or periods that occur more often than once per month. Your menses flow may be lighter or quite a bit heavier than normal as well. Don’t let this scare you. This is your body’s way of reacting to the fact that you’re producing fewer eggs and female hormones.

When the body begins producing less estrogen the body makes up for it by producing more follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH). FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland (located in the brain) when estrogen stores are low. Therefore a woman with high FSH levels and low estrogen levels is considered to be in perimenopause (the stage before menopause).

Just be careful. Perimenopause doesn’t give you license to suddenly stop practicing safe sex. Ovulation can still occur during perimenopause – your unpredictable periods are proof. If you don’t want to get pregnant, continue taking your birth control pills. During perimenopause your body will produce fewer and fewer eggs, and less and less estrogen and progesterone. Eventually you stop having your period all together. However, you are considered to be in full menopause once you haven’t had a period for an entire year. For the time being consider yourself to be easing into menopause.

Your depression may be a direct response to your hormone changes as well. Decreased estrogen and progesterone have been linked to lowered production of serotonin (the mood regulator). Low levels of serotonin can cause women to feel depressed, angry and sad. If you suspect that you might be depressed, please notify your doctor immediately for help.