Why Are My Periods Doing This? Understanding Perimenopause Bleeding Changes

“My periods have changed… and I don’t understand what’s happening.” “They’re heavier than ever.” “They’re closer together.” “I’m skipping months.” “I feel terrible before my period now.” And the only explanation you’re given is: “That’s just perimenopause.” Which is true — but wildly incomplete. In this week’s episode of Hump Day Hormones, we’re breaking down why bleeding changes happen in perimenopause — and what’s actually driving them hormonally. Because periods are not controlled by estrogen alone. They are controlled by ovulation. In this episode, we walk through: • Why perimenopause is about inconsistent ovulation — not just “low estrogen” • The progesterone gap — and why progesterone declines first • Why you can still bleed regularly even when you’re not ovulating • Why heavy bleeding, shorter cycles, and worse PMS are so common • Why anxiety, sleep disruption, and migraines often worsen in this phase We also explain why perimenopause often feels harder than menopause itself. Hormones aren’t necessarily low — they’re unpredictable. And the brain, nervous system, blood sugar, and sleep cycles don’t like unpredictability. Then we get into what to actually do about it: • What needs to be ruled out first (fibroids, polyps, thyroid dysfunction, structural causes) • Why most bleeding in your 40s is hormonal but still deserves evaluation • How progesterone support can stabilize the lining and calm the nervous system • Why treatment is not one-size-fits-all • Why birth control isn’t the only solution If your cycles feel heavier, closer together, more chaotic — or you just don’t feel like yourself before your period anymore — this episode will help you understand why. Your body isn’t failing. Your ovaries are changing how they signal. And understanding that opens the door to real strategy. Share this with the friend who keeps saying, “Something feels off… but I don’t know what.”