3 minutes read time
Aug 2025
By Dr Mama-Asu Koranteng-Peprah
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist | Helping Women Bridge the Hormonal Gap™
When your own hormones catch you off guard
I thought I knew hormones.
As a doctor, I’ve spent years helping women navigate perimenopause, PCOS, and cycle changes. I could list the symptoms in my sleep.
But when I started getting hot flushes right before my period or hit those luteal phase days where I just wanted to cancel life and stay in bed? That’s when it got real.
Hormone shifts and period changes after 35 aren’t just textbook they’re lived experiences. And they catch a lot of us by surprise.
Why your period changes after 35
In your late 30s, it’s common to notice:
- Shorter, heavier, or more unpredictable periods
- PMS mood swings that feel like they come out of nowhere
- New sleep struggles or energy dips
- Skin or hair changes that don’t make sense
You might hear, “It’s just stress.” But the truth? It’s your hormones talking. These are some of the early signs of period changes after 35, triggered by hormonal shifts.
How your menstrual cycle works as a monthly health report
Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about fertility. It’s a real-time report card on how your brain, ovaries, thyroid, insulin, and stress systems are working together.
From puberty to your mid-30s, things are fairly predictable:
- Oestrogen rises → grows the uterine lining, supports ovulation
- LH + FSH → signal the ovaries to release an egg
- Progesterone rises → calms the system, balances oestrogen
- If no pregnancy? Hormones drop, and your period begins
What hormonal changes typically happen after 35
Even if your period still shows up like clockwork, behind the scenes:
- Your ovarian reserve is declining
- Oestrogen becomes more unpredictable
- Progesterone begins to drop
The result?
- Shorter cycles (think 21–26 days)
- Heavier or more erratic bleeding
- “Wired but tired” insomnia
- Mood and skin changes become more noticeable
This is early perimenopause, and many women never get the memo.
These symptoms are clear signs of period changes after 35 and often mark the beginning of hormonal shifts.
How PCOS symptoms can shift in your late 30s
Some women with PCOS see their cycles regulate in their late 30s. Others face new challenges: increased insulin resistance, heavier periods, or worsened mood swings. Either way, tracking becomes essential. Your body’s hormone story evolves, and so should your awareness.
Why tracking your cycle matters after 35
Cycle tracking isn’t just about getting pregnant, it’s about understanding yourself.
It helps you:
- Spot early signs of perimenopause
- Track PMS, energy, mood, and sleep patterns
- Monitor PCOS symptom changes
- Make empowered decisions with your healthcare provider
Tracking your symptoms can also help you understand period changes after 35 and how they affect your daily life.
How to start tracking your menstrual cycle
You don’t need a fancy app (but it’s fine if you use one). Here’s what to note:
- Cycle length: Day 1 of bleeding to next Day 1
- Ovulation signs: Cervical mucus, strips, temperature shifts
- Daily symptoms: Mood, sleep, energy, PMS, skin, flow
Consistency is more important than perfection.
What to do if your period is changing
Have you noticed changes in your cycle recently?
What’s been your biggest “aha” moment?
Ready to get answers?
If your period feels off, your hormones are trying to tell you something.
Let’s decode it together.
Book a 1:1 consultation to:
✔ Understand your unique cycle shifts
✔ Get hormone testing and interpretation
✔ Build a plan that fits your life, not just your symptoms.
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