You’re 40, thriving (most days), and then suddenly your period decides to throw in a plot twist—heavier than usual, longer, and full of clots. You’re not alone, and no, your body isn’t betraying you—it’s just entering a new chapter.
Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots at this age is surprisingly common and often linked to perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, according to Cleveland Clinic. As hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—fluctuate, they are said to cause the uterine lining to thicken more than usual. When it sheds, it can come out in heavier chunks, sometimes accompanied by clots, adds the above clinic.
But it’s not just hormones playing tricks. Mayo Clinic notes that uterine fibroids—non-cancerous growths common in women in their 40s—can also be a culprit. The mentioned clinic states that these fibroids can increase menstrual flow and even lead to discomfort or bloating. Similarly, conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis (when endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall) can contribute to intense bleeding and clotting, adds the above source.
Let’s not forget lifestyle factors. High stress, sudden weight changes, and even certain medications can affect your cycle, while underlying health conditions like thyroid issues or blood clotting disorders may be silently stirring the pot, according to Healthline.
It’s normal for your period to change in your 40s, but “normal” doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. Keeping track of your symptoms, using period-tracking apps, and speaking to your doctor can help rule out anything serious and guide you to options that make life easier, suggests the above source.
So, if your monthly visitor is arriving like a wrecking ball, you’re not broken—you’re just navigating a season of change. And like every phase of womanhood, you deserve to move through it feeling informed, supported, and totally unashamed.
Also see: Could your period cycle be determined by your weight?
