It’s common for women to experience irregular periods and other menstrual cycle changes as they approach menopause. However, it’s also possible for women to continue having regular monthly periods into their 50s and even 60s. There are several reasons why you may still be getting your period at age 53.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage before menopause when a woman’s body is preparing to stop ovulating and menstruating. This phase can last anywhere from 2-10 years. During perimenopause, your ovaries start producing less estrogen but are still releasing eggs occasionally. You may experience irregular periods, shorter or longer cycles, heavy bleeding, or missed periods. It’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, so contraception is still needed if you want to prevent pregnancy.
Primary ovarian insufficiency
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure, happens when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. Women with POI will have irregular periods or amenorrhea (lack of periods) and menopausal symptoms due to low estrogen levels. POI is diagnosed with blood tests showing high FSH levels. Some cases are caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, or medical treatments like chemotherapy. Women with POI require hormone replacement therapy until the average age of menopause (around age 51).
Medical conditions
There are some medical conditions that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding or prolonged periods around menopausal age. These include:
- Uterine fibroids – noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding
- Endometrial polyps – benign overgrowths in the uterine lining that may lead to irregular bleeding
- Endometriosis – uterine tissue growing outside the uterus that can continue to bleed monthly
- Adenomyosis – uterine tissue growing into the muscular walls of the uterus
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism
- Blood clotting disorders
- Cancers like endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer
If a medical condition is causing ongoing heavy, irregular, or prolonged bleeding, treatment will focus on managing that underlying problem.
Medications
Certain prescription medications can impact menstruation and may be behind ongoing periods around menopausal age. These include:
- Blood thinners like heparin or warfarin
- Steroids like prednisone
- Breast cancer drugs like tamoxifen
- Migraine medications
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Antidepressants
Talk to your doctor if you think medications could be interfering with your cycle. Adjustments in dosages or different prescriptions may help.
Birth control
Many women use hormonal birth control like oral contraceptive pills, patches, shots, or vaginal rings to regulate their cycles and manage perimenopausal symptoms. You may choose to continue birth control into your 50s until reaching menopause to prevent irregular bleeding.
The progestin in birth control pills can also have the effect of maintaining the uterine lining, which allows you to continue getting regular monthly withdraw bleeds. However, birth control will not prevent the onset of menopause itself.
Pregnancy
It’s possible but quite rare to get pregnant naturally at age 53. Less than 1% of pregnancies occur in women over age 50. However, if you are still ovulating and sexually active without contraception, pregnancy could explain ongoing menstrual cycles. Use pregnancy tests or check with your doctor if this is a possibility.
Is this normal?
Getting your period until around age 51-52 is still considered normal as you go through the menopausal transition. However, ongoing heavy, irregular, or prolonged bleeding past age 52-53 is not. Make sure to see your gynecologist for evaluation of any bleeding concerns.
This table summarizes the range of normal menstrual periods around menopausal age:
| Age Range | Menstrual Cycle Changes |
|---|---|
| 45-51 | Perimenopause – Irregular cycles are common |
| 51-52 | Periods may lighten or become sporadic |
| After 53 | Ongoing heavy, irregular, or frequent bleeding is abnormal |
When to see your doctor
Consult your gynecologist if you experience any of the following around menopausal age:
- Bleeding lasts more than 7 days
- Menstrual flow is very heavy or includes large clots
- Periods come more frequently than every 21 days
- Spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sex
Sudden bleeding after months without a period could also warrant seeing your healthcare provider to rule out any problems.
Diagnostic tests
To determine the cause of ongoing periods around age 53, your doctor may recommend:
- Pregnancy test – Rule out pregnancy first if sexually active
- Pelvic exam – Checks for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs
- Pap smear – Screens for cervical cancer
- Endometrial biopsy – Samples the uterine lining to check for cancer or hyperplasia
- Ultrasound – Evaluates the thickness of the uterine lining and detects fibroids/polyps
- Blood tests – Measure hormone levels like FSH, estrogen, and thyroid hormones
Treatment options
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of ongoing menstrual bleeding:
- Hormonal therapy – Estrogen/progestin pills, patches, or creams can regulate cycles
- Oral contraceptives – Regulate bleeding and provide contraception
- NSAIDs – Ibuprofen or naproxen may reduce heavy bleeding
- Endometrial ablation – Destroys the uterine lining to stop excessive bleeding
- Hysterectomy – Surgical removal of the uterus; a last resort option
Making lifestyle modifications like avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI, and reducing stress can also help manage symptoms.
When will menopause occur?
It’s impossible to predict exactly when menopause will happen as long as you are still having periods. Menopause is only diagnosed after going 12 full months without a menstrual cycle. However, for women in their 50s getting regular periods, menopause will likely happen within the next few years.
The median age for menopause in the United States is 52. But it’s normal for the process to occur anytime between ages 45 and 55. If you’re concerned about when you will reach menopause, discuss your options like hormone testing and treatment with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Getting your period at age 53 is not necessarily abnormal. As you transition towards menopause, menstrual irregularities and cycle changes develop. However, ongoing heavy or frequent bleeding past your early 50s should be evaluated by your gynecologist.
Ruling out any medical problems is important when periods persist around menopausal age. Stay in close contact with your doctor to monitor symptoms, undergo appropriate testing, and implement the right treatment plan for your situation.
With the right guidance, you can manage this transition and improve issues like irregular or heavy bleeding. Before long, menstruation will cease permanently as you pass through perimenopause and reach menopause.