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For many, the menstrual cycle feels like a steady rhythm for decades, but studies show significant changes occur as we age. These shifts are a natural part of the transition toward menopause, but they often leave many wondering: do menstrual cycles get longer as you age?
It is quite common for menstrual cycles to become unpredictable and more intense during the transitional phase leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. These fluctuations in the timing, flow, and duration of periods are a direct result of changing hormone levels in the body.
Approximately 78% of women aged 40–54 report experiencing heavy or long menstrual bleeding at some point during their menopausal transition. This is one example of the many changes to your cycle. So, is it normal to have a period for 3 weeks during perimenopause?
Research from the Apple Women's Health Study found that menstrual cycle length and regularity change significantly over a person's life, with notable shifts from the teenage years through perimenopause. This natural process confirms that, yes, your cycle length can change with age due to fluctuating hormone levels and declining ovarian function.
