This month: Dr. James Presthus

Q. Doctor, do periods become heavier as we age?

A. They may. During perimenopause, the five-year period prior to menopause, your cycles may become much more irregular. Often, the period between cycles becomes shorter and the bleeding heavier. That's because there is a change in response from the ovaries. As the ovaries become a little less responsive with age, the brain sends more stimulation to them, which may cause the ovaries to intensify their response. As a result, you may see menstrual cycles that are closer together with a heavier flow.

James Presthus, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with Minnesota Gynecology and Surgery in Edina, Minnesota.