Medical Questions » Female Problems Questions » Question No. 384
| Question: | I am 40 years old. After I had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted my periods became much lighter. I used this method of contraception for three years, discontinuing a year ago. Now my periods are very light, regular and I have no premenstrual tension. What could cause this? |
| Answer: | Light regular periods with no premenstrual tension is many women' s idea of heaven. It is certainly not something to be concerned about.
Light periods in a 40 year old may be due to the early onset of menopause, or may be due to a natural change in the nature of the periods with time.
Most women find that the nature of their menstrual cycle changes gradually with over the years, and may change significantly after a pregnancy or ceasing the contraceptive pill.
The IUD is often associated with heavier and more painful periods, but your cycle is probably nothing to do with having used an IUD, just a fortunate coincidence.
The IUD is now out of favour as a contraceptive because a very small number of women had some significant side effects. On the other hand, a very large number of women found it a very convenient and effective method of controlling their fertility.
I trust that you are now using some form of contraception (even if that is abstinence) as light periods, particularly if they are regular, means that you can still become pregnant.
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