Irregular Cycles in Peri-Menopause: What’s Normal and How Can Acupuncture Help
- Dr. Chantal Davis
- Sep 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Peri-menopause is a time of transition, often marked by changes in your cycle that can feel confusing and even unsettling. One month your period may come early, the next it may skip entirely, or you might notice spotting mid-cycle. If you’ve always been regular, these changes can leave you wondering: What’s happening to my body? Is this normal? And is there anything I can do to feel more balanced?
A Personal Note
I write about these topics because I’m right there with you. Lately, I’ve been experiencing shorter cycles myself, and I sometimes wish they would stretch out a bit. For someone who has always been in sync with her cycles, it can feel disorienting and even a little discombobulated. Supporting women through these changes is deeply personal to me, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve dedicated my work to women’s health. You can read more about my story and background on my About page.
What Is Peri-Menopause?
Peri-menopause is the stage before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. This transition can last anywhere from 2–10 years. During this time, your body is preparing to stop menstruating, and cycles often become irregular. Menopause itself is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period.
The Stages of Peri-Menopause
Early Peri-Menopause
Cycles are still fairly regular but may arrive a few days earlier or later. Flow or PMS symptoms may shift, and you might notice changes in sleep or mood.
Mid Peri-Menopause
Cycles become noticeably irregular. You might skip a period, then have two close together. Spotting or mid-cycle bleeding can occur because hormones like estrogen and progesterone aren’t rising and falling in their usual rhythm.
Late Peri-Menopause
You may go months without a period, only to have bleeding return unexpectedly. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruptions often become stronger.
Why Am I Having a Period Mid-Cycle?
Mid-cycle bleeding during peri-menopause often happens because ovulation becomes irregular—or doesn’t happen at all. Without ovulation, hormone levels don’t follow their usual rhythm, which can trigger spotting or even a full bleed.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, irregular cycles reflect an imbalance in Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood. Stress, overwork, emotional strain, and aging all influence how smoothly these cycles move.
Acupuncture for Irregular Periods in
Peri-Menopause
Many women search for natural remedies for peri-menopause, and acupuncture is a powerful option. Instead of forcing the body into a one-size-fits-all cycle, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine work to restore balance so your body can move through the menopause transition more smoothly.
Acupuncture may help by:
Calming the nervous system to reduce stress-related disruptions
Supporting hormone balance naturally
Improving energy and sleep
Regulating Qi and Blood for more predictable cycles
Nourishing the body when it’s depleted
Because every woman’s experience is unique, treatments are tailored to your individual needs.
When Irregular Cycles Are Normal—And When to Seek Care
Irregular cycles are a normal part of peri-menopause. However, you should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons in an hour
Periods lasting longer than 10 days
Severe pelvic pain
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period)
Support for Peri-Menopause in San Diego
At Free Flow Health in San Diego, I specialize in helping women navigate the challenges of peri-menopause and menopause with acupuncture, lifestyle guidance, and Chinese Medicine. Whether you’re struggling with irregular cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Ready to Find Relief?
Learn more about my approach on my Peri-menopause acupuncture services or Schedule your initial acupuncture appointment today and get natural support for irregular periods, hormonal balance, and the menopause transition.
FAQs About Irregular Cycles and Peri-Menopause
Is mid-cycle bleeding normal during peri-menopause? Yes, spotting or bleeding between periods can happen as hormone levels fluctuate. However, if bleeding is heavy or prolonged, it’s best to check in with your doctor.
How long does peri-menopause last? It varies. For some women, peri-menopause lasts just a couple of years, while others may experience irregular cycles for up to 10 years.
What are the first signs of peri-menopause? Irregular cycles, changes in flow, mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances are among the earliest signs.
Can acupuncture regulate periods in peri-menopause? Yes—acupuncture helps support hormone balance, regulate Qi and Blood, and calm the nervous system, which can lead to more regular cycles.
Is there a natural way to manage hot flashes and night sweats? Yes. Many women find relief with acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and Chinese Medicine, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of these symptoms.
Does Chinese Medicine see peri-menopause differently than Western medicine? Yes. While Western medicine focuses mainly on hormone levels, Chinese Medicine views peri-menopause as an imbalance in Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood. Treatment aims to restore balance rather than just manage symptoms.
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