In And Just Like That's latest episode Charlotte joins Miranda and Carrie for lunch and reveals that she thinks she has entered the menopause. 'I haven't got my period in four months so I think I'm finally in menopause,' she says. 'Welcome to the club, prepare to be sweaty,' says Miranda. And just like that...the menopause was referred to as something perfectly normal. Refreshing, no? The menopause stereotype has long been laboured on-screen - mood swings, severe hot flushing, you know the drill. While no experience of menopause is the same, it was a relief to see it discussed by three characters who seemed so comfortable with it.
Then came the 'flash period'. Charlotte spends the majority of the episode walking around in a fate-tempting all-white outfit and, just when she thinks she's 'done with it', she gets her period. In high school levels of solidarity Carrie and Miranda rush to her aid, tying a sweater around her waist to hide the blood patch, and ushering her to the bathroom. It's Miranda who dubs it a 'flash period' and cites it as a usual symptom of the menopause, and we couldn't help but wonder...why has nobody told us about flash periods before?
There is still a taboo around openly discussing periods in general. Grazia's Senior Editor Maria Lally remembers, 'A few years ago, when I was health editor at Grazia and working in its predominately female office, during my period I would sneak a tampon up my sleeve and surreptitiously head off to the toilets' and an that's still the norm today.
A recent YouGov poll for ActionAid found that one in five women under 40 are embarrassed to talk about their period with friends, and 50% are ashamed of mentioning it to their female boss (75% if they have a male boss).
When it comes to addressing the menopause and the impact it has on our bodies as we age, though, the conversation seems to be opening up.
We asked Dr Sam Brown, GP and menopause specialist at the female-led Bronte Clinic, everything you need to know about these 'flash periods' and the perimenopause.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause can begin years before the menopause officially starts, when your ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones. This seems to be where And Just Like That's Charlotte is at. 'The average length of the perimenopause phase is four years however for some, this stage can last a few months, or even as long as 10 years,' says Dr Brown. 'During the perimenopause – which commonly affects those in their 40’s but can arrive earlier or later, women still have periods and can still get pregnant, but within the last 1-2 years of this transition, the decrease in oestrogen speeds up and many women experience menopause symptoms.'
The average age associated with menopause, which is defined as a year since your last period, is 51, but 1 in 100 women will be perimenopausal before the age of 40
What Are Flash Periods?
The drop in hormones associated with the perimenopause can cause an irregularity in your cycle, resulting in flash periods - unannounced, unexpected of bouts of bleeding that can vary from spotting, to heavier flows.
What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Perimenopause?
There are many symptoms associated with the perimenopause, and it's important to recognise the signs.
'It is not all hot flushes!' reminds Dr Brown, 'Although these are very common with 70-80% of women, who often find them distressing and disruptive to sleep.'
Mood changes are very common. And other symptoms can include vaginal dryness and loss of libido, tiredness and insomnia, joint pain and muscle tension and rarer symptoms include a burning mouth or dry eyes.'
How Can I Help Ease The Symptoms Of The Perimenopause?
'Recognising the symptoms is the first step but it can be difficult to do. It is important to speak with a doctor and make sure that your symptoms, such as tiredness or sweats, are not due to other conditions. Once you've done that, consider:'
When Should I Seek Medical Advice From My Doctor?
Always be sure to check in with your physical and mental health, if something doesn't feel right, speak to your doctor. 'If you are not feeling yourself then it is a good idea to start to track your symptoms and to book in with your doctor to discuss them. A GP should be your first port of call, but if you need more specialist advice, menopause specialists like The Bronte Clinic are available both on the NHS and privately. You can also find a list of recommended clinics on The British Menopause Society website.'
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READ MORE: How Understanding Your Periods Could Get You That Next Promotion