In my 20’s and 30’s I used to wish my periods away, they were a nuisance and after having children, felt unnecessary. But as I move through my 40s, the science shows that keeping your natural menstrual cycle for as long as possible can come with some health benefits.

Periods Reflect Ongoing Oestrogen Protection

Menstrual cycles are a sign our ovaries are still producing hormones—especially oestrogen. Oestrogen does more than regulate our cycle; it helps protect our bones, heart, brain, and even skin. Once periods stop, that natural oestrogen support declines, which can increase risks for osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive changes.

In short, each cycle means we are still receiving some of those protective benefits.

Bone Health Gets a Longer Lifeline

Oestrogen plays a starring role in maintaining strong bones. Women who go through menopause earlier often face a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life. If our cycle continues a little longer, it’s like giving our bones a little extra “buffer time” before that natural bone density decline speeds up.

Heart Health Support

Before menopause, women tend to have lower rates of heart disease than men—partly thanks to the protective role of oestrogen. Once periods stop and oestrogen levels drop, cardiovascular risks rise. Keeping our periods for longer means that protection sticks around a little more.

Brain and Mood Benefits

Our hormones support the production of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Oestrogen in particular is linked to better mood stability, cognitive function, and memory. While perimenopause can bring brain fog and mood swings, maintaining natural cycles a little longer may help cushion those shifts.

A Window Into Your Health

Our menstrual cycle is like a monthly report card from our body. If cycles are regular, it’s a sign that things are ticking along hormonally. Changes in our cycle—such as very heavy bleeding, skipped periods, or dramatic shifts—can give early clues about thyroid issues, fibroids, or the transition into perimenopause.

Bottom Line

Menopause is a natural life stage, and there are many ways to support our health after our periods stop. But instead of wishing periods away too soon, it can help to reframe them: each cycle we still have in our 40s or early 50s is a sign your body is continuing to enjoy some of the protective effects of your hormones.

Keeping our periods a little longer isn’t just about fertility—it’s about bone strength, heart health, brain clarity, and overall wellbeing. Knowing this helps me to feel grateful with every period, not happy to have it, but grateful!

What’s one small change you could make this week that would help support your hormones?

If you are looking for support, download my free Happy Hormones Challenge for 10 days of simple daily actions to support healthy hormones.