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Question:
I am a 37 year old female and my menstrual cycles are usually 28-29 days.
But recently, the cycles have been off. For the last 3 months, it's been about 30-31
days long, and my last period only lasted 23 days. I haven't had sexual intercourse
lately, but I did take a couple of home pregnancy tests just to be sure, and they
were all negative. What can be causing my periods to be longer, and than really
short this last time? Could something be wrong with me?
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Answer:
by Konstance McCaffree: (05/19/2004)
Thanks for a great question. It is not at all unusual for periods to begin to vary as you describe yours. Hormonal changes which affect the length of your menstrual cycle can happen at any time during a woman's life, but are even more likely to begin at your age. There is something that is called perimenopause that is the word to describe the beginning of hormonal changes, years before menopause. The late 30's is when most changes begin. It may be 15 or more years before menopause actually begins, but the production of hormones certainly can begin now.
If you are worried about it, please consult with a doctor who can examine you. It may be important to get a baseline hormone reading so that you know what is happening inside of your body. I can assure you, that many women experience what you are describing though, so it is just something happening to many in your age group.
Thanks for writing and feel free to ask more questions when you have them.Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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