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Extra-Long Period
I am 36 years old and I have always had irregular periods. Most of the time I go 2, 3, or 4 months between periods. I just went 9 months (the longest I have ever gone) without a period then I started and it lasted 20 days. Then, I stopped for 7 days and then I started again. I am on my 9th day with no end in sight. It is staying a fairly heavy period and I have had a lot of clots in it. It is also a little more painful in my lower abdomen than my usual periods (lots of cramping). What could possibly be going on? Also, I am feeling really fatigued, Could that be from the extra-long period or not?
A related discussion, I don't know what is wrong with me. was started.
I have always had pretty normal periods. but this one seems super weird to me. i was later than i thought i was going to be having it. my roommates and i are uaually on the same time frame. but they had ended and i had started. and the first couple of days was hardly anything...which is not normal for me. usually the first day isnt much and then the second and third and fourth are heavy...and the first three days were hardly anything. and i have been having horrible pain in that area. like horrible cramps but they seems a little weirder. and now its been super heavy for the past four maybe five days. its a lot longer than most of my periods. going on day nine....
im confused and a little scared...is this normal? any help will work.
thanks.
im confused and a little scared...is this normal? any help will work.
thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It sounds as if you are anovulatory, meaning your ovaries do not produce an egg with each cycle. This is often associated with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (notable for irregular periods, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries--these women often are obese, have male pattern hair growth and coarse hair, and show signs of insulin resistance). You should see an ob/gyn to be evaluated for the above, as well as for other potential causes of irregular periods including an elevated prolactin level, abnormal thyroid hormone, potential pregnancy, uterine polyps, and due to your age, many would perform an endometrial biopsy in the office to assess for tissue overgrowth (hyperplasia) or abnormal tissue (atypia or cancer).
Assuming your work up is normal and your sx's are due to anovulation, your physician should be able to talk you through the various treatment options. Briefly, they typically involve hormonal control of the menstrual cycle with the pill or one of its equivalents (the patch or nuvaring) or a progesterone only hormonal therapy such as using monthly provera, depo provera, or placing a Mirena IUD. In some obese women, weight loss can result in more regular menstrual cycles.
Best of luck,
Dr. Downing
It sounds as if you are anovulatory, meaning your ovaries do not produce an egg with each cycle. This is often associated with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (notable for irregular periods, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries--these women often are obese, have male pattern hair growth and coarse hair, and show signs of insulin resistance). You should see an ob/gyn to be evaluated for the above, as well as for other potential causes of irregular periods including an elevated prolactin level, abnormal thyroid hormone, potential pregnancy, uterine polyps, and due to your age, many would perform an endometrial biopsy in the office to assess for tissue overgrowth (hyperplasia) or abnormal tissue (atypia or cancer).
Assuming your work up is normal and your sx's are due to anovulation, your physician should be able to talk you through the various treatment options. Briefly, they typically involve hormonal control of the menstrual cycle with the pill or one of its equivalents (the patch or nuvaring) or a progesterone only hormonal therapy such as using monthly provera, depo provera, or placing a Mirena IUD. In some obese women, weight loss can result in more regular menstrual cycles.
Best of luck,
Dr. Downing
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