Lengthening between periods

[vbactivist]

my periods have always been somewhat irregular, meaning my cycle could be anywhere between 26 and 40 days. however my last cycle was 47 days long (3 negative pregnancy tests), and now it's been 57 days since my last period, with none in sight. I am not trying to get pregnant, and don't think I am actually. I am not on hormonal bc, and my thyroid was checked about 9 months ago and was fine. now I just read someones post about possibly having cancer and one of the signs was not having a period. Do you think I am missing periods or just having longer cycles? Does it matter? I am feeling like I'm going to throw up right now

[vbactivist]

bump

[vbactivist]

does this sound like an illness or premenopause? I have an appt with a doctor (admittedly it's been over 3 years since my last pap) but they can't see me until sep 22. In the meantime,I'm a little worried.

[pbjmama]

How old are you? Did you have any signs of ovulation or fertility? Are you nursing? Any other background? My guess would be that it is a variation of normal, alot of things, even stress can cause irregular cycles.

[amcal]

Sounds like perimenopause to me as well. I second the age question. Perimenopause can last for several years so you could be in the very beginning stages and one sign is irregular cycles.

[subtlycrunchy]

There could be a lot of things going on.... Women who are too thin or extremely athletic can stop menstruating, PCOS, perimenopause... Can you pinpoint any other symptoms/changes you've noticed (excess facial hair or hot flashes, etc.). Here are some good symptom articles:

Perimenopause — the beginning of hormonal change

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)


Irregular periods ---> This one may have some real answers for you.

Good luck!!!

[vbactivist]

Originally Posted by pbjmama

How old are you? Did you have any signs of ovulation or fertility? Are you nursing? Any other background? My guess would be that it is a variation of normal, alot of things, even stress can cause irregular cycles.

I am 36. I am nursing my almost 3 year old, but I have had regular periods (between 26 and 40 days) since she was about a year old. I have juvenile diabetes. I had egg white cm about 4 weeks ago. But no sex, because of my last cycle, I was afraid I was pregnant, so we abstained this month until we can figure out what to do long term. I don't feel more stressed than normal. I am glad you didn't say it sounds like cancer. That is what I am worried about, because I am a worrier by nature.

[vbactivist]

Originally Posted by subtlycrunchy

There could be a lot of things going on.... Women who are too thin or extremely athletic can stop menstruating, PCOS, perimenopause... Can you pinpoint any other symptoms/changes you've noticed (excess facial hair or hot flashes, etc.). Here are some good symptom articles:

Perimenopause — the beginning of hormonal change

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)


Irregular periods ---> This one may have some real answers for you.

Good luck!!!

THat link is very helpful - thanks! I don't have any of the other symptoms of PCOS. If it is a hormonal thing, how would that get fixed? I would NOT want to go on the pill. Dumb question, I'm sure, but does nutrition play a part in hormones? I could definitely eat better.

[vbactivist]

Originally Posted by amcal

Sounds like perimenopause to me as well. I second the age question. Perimenopause can last for several years so you could be in the very beginning stages and one sign is irregular cycles.

My sister is 6 years older than me and not showing any signs of menopause. My mom had a hysterectomy long before menopause, so that's really all I have to go on. Menopause would be a gift, I think, if it was truly happening.

[amcal]

That's my problem as well. My mom had and two of her sisters had a hysterectomy and the other two smoke like chimneys so their bodies are all wackadoodle anyway. So, my sister and I have no idea what to expect.

I'm 41 and my sister is 42 and we both noticed right at the end of our 30s that our periods changed. For both of us, our periods got a lot heavier, shorter and closer together.

Other than that, no signs of anything. But, per my Dr. that can still be perimenopause. Who knows?

[VisionaryMom]

Well, to clarify (I am the one who posted about the biopsy), I just turned 30. I have not had a period in 10 months. I didn't have one for about 8 months before that, so one of the concerns my gyn has is that this started when I was 27-ish.

For me, PCOS isn't as likely because I got pg with both kids the first month I was trying. I had wonderful pregnancies. Plus I am not insulin-resistant. My blood sugar is around 100 fasting, and insulin resistance is a really common thing with PCOS.


So I think cancer probably isn't the first thing to look for with a missing period, but I have lots of other symptoms. So, try not to worry!

[vbactivist]

Originally Posted by VisionaryMom

Well, to clarify (I am the one who posted about the biopsy), I just turned 30. I have not had a period in 10 months. I didn't have one for about 8 months before that, so one of the concerns my gyn has is that this started when I was 27-ish.

For me, PCOS isn't as likely because I got pg with both kids the first month I was trying. I had wonderful pregnancies. Plus I am not insulin-resistant. My blood sugar is around 100 fasting, and insulin resistance is a really common thing with PCOS.


So I think cancer probably isn't the first thing to look for with a missing period, but I have lots of other symptoms. So, try not to worry!

THank you for your input, VM! Your OP is what originally got me worried. TRuthfully though, I probably should be seen by a doctor anyhow - I haven't had a pap smear in 3 years.

Does anyone know if there are ways other than the birth control pill for getting one's hormones back on track?