Why Is My Menstrual Cycle Changing?

Key Takeaways

• The menstrual cycle is a key indicator of reproductive health, and irregularities should be evaluated. It’s especially important for helping patients with fertility and pregnancy.
• Several factors can cause a menstrual cycle to change, including age; lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, and exercise; and certain medical conditions and medications.
• Monitoring your cycle and consulting with a healthcare provider when something seems abnormal can be crucial to your health and quality of life.

Menstrual Cycle Basics

Every month, the female reproductive system goes through a series of changes known as the menstrual cycle. This process is all about preparing the body for ovulation and, potentially, pregnancy. Menstruation, or your monthly period, typically starts around puberty (usually around age 12) and continues until menopause, which happens on average around age 51.

The typical cycle length is generally 28 days, starting with the first day of the last period and ending with the first day of the next menstrual period. Interestingly, Human Reproduction found that most women (87%) experience actual menstrual cycle lengths between 23 and 35 days, with a normal distribution centred on day 28. More than half of the users (52%) reported menstrual cycles that varied by 5 days or more. But should you be concerned if your cycle becomes more irregular? Let’s dive in and break it down.

Why Is My Menstrual Cycle Changing?

Changes in your menstrual cycle can be concerning. Understanding the potential causes can help you manage your health better and know when to seek medical advice. Below are some of the most common reasons for a lengthening menstrual cycle.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes are one of the most common reasons for a cycle getting longer. These fluctuations are largely tied to age and various life stages:

• Puberty: During puberty, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, which can lead to irregular and longer menstrual cycles.
• Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): When the quality or quantity of available eggs decreases, the brain will respond by sending a stronger signal to the ovaries. This results in eggs developing more quickly and ovulating sooner than usual which will SHORTEN the menstrual cycle.
• Perimenopause: As women approach menopause and there are fewer and fewer eggs in the ovaries capable of ovulating, the time between cycles begins to lengthen with longer or even skipped cycles.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalance, which can cause prolonged menstrual cycles that are not associated with a low egg count.

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle factors can influence the length of your menstrual cycle. High levels of stress can disrupt the balance of hormones, leading to changes in your menstrual cycle. In fact, one study in the Journal of Women’s Health found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an uptick in menstrual cycle irregularities reported – especially during the uncertain early months.In addition, poor nutrition or significant changes in diet can affect hormone levels and menstrual regularity. Lastly, both excessive exercise and a lack of physical activity can impact your cycle.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medical conditions and medications can also cause longer menstrual cycles:

• Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities.
• Uterine Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavier and longer periods.
• Medications: Some medications, such as anticoagulants and hormonal contraceptives, can affect menstrual cycle length.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It's essential to monitor your menstrual cycle and be aware of any significant changes. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience cycles longer than 35 days consistently, heavy bleeding or periods lasting more than seven days, severe pain or discomfort during menstruation, or any other concerning symptoms.

Bottom Line

Understanding the menstrual cycle is essential for helping patients with fertility planning and pregnancy.

If you notice significant changes in your menstrual cycle and need medical advice, Fertility Associates of Memphis is here to support you with compassionate care, customized treatments, and expert guidance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced healthcare providers.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns and conditions.