Abnormal Periods in My 30s — Could It Be Menopause?

Typically, menstrual cycles occur every 28 days and last 4-7 days. If you notice your periods are lasting longer or aren’t arriving on a regular schedule, menopause may be the first thing that springs to mind.

Because abnormal periods can be the result of many underlying factors, The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group offers diagnostic evaluations to identify the exact cause.

Our experienced OB/GYNs can also customize a treatment plan to address what’s affecting your monthly periods, including the transition to menopause.

Why your periods might be abnormal

Abnormal periods describe a menstrual cycle that’s shorter or longer than usual. Your period may also be considered abnormal if blood flow is much heavier than usual, very light, or if you go a month or longer without a period.

Gynecological conditions that can contribute to irregular or abnormal periods include:

• Pregnancy
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Uterine or ovarian cancer
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

You might also experience abnormal periods if you’re under a lot of stress, experience significant weight loss, or if you’re sick with a virus.

Your hormone levels also play an essential role in the regulation of your monthly period.

Hormonal causes of abnormal periods

Hormones are chemical messengers in your body that control many of your biological functions. As you get older, your body doesn’t produce as many reproductive hormones like it did in your youth.

This loss of estrogen and progesterone begins a few years prior to menopause, which is the end of your child-bearing years. As your hormone levels decline, your period may be the first noticeable change you experience. This transition can begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s.

However, even if you’re not in your menopause transition, fluctuations in your estrogen levels can occur if you use hormonal birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy. These fluctuations can trigger irregular periods or abnormal menstrual bleeding for six months or longer after starting or discontinuing birth control.

What to do if you have abnormal periods

The first thing you should do when you notice that your period is changing is schedule a diagnostic evaluation at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group. Keep track of your period activity until your appointment, so you can provide our team with the most accurate information.

When you come to our office, we complete a physical exam and may order blood tests to assess your hormone levels to see if you’re headed toward menopause. We may also recommend undergoing ultrasounds, hysteroscopy, or other diagnostic tests to check your reproductive organs for fibroids, endometriosis, or other abnormalities.

Once we identify the cause of your abnormal periods, we design a care plan to treat it. For instance, you may need hormonal birth control to regulate your cycle or hormone replacement therapy to manage the symptoms of menopause.  Some women may need minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids or excess endometrial tissue to stop abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Then, our providers continue to monitor your periods and provide any treatment you may need to support your reproductive health.

If you have abnormal periods and want answers, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.