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

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:

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.

You Might Also Enjoy...

7 Causes of High-Risk Pregnancies

A high-risk pregnancy requires a high level of expert care to protect you and your unborn child from complications. Learn about seven common reasons for a high-risk pregnancy and why specialized prenatal care is essential.

What to Expect If You Have an Abnormal Pap Smear

If your Pap smear results come back as abnormal, it’s natural to be concerned. However, there are a number of reasons why this can happen. Read on to learn what your next steps could be if your Pap smear results come back as abnormal.

Do Fibroids Resolve on Their Own?

Fibroids can be painful for some women but not bother others at all. Learn how hormone levels contribute to fibroid growth and what can be done to treat fibroids that don’t resolve on their own.

I Just Received an Abnormal Pap Smear. Now What?

If you’re feeling worried or alone after learning that the results of your Pap smear came back as abnormal, it can help to know what happens next. Learn about the potential causes of an abnormal Pap smear and what you can expect moving forward.

High Risk Pregnancy Care at Guirguis OBGYN Group

Your medical history, age, and other factors can all play a role in the health of your pregnancy and baby’s development. Learn about five common issues that can increase your chances of having a high-risk pregnancy.