Is It Just Age?

Updated on April 14, 2014
S.F. asks from Ogdensburg, NY
6 answers

I am pushing 31 and have a 4 and 2 yr old. I got my period back about 1 month after I stopped breastfeeding my youngest which was about a yr ago. I was shocked at how consistent they were. Almost like clockwork, every 28 to 30 days and lasted approx 5-6 days. Then last month I was almost 2 weeks late ( my husband thankfully took care of permanent bc and did the tests and was cleared) Obviously in the back of my mind I thought Could I actually be pregnant and worried a bit until it finally came but now here I am again almost 2 weeks late and even though its only been 2 cycles Im starting to wonder if its common for your cycle to be this long. Im personally not on bc because like I said my husband thankfully took care of that and while I know its possible to get pregnant thats not what Im thinking here. I will def accept a 40 or so day cycle if thats my new norm it just doesnt seem normal or possible. Could it be age thats causing my period to go wonky or maybe something else that Im overlooking? I truly dont believe that Im pregnant

Thanks in advance

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Y.M.

answers from Iowa City on

It is pretty common to have your cycle length change from time to time. I have a 33 day cycle which is normal for me. Per my doctor, a normal cycle is between 22 and 36 days. If you don't fall in that range you should probably see your doctor.

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V.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

I wouldn't necessarily chalk it up specifically to age. But your cycle can change what is "normal". When I was young (late teens, early 20s) I was randomly 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 weeks in between periods when not on bc. So 24 day to 32 day or so cycles.... not much consistency. Sometimes there would be 2 weeks before a light 3 day menstrual period, and sometimes there would be 3 1/2 weeks before a 7 or 8 day heavy period.

After I was on bc for a long time, then had my first child, my cycle was longer. Some were as long as 42 days! I don't think it had anything to do with my age, as much as my hormones changed after childbirth and nursing, etc. Although, age can affect your hormones as well.

It may be a combination of having had children, and hormonal changes due to age. But I wouldn't pin it JUST on age. Have you had your thyroid checked? Pregnancy can do a number on your thyroid...

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

At that age my cycles were that long or sometimes longer. My ob/gyn was not concerned. If you have no other different effects I wouldn't be concerned. However, I suggest you talk with the advice nurse to calm your fearsm

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

I don't think you have enough of a pattern here to assess much of anything, but I don't think 31 counts as "age". There are so many other factors involved. I've worked in repro heath care, health ed and nutritional ed, and so many things affect cycles, it's hard to pin it down. I'd be asking you a whole bunch of additional questions, and I'd also be telling you to just watch this, absent any indicators of problems.

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E.T.

answers from Rochester on

Just be aware that a vasectomy is not 100% effective. I know a couple who had one, passed the "test" and had another baby a year later. He passed the test again and 18 months later had another one!

It's not uncommon for hormone levels to fluctuate and throw off your period. Especially if you are not on birth control. It could also be a sign of something else. I'd talk to my dr.

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C.D.

answers from Atlanta on

It's not unusual at all to have this happen after a child especially. And I think most women change their patterns at some point in life besides the obvious menopause cycle. Although it took some time for your's to restart you are probably still the process of change.

If you have no other symtoms than what you've said, I wouldn't worry. If you develop any other reasons for concern I'd go to the docs. Maybe you can find some info online or call a nurse for advice.

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