I have always had regular periods (36 days in between, lasting 3 days and minimal cramps) for most of my life until about a year and a half ago. It will start with light brown discharge on one day, nothing for 3 or so days, full period for 3 days, then light brown discharge lingering for a day or so more. It is consistant from month to month, but it is very frustrating (especially for someone who was 3 days start to finish). When I asked my doctor the answer I got was something like "welcome to getting older", but I'm only 35. Is this really normal with getting older or could there be something else going on?
Thanks in advance!
Yep-it definitely does change as you get older sorry to say. I used to be a perfect 28 day cycle. Now it could be 25 or it could be 35. And I am much more affected throughout the month as well. Midcycle I bloat as big as if pregnant. Much more emotional too. Sucks! And it happens at all different older ages-unique to each of us. A good friend went through menopause at 40 even.
Yes, my periods changed over the years and drastically after having kids. Now at 50 they are changing again going into menopause. One thing that might help, but I would check with your doctor, is that for my 13 year old who has EXTREMELY heavy periods (7 days long too)and was getting woozy and iron deficient, the pediatrician recommended taking 400 mg of ibuprofen at the onset of her period and continuing it every 6 hours for the first 48 hours. It has reduced her bleeding dramatically to where she now has 2-3 days of heavy flow but nothing as heavy as before, and then another 2-3 days of very light flow. If this is not an option per your doctor, then a birth control pill (mini-pill I think it is called with very little hormones) could be another option. That was the next step our pediatrician was mentioning just for its regulating properties. Periods seem to be a highly personal matter since for some they are light all their lives, for some heavy, and for some there is not pattern at all. Mine were always 36-38 days and after kids went to 21 - 25 days, at both ends just lasting 3 days and very light. For the last 2 years they have been all over the place from 21 to 76 days, so indeed, welcome to aging!!
I think this is likely related to getting older. Our hormones can start changing in our mid 30s. I've noticed changes in my 40s in my periods, one of which is the light brown discharge ahead of time some months. If you aren't experiencing any other symptoms, I would just monitor for any further changes. Many women envy those of us with short and light periods (mine are similar to what you've described).
If you figure anything out please let me know. I am 31 and my cycle since the end of December went from 6 days to 2 days. My cycle has been a 25 day and my DH and I want to TTC soon, so I want to make sure there isn't anything underlying anyway. I hear it is pretty typical once you reach 30 for things to start changing. I will be seeing my OBGYN before we try though just to be certain. Sorry not much advice but your not alone :)
Hi. I agree with J L. Read the books she mentions. It isn't really about getting "older" but about changes in hormones. My periods were so predictable all of my life and then changed a few times in my 30's. Now at 40, they are a little different still. It is probably a good thing that they are changing...it shows the body is doing its thing and preparing you for the next phase of life.
Just one more "joy" of being a woman:)
Yup, it's normal. My cycle changed at around 20 and again at 26ish. I went from a 7 day super heavy period with lots of cramping to a 3 day period with only 1 heavy day. Now, at 34 I have a period just like yours, a few days of spotting, period and a few days of spotting. It's so much fun being a woman!
My period also changed a few months ago, at age 31. I also always used to be regular, with the period lasting from 5-6 days. Now, before the actual full blown period begins I have about 3-5 days of light bleeding/spotting, followed by a shorter period, of about 4 days. I talked to my doctor about and even went for an abdominal ultrasound, but nothing abnormal was found. So, I guess it's normal that these things happen. Its tough being a woman~!
I'm so glad you asked this question! I'm 38 and my periods started changing 3 or 4 years ago. Now I get close to 5 days of spotting before my actual bleeding (which now only lasts about 2 days, thank goodness!) All the spotting is a pain in the neck though. I often wonder if my period is going to come sooner or later - when will it be here already?! - I feel unprepared. Like someone else said, it's so much fun being a woman!!
A woman cycle changes slightly every few years as we get older.
Mine went from 30 days to 33 days after I turned 35yrs.
B. k
35 is a statistically significant age for women. It is when infertility issues dramatically jump. It is when the risk of birth defects jumps. It is the age when we can no longer grow bone mass (we can only retain). It is the age when the first very subtle symptoms of peri-menopause appear.
So yes...A change to your cycle could very likely be benign and related to age. But be ready to never be "regular" again. Your new normal may be dealing with a new/different cycle every few months. This is something I noticed last year (37) and while I am not happy about it it is not something I am up at nights worried/teary-eyed about.
But do make sure you get your annual check-ups with your OB/Gyn. Age 35 is also when delaying or postponing these appointments can have negative results.
This also happened to me after I weaned my 2nd child. Hubby had a vasectomy, so I didn't resume any kind of BC and just let nature take it's course. I'm 30, and this happened several years ago too. I've got some very close friends who are 10-15 yrs older than me and they have confirmed that it's just what happens. =/
