Cycle gets longer every month

[Maeridith]

Hi! I'm really struggling right now and need some support / reassurance.

I've always had regular cycles and haven't been on birth control for 5+ years. However, in the past half year or so, my cycles have gotten increasingly longer, with my period delayed a day or two every time. I always had a 31 day cycle, then suddenly 33, then 35, and I'm now on day 36-37 of this cycle, and still nothing, and I am crushed I am no longer in the normal range. I can't be pregnant because I've not had sex.

My husband has been stationed abroad for the past four years, so we delayed our family plans, but he will be back indefinitely in October and we really want a child. I'm 33. I'm terrified we've waited too long and I am in early menopause, or developed some sort of condition. I never wanted to wait this long to have children, but alas, life happens. I just don't know what to do.

Hi @Maeridith, try not to worry. It must be a worry for your cycles to have changed especially when you're starting to think about trying for a baby. Have you ever tried tracking your ovulation? You can buy OPK (ovulation predictor kits) cheaply on amazon or even at Boots. Hopefully that would give you some comfort that you are ovulating. You could pop in to your GP and ask about the lengthening cycle.

I'd go to the GP and get some blood tests done. Things like thyroid can effect cycle length.

My understanding (I am 32 with reduced ovarian reserve sonhave researched a lot) is that as you get closer to menopause cycles generally get shorter but I doubt that is an exclusive rule.

Generally cycles >35 days I think get investigated. It is probably fine though! Cycles just change as you get older.....

Hi there! Since I've gone off the pill my periods have been getting longer. I was a teen before pill, so I don't really remember what they were like before, but think I had 42 day cycles.

Going off pill has gone like this: 40, 35, 32, 41 and now I'm on day 43 or 45 (I can't remember exactly when last AF started!) and still no period :( (have lots of cramps so don't think I am pregnant...would love to be but no pregnancy symptoms)

It is so frustrating. I will make a doctors appointment to check that there's not something going on, since I have really painful periods too.

How long ago did you go off birth control? If it was hormonal, I heard it can take up to a year for periods to go back to normal, so that could be the reason? If you're worried, a visit to the GP would hurt :) I hope everything works out for you!

I quit the pill five years ago. I was incredibly regular up until recently. But yes, it took me a while after quitting the pill to get there, artemis2, so I would not worry.

Unfortunately can't go to my GP with this (I'm not in a place with easy access to healthcare), that's why I am asking here to see if anyone has experience. It would have been my first step otherwise to ease my fears! My thyroid is fine (had a full check up before going here - about six months ago).

Hello, when I came off the pill my cycles got longer by two days (first one was a 30 cycle) each month. Got my positive last week after 3 months ttc and I'm 30. Everyone is different but I'm sure you'll be fine 🤗

I came off the pill over five years ago.

I’d suggest charting your temperature to get an idea about what’s going on.

It’s really easy to do & once you’ve charted a few cycles you can begin to predict what’s going to happen.

Also, I’d recommend the book ‘Taking Charge of your Fertility’ by Toni Weschler

Good luck OP

Going through exact same thing, aged 32 since last 5 months periods getting longer . Currently waiting day 35, no trying to conceive but still worried as getting longer and every month is a waiting game