periods lasting weeks

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Until about 6 months ago I had very regular periods, lasted 3 days, repeat every 27, not very heavy. Then I missed 3 in a row. Then the next 3 lasted much longer than, 2-3 weeks each, about a week off then started again. I wasn't particularly worried because thought perhaps they were just counteracting the missed ones, but the most recent one (so 4th long one) is coming up to a whole month without stopping.

Definitely not pregnant and am 36 so while possible, early menopause is unlikely (while I know it's not an exact science mum and gran didn't stop until their mid 50s).

I've finally managed to get a dr's appt for next week - any ideas what it could be/what tests I should be asking for? Don't want to be fobbed off with 'see how it goes....'

I hit my 40s and have ended up with heavy, prolonged, unpredictable periods after never having any issues. I'm currently 12+ weeks into consistent bleeding.

You need a full blood count, checking particularly for anaemia. Thyroid. CA125.

Referral for an ultrasound.

Abdominal exam.

First line from my GP was norethisterone, then tranexamic acid and then progesterone only pill and then Mirena IUD, all while waiting for the scans.

I'm still bleeding but need to give the Mirena chance to work before they'll refer me to a gynaecologist.

My problem seems to be multiple, large fibroids.

I had this around your age. A few months of very weird periods, spotting and bloody discharge. Had bloods & ultrasound done and all was normal. Are you stressed? I put it down to moving house. I’ve not had this same issue since (touch wood!)

They will likely do some blood work and refer you for an ultrasound. Are you up to date with your pap smears? Any other symptoms?

thanks for replies. Dr said to book in for bloods first and then see but thought there wasn't much point in an ultrasound because anything like fibroids/pcos etc. would have been very unlikely to have lead to the original 'missing' 3 months, and would also expect periods to be much heavier if that was the case (they're pretty light).

He said it was possible this was just my new normal which I did query because I can't really see how 4 weeks could ever be normal, but basically just suggested if the bloods come back with no issue I can go back on the pill/coil.

Next appt for the nurse to take bloods is TWO WEEKS away, which is pretty crap. If I'm still on then I'll probably ask to see another dr to get a second opinion.

Not stressed, and no other symptoms at all, if anything I'm probably healthier than I've been in the last few years.

I had this at roughly the same age. My mum had normal periods until her late 50’s so I didn’t think it could he perimenopause but it was. GP prescribed mini pill, I am 53 now and am still taking it because it did eventually stop my periods (I was anaemic also). I have actually experienced no other menopause symptoms so the pill has been great for me.

Interestingly, I have 2 female cousins on my father's side who have both had exactly the same experience of early irregular periods and flooding.

My periods didn't start going irregular until I was 49, but they did get much heavier for several years before that (last bleed to date was April - I'm now 53.) I have one small fibroid. But I do have low iron frequently.

So definitely get your bloods done, and if you can, get a referral to gynae - fibroids are a common cause of heavy bleeding, though there could be other causes, too.