Is it normal to have a long menstrual cycle? – GOOD SHAPE

The menstrual cycle consists of 3 phases: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. A follicular phase This is where follicle-stimulating hormone production takes place.FSH), which causes the ovaries to mature their eggs. The cycle begins with a period, which is a sign that there was no pregnancy in the previous cycle. Upon realizing this, our ovary receives hormonal stimuli from the pituitary gland, through FSH, to recruit its follicles, which are the structures where the eggs are for fertilization. During this phase, the ovary produces more estrogen, a hormone that, among other functions, acts in the uterus to contain menstrual bleeding and heal the endometrium that has fallen off.

already the ovulatory phase this is where estrogen levels continue to rise and prompt the body to produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which is responsible for selecting the most mature egg and making it leave the ovary, so that it is fertilized by a sperm. And finally, the luteal phase where the follicle, left by the egg inside the ovary, begins to produce progesterone in greater quantities to continue preparing the lining of the uterus in case of a possible pregnancy. This phase is fixed and lasts 14 days, if no pregnancy occurs, the stimulated endometrium ends up shedding and then a new menstruation, starting a new cycle.

The menstruation period varies from 3 to 7 days, depending on the woman, and Menstrual cycles can also change a lot from one month to the next, as many factors can interfere with hormonal balance. Cycles that last from 24 to 35 days, but this is not a rule. Many women may have longer cycles that may be associated with different reasons. After all, is it normal to have a long menstrual cycle?

Long cycle: What does it mean

Juliana Girotti Sperandio, gynecologist, explains that hormonal secretions, ovaries and the performance of synchronized ovarian hormones are essential for a regular menstrual cycle. Any factor that impacts one (or several) pathways of this process can alter the pattern of menstrual bleeding. And, the cause behind it is basically the hormonal change secondary to these disorders, where the main diagnoses can be:

Gestation; Hormonal changes: mainly thyroid changes and increased production of prolactin by the body; Metabolic diseases: such as obesity for example; Psychiatric diseases: anorexia, anxiety, depression; Gynecological diseases that alter the menstrual interval pattern: such as polycystic ovary syndrome; Use and discontinuation of medications: such as psychiatric medications, during use or after discontinuing contraceptives; Other causes: such as nutritional deficits, excessive exercise and stress.

Despite these possible diagnoses, long cycles do not necessarily indicate a problem. “With age, it’s normal for the ovaries to start failing and cycles can get longer the shorter they get. It’s called climacteric, the transition period to menopause. However, regardless of the reason, menstrual cycle changes all must be accompanied by the gynecologist, not only to rule out diseases that may be involved, but also to reduce some of the symptoms that the absence of menstrual cycles can cause”, says gynecologist Isabella Albuquerque.

It is important to watch the cycle and your body. If it is not a pregnancy or menopause, when there is no menstruation for two or three months or when you have less than 9 menstruations throughout the year, it is important to consult a specialist, as the absence of menstruation can lead to several hormonal and even metabolic changes, increasing, for example, the risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems.

To identify what is causing a prolonged cycle, the doctor will need to perform a gynecological physical exam. As for a more accurate result, many of them have the habit of requesting analysis tests, with colposcopy, papanicolau and ultrasound being the main ones. In addition, blood tests are essential to measure female hormone levels.

Ever heard of polycystic ovaries?

The syndrome is a very common hormonal disorder, characterized by the presence of small cysts that can cause problems such as menstrual irregularity, excess male hormones in the body, which can cause excess hair and acne to obesity and infertility. “One in 4 women suffer from this disorder to varying degrees. The syndrome mainly alters the number of cycles and the spacing between them. This happens because the follicle that grows inside the ovary does not grow enough and does not receive the egg, becoming a cyst”, explains gynecologist Taís Calomeny.

The longer cycles are the result of the presence of anovulation, that is, the patient does not ovulate and therefore does not menstruate either. Treatment is carried out with the guidance of a gynecologist guided by the specific symptoms, and should always involve lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments, weight loss and physical exercise.