Is a Long Menstrual Cycle Abnormal?

A menstrual cycle is the process in which a woman's body prepares an egg for maturation and fertilization. If the egg is not fertilized, it is reabsorbed back into the body and the process begins again. Menstrual cycles may vary in length from month to month. A cycle that is over 35 days may be normal or it may indicate an underlying problem.

Stress

• Longer cycles may be a result of stress. Most fertile women will experience a monthly surge of hormones as the body prepares for ovulation. If a woman is experiencing some form of stress such as move or relationship problems, ovulation can be delayed. A woman may not ovulate until three or more weeks have passed. Delayed ovulation means ovulation will take place later than usual in the cycle. This is a normal reaction to stress.

Determining Ovulation

• To find out if you are ovulating, use an ovulation prediction kit or take your temperature first thing in the morning. Lines on an OPK will get darker as ovulation approaches. When the line is darkest, you can expect ovulation within 24 hours. Once ovulation has passed, the test line should be faint or invisible. Ovulation also can be indicated by daily charting one's basal body temperatures, or your resting temperature at the same time each morning. The day after ovulation, you can expect to see your morning temperature rise. If your temperatures stay above 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for three or more days, this likely indicates that ovulation has taken place.

Menarche

• Menarche is the first menstrual period of a girl in puberty. When a young woman first starts ovulating, she may not have another menstrual cycle for a month or more. This is very common in girls under 18. It typically does not indicate an abnormality.

Impending Menopause

• As a woman ages, so do her ovaries. When she approaches menopause, the length between her cycles may increase. This is a normal part of the perimenopausal process.

When to Seek Treatment

• A long cycle once or twice a year is normal. If you are of childbearing age and frequently have long cycles, visit a gynecologist. Long cycles can be an indication of other physical problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is a medical condition in which a woman's body produces too much testosterone. Excessive production of male hormones can increase cycle length or force the body to cease menstruation altogether. The doctor may prescribe drugs in order to bring on your period and help balance your hormones. Unless you are taking birth control, going without a period can have detrimental effects on your health such as an increased risk of osteoporosis.