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Why My Periods Have Gone From 31 Days To 25 Days?

Posted on Tue, 8 Oct 2024

Question: I am a 46 year old female. I am late for my period by 8 days. This is my first time being this late. Over the course of the past year or so my periods have gone from 31 days to 25 days. For the past day or two I have been experiencing light menstral like cramps. Is this a sign of menopause and an imepending late period or should I be concerned that it is another isuue? I had a ct scan about two months ago for an unrelated issue. It was all clear but a small functional cyst was found on my ovary which was reviewed by my gyno. She said it was nothing and should clear up in the next few menstral cycles.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for sharing your health concern with us.

I have gone through your query and would like to offer some information.

From your description, it appears that you have a delayed menstrual period for the first time in recent times. There could be several factors influencing this.

Firstly, you are likely to have entered peri-menopause as per your age, hence, the hormone imbalance can be the cause. Secondly, factors like sudden weight changes, stress, infections and use of certain medications can cause a delayed period. Finally, if you are sexually active and not using any contraceptive, chances of pregnancy, though very slim, are present.

Therefore, I would ask you to see your health care provider if you are experiencing delay for more than two weeks and plan further management.

Hope you find this information helpful. Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for the reply. Do you think the cyst found on the ct scan could delay periods. I will be away beginning next week. Would it be ok to wait I have an annual at the end of next month?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

A small functional cyst does not usually cause any problem. I will be able to comment further if you can share your report.

You can wait for another week to get a clinical evaluation, if you still do not see your period.

However, I would not advise you to wait until your annual exam if you don't see your period meanwhile.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

Regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)

Thanks for the follow-up. I do not have access to my ct scan unfortunately. I spoke to the nurse at my gyno office I was told that the dr. recommends that I come in after missing at least two periods unless in pain. Should I be overly concerned that I can not be seen until then. My insurance will not cover a random visit I require pre-approval for the cause and cann not afford to be billed in full. Are most missed periods serous in nature?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can follow your doctor's instructions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing again.

In the current scenario, you can follow your doctor's instructions as your doctor has a better idea of your situation and access to your reports.

Majority of the missed periods are not dangerous. They are merely a transient hormone disturbance. They are automatically corrected.

Hope I have clarified all your queries.

Wish you good health.

Regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla