What Causes Menstrual Irregularities At The Age Of 35?

Posted on Wed, 23 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : 35 year old, light spotting periods in September and October, 3 weeks late and counting in November, negative pregnancy test in October. I have never used any form of birth control and have never gotten pregnant in previous years of being sexually active. Could it be pre-menopause or PCOS?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Normally what is your menstrual pattern?
PCOS rarely starts manifesting at 35.
All the best.
Please feel free to discuss further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 minutes later)

normal to heavy periods PMS started a couple months ago. and would usually be exactly 4 weeks

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
In that situation, this could be neither PCOS nor menopause.
Just mild hormonal imbalance, maybe due to stress, exercise, diet changes, etc.
Please get a pelvic ultrasound scan to know the lining of the uterus.
You may need a short course of progesterone to jumpstart your period.
PCOS would be characterized by menstrual disturbance, which you do not have, and pre menopause is also characterized by a gradual ( over the years ) waning in menses.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar