Long menstrual cycle. What does it mean to have a long menstrual cycle?

Today on your Louloucup blog, we’re talking about women’s health, specifically the menstrual cycle or ovarian cycle.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the long menstrual cycle. When is a menstrual cycle considered long? What does that mean? Does a long menstrual cycle affect fertility, for example? Is it harder to get pregnant? What causes a long menstrual cycle? If you’re used to cycles of 28 or 30 days, why do your next periods or bleeding suddenly take longer to arrive? Is it a problem to have long cycles?

Just a reminder, the menstrual cycle is a process governed by a host of hormones in a woman's body. The female cycle and hormonal life repeat endlessly from puberty to menopause. It's marked by different phases which, if there’s no fertilization and pregnancy, start over and over again. But how does it actually work?

A menstrual cycle lasts on average (and we really want to emphasize the word average here) 28 days. So, a menstrual cycle lasts about a month. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It starts with your period, which lasts, depending on the woman, age, and many other factors, about 3 to 7 days.

After your period comes the best part of the cycle, the follicular phase. You feel energetic and upbeat. This ovulatory phase stretches to the middle of your cycle and usually lasts fourteen days. The ovarian follicles take their time to mature.

Ovulation occurs around day fifteen. One ovarian follicle (a Graafian follicle) matures more than the others and manages to break free, releasing a fertilizable oocyte. Estrogen peaks at this time. This is when you’re most likely to get pregnant. To estimate your ovulation, simply add fifteen days to the first day of your period.

Finally, after ovulation comes the last phase of the menstrual cycle: the luteal or progestational phase. Premenstrual symptoms may appear. This phase always lasts 14 days. The follicle produces progesterone, which thickens the endometrium (the uterine lining) to prepare for a possible embryo. Nothing is left to chance! If there’s no fertilization or implantation, progesterone levels drop, the prepared endometrial lining breaks down, and a new cycle begins with the arrival of your next period.

The length of the menstrual cycle varies—all the time! It’s important to be aware of this and not assume that a 28-day cycle is the standard everyone should follow.
Stress, diet, illness, medication, and many other external factors can influence the length of your cycle.
It’s considered short if it’s less than 21 days, and long if it’s over 35 days.

A menstrual cycle that lasts 35, 40, or even 50 days is considered long. As explained earlier, it’s the follicular or ovulatory phase—the phase between your period and ovulation—that lasts longer than the average 14 days. During this phase, your body produces the egg, which is then released at ovulation and waits to be fertilized. In a long cycle, it takes longer than average for the egg to be produced and ready.

Ovulation does not occur 14 days after the first day of your period as it does in a typical cycle. This makes it harder to know when you’re ovulating and thus to conceive. Ovulation tests or tracking your temperature can help you determine if you’re fertile.
Why the delay? It could simply be due to a variation or shift in certain hormones. The process can sometimes slow down.

There are several possible reasons:

• stress can disrupt your cycle,
• diet,
• anorexia affects the menstrual cycle,
• A psychological shock can disrupt hormonal balance,
• practicing high-level sports,
• medication regimen,
• PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome or ovarian dystrophy,
• a thyroid disorder,
• a hormone imbalance,
• birth control,
• an infection or illness affecting the uterus, vagina, or fallopian tubes.

In short, the causes of a long cycle are very diverse.

As you can see, ovulation periods and fertile windows are much further apart with long cycles. That doesn’t mean women with long cycles are infertile! In fact, their eggs may be of better quality. However, it’s important to discuss any irregularities or long cycles with your gynecologist.

Are your cycles usually regular, about every 28 to 32 days, but now your period is late? You can start by taking a pregnancy test. Keep in mind, the more you stress, the more likely your period will be delayed. Have you noticed mood swings, discomfort, or pain? Don’t hesitate to see your midwife or gynecologist. It’s never something to ignore.

Is your cycle long, but your period has finally arrived? Here are our three tips for getting through this particular time in your hormonal and feminine cycle.

Having a good period routine can make a big difference for many of us. Having the right products, slowing down, taking care of yourself and your body, and listening to your needs. As we discussed recently, a hot water bottle, period underwear, and a little meditation can really make a difference. So take care of yourself!

No matter what protection you use, it’s important to wash well during your period. For your health and comfort, practice gentle, non-irritating daily intimate hygiene. Water or a fragrance-free, alcohol-free intimate wash are perfect for cleaning your intimate area.