Prolonged period and heavy cramping with PCOS

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have PCOS and have always had extremely long cycles or none at all. Recently however things have flipped and I have had 1 long continuos cycle-starting with a regular 4 day period then a one week break and then another 5 day period that in over a month has not gone away. Very light discharge but with persistent cramping . Should I be worried at all, as i said I have never experienced this. I have not taken a pregnancy test but am sure I am not as it took several rounds of fertility meds to conceive all 3 of my children. I am 35.

Dear Nancy:

I understand how concerned you are about PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The name of the condition comes from the appearance of the ovaries in most, but not all, women with the disorder enlarged and containing numerous small cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary (polycystic appearance)

The cramps and menstrual irregularities are probably caused due to the hormonal imbalance characterized by your condition. I would suggest you to consult your Gynecologist for a more detailed evaluation to rule out other complications, he might also prescribe oral contraceptives that would help you with your symptoms. I wish you a prompt recovery.