Menstrual cycles in all women are never the same. This can vary in the time taken for it to come, the duration it takes and how it flows.
However, we understand the concerns of most women when their period comes earlier than usual, or later than expected.
The irregularities in period can occur as a result of hormonal changes, when there is pregnancy, or even some medical conditions.
It is always important for you to recognise whether there is any persistent change in your cycle.
If there is, this post will help you know what could be the cause, assumptions to look out for, and when to go to your doctor for medical evaluation.
What Is an Irregular Period?
An irregular period happens when a woman’s cycle becomes unpredictable or now falls outside of what was expected as the range.
The menstrual cycle is always calculated from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. Let’s use an example.
Assuming you have a period that arrives every 28 days, that cycle is completely clear and predictable.
Another woman might also consistently have a 25-day cycle or a 33-day cycle and be completely healthy.
But where Irregularity enters is when a grown-up woman sees her cycles less than 21 days apart, or when the gap between her periods extends to 35 days and beyond.
Other signs of irregularity can involve bleeding lasting much longer than one’s usual few days, or that one’s flow going from light spotting to very heavy bleeding with no clear pattern.
However, it is natural for you to be a bit confused about your menstrual cycle during your first few years of seeing your period, and up to your menopause.
Your predictions can become lesser and lesser by the day.
That is why it is important to track your cycle in a journal or on your phone to remove much of the confusion and to give your doctor a clear record whenever you sense an unusual change.
What Are the Common Causes of Irregular Periods?
There are many causes of irregular periods ranging from temporary changes to hidden health issues. But, we will be looking at the most common ones.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are your body’s special chemical messengers that are produced by special glands in your endocrine system.
They travel through your bloodstream to different organs and tissues to tell them what to do, how to grow, and when to react.
There are some hormones that control your ovulation and menstrual cycle. Any changes in their level can really affect when a period starts, and how long it stays.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This disorder happens when a woman’s body produces higher levels of androgens (which is particularly a male hormone), which interfere with the release of eggs during a menstrual cycle.
Hence whenever ovulation becomes less due to this condition, your menstrual period can come at random intervals.
There are some symptoms that might indicate the presence of PCOS, and they include.
- Severe acne
- Excess hairs on face and body.
- Thinning of the scalp
But, having an irregular period doesn’t mean you have this condition. It is always important to contact your doctor before assuming.
Thyroid Disorders
This kind of disorder can happen when the thyroid disorder becomes overactive or performs lower than it is expected to.
For clarity’s sake, a thyroid gland helps to produce hormones that control important body functions including metabolism.
Irrespective of its function, it also communicates directly with the brain regions that control your menstrual cycle.
So whenever it doesn’t make enough hormones (hypothyroidism), or when it makes more than required (hyperthyroidism), there is usually a change in the menstrual cycle.
Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for here are weight changes, changes in heart rate, and when you become more sensitive to heat or cold.
If your doctor suspects you have a thyroid disorder, they may recommend a thyroid function test to know whether your thyroid hormone level is the major factor or not.
Stress and Lifestyle Changes
Stress in itself can send signals to the brain regions responsible for controlling ovulation and your reproductive health overall.
As a result of this, you might notice some changes in your menstrual cycle when you are going through stressful times.
Other things, like losing weight or gaining weight doing a lot of exercise and not eating well can also have an effect on the cycle.
You should not always think that stress is the reason, for every missed period. If the change keeps happening it is important to find out what is causing it by seeing your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are sexually active and a period comes later than expected, pregnancy is one thing to consider.
This means that a missed period can signal that you might be pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test will let you know if that is the reason for the delay.
Also, breastfeeding can change your period due to the hormones that rise during this time.
Some women do not get a period for months while breastfeeding but this is different for each woman.
So, If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test instead of assuming that the delay is caused by stress or something else.
Hormonal Contraceptives and Other Medications
If you are sexually active and a period comes later than expected, pregnancy is one thing to consider.
This means that a missed period can signal that you might be pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test will let you know if that is the reason for the delay.
Also, breastfeeding can change your period due to the hormones that rise during this time.
Some women do not get a period for months while breastfeeding but this is different for each woman.
So, If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test instead of assuming that the delay is caused by stress or something else.
What Are the Symptoms of Irregular Periods?
The signs and symptoms of an irregular period can be different for each woman depending on what’s causing the issue.
Some common signs to look out for:
- Periods that keep coming early or too late.
- Cycles that are all over the place in length. Sometimes short, sometimes long.
- Skipping one or more periods without a reason.
- Bleeding that lasts longer than normal.
- Flows that’s much heavier or much lighter than usual.
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain in the belly or other symptoms along with the menstrual changes.
Sometimes there are symptoms too. These might come from a condition causing the irregularity.
For example, some women notice acne, hair on the face feeling unusually tired or weight gain or loss for no clear reason.
It’s important to understand the difference between changes in timing and changes in bleeding.
For instance, someone might have regular cycles but really heavy bleeding each time.
Another person might bleed normally and have no idea when their next period will come.
Both of these situations can be a sign that something needs to be checked by a doctor.
When Should You See a Doctor for Irregular Periods?
Not every change in your cycle needs urgent medical care. But, there are times when you should talk to your doctor for a proper check.
You should book a medical appointment immediately if:
your periods suddenly become irregular after they were predictable
you frequently miss periods
your bleeding lasts more than than seven days.
It is also important to get advice if you have gone up to three months without seeing you period and you are not pregnant, or if you see bleeding between periods or after sex.
Some of these signs need urgent attention. For instance:
If you are bleeding severly and soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for two hours mostly if you feel dizzy, weak or short of breath, seek urgent medical care.
Severe pelvic or abdominal pain especially if pregnancy is possible also needs medical evaluation.
Do not wait until your symptoms become unbearable before getting help. An early evaluation can spot the cause at the right time.
Can Irregular Periods Affect Your Ability to Get Pregnant?
Irregular periods can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant especially when they come from ovulation problems.
When ovulation is not regular, it is harder to know when you are fertile. Conditions like PCOS and some thyroid problems have a way of affecting fertility.
However irregular periods do not mean you cannot get pregnant. Your chances depend on the cause of periods and other factors that affect fertility.
If you are trying to conceive and your periods are irregular, talk to your doctor and request for a quick checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common cause of irregular periods?
Irregular period can be caused by hormonal changes. Some other causes can also include pregnancy, stress, PCOS, thyroid problems, weight changes and some medicines.
Can stress make my period come late?
Yes. If you engage in stressful activities, it can affect the hormones that control ovulation and push your period later. And also If your period stays missing or irregular, consider taking a pregnancy test.
Is it normal to miss a period when I’m not pregnant?
Yes. There are quite some reasons you might miss a period even if you are not pregnant. Some of these reasons include stress, hormone shifts, PCOS, thyroid problems and changes in weight or exercise. But, if you have missed your period for three months straight, do get medical advice.
How can I make my period regular again?
The best way to handle irregular periods is to find the cause. Don’t assume anything, rather consult your doctor to evaluate on what could be wrong.
Do periods mean I have a fertility problem?
No. Some women with periods can still get pregnant. But irregular cycles may show that ovulation is not happening as it is supposed to. So, it is wise to get an evaluation if you are trying to conceive.
Conclusion
The cause of Irregular periods can range from hormone changes and stress to conditions like PCOS and thyroid problems.
However, a single change in your cycle is often not something to worry about, but persistent irregular periods or strange bleeding should be checked properly.
If you have noticed changes in your cycle and are unsure what could be causing them, we at Gleneagles Hospital offer gynaecology consultations and diagnostic services to help you understand what may be happening.
Depending on your symptoms, our doctors can conduct laboratory tests or a pelvic ultrasound as part of your evaluation.
Visit Gleneagles Hospital today to learn more about its gynaecology services and set up a consultation.