Irregular Periods
Irregular menstrual cycles can occur without indicating a serious issue, but it is advisable to consult a doctor as a precautionary measure.
What does it mean to have irregular periods?
If the duration between your menstrual cycles (the time gap between the start of each period) keeps changing, it means you have irregular periods.
Your periods may arrive earlier or later than expected.
On average, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although slight variations in length are considered normal.
Following puberty, many women establish a regular cycle with consistent intervals between periods. However, it is not uncommon for the cycle to fluctuate by a few days each time.
Causes of irregular periods
Various factors can contribute to irregular periods, and in some cases, they may be considered normal for an individual.
Common causes include:
– Puberty: During the first year or two after the onset of puberty, periods may be irregular.
– Menopause: The beginning of menopause, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, can cause irregular periods.
– Early pregnancy: It is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy as a cause of irregular periods.
– Hormonal contraception: Certain forms of hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system (IUS), may lead to irregular periods.
– Extreme weight loss or weight gain, excessive exercise, or high levels of stress can impact menstrual regularity.
– Medical conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems can contribute to irregular periods.
When to consult a doctor
If your periods have always been slightly irregular or if you are currently going through puberty, there is usually no need for medical advice.
However, it is recommended to see a specialist in the following situations:
– Sudden irregular periods: If your periods suddenly become irregular and you are under the age of 45.
– Abnormally short or long cycles: If your menstrual cycles occur less frequently than every 21 days or more frequently than every 35 days.
– Prolonged menstrual bleeding: If your periods last longer than 7 days.
– Significant variation in cycle length: If there is a substantial difference (at least 20 days) between your shortest and longest menstrual cycles.
– Irregular periods and fertility difficulties: If you have irregular periods and are experiencing challenges with conceiving. It is possible that there is no underlying problem, but it is advisable to seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be referred to a specialist known as a gynecologist for further tests or treatment.
Trying to conceive:
If you have irregular periods, it can pose challenges in getting pregnant since regular ovulation (release of an egg) may not occur consistently.
To improve the chances of conception, it can be helpful to engage in sexual intercourse every 2 or 3 days throughout your menstrual cycle. Timing intercourse around ovulation may not be necessary.