Irregular Periods: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment alternatives.

Among the most widely experienced menstrual issues with women of all ages are irregular periods. Though the density of the cycles can vary occasionally, it is common in some cases that when the irregularities are frequent it indicates that the individual has some health concern that requires some medical care.

This is a detailed guide which will discuss the causes of irregular periods, the symptoms to be observed, when to visit a doctor and the treatment available.

What Are Irregular Periods?

A menstrual cycle may be 21 to 35 days in duration and the bleeding may take between 2 to 7 days. Irrregularities in the periods are those where:

■ The periods range between less than 21 days and more than 35 days.

■ You skip periods frequently Bleeding is either heavy or light.

■ Month to month the changes in period are drastic.

■ You have between periods that you see.

■ Medical doctors commonly use irregular periods as oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods) or amenorrhea (absence of periods).

Ordinary Reason behind Irregular Periodicities.

Abnormal menstrual cycles may be caused by a number of physical, hormonal and lifestyle influences.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

The hormones such as estrogen and progesterone control your menstrual cycle. Any deviation may interfere with normal timing.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent hormonal causes and it impacts ovulation and even results in missed or unpredictable periods.

2. Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is very important in the regulation of hormones. Such disorders as Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may disrupt your cycle and make your bleeding irregular.

3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors.

The reproductive hormones may be influenced by cortisol production caused by high levels of stress. The other lifestyle factors are:

■ Sudden weight loss or gain

■ Excessive exercise

■ Poor diet

■ Travel or major life changes

4. Birth Control Methods

The hormonal contraceptives can result in inconsistent bleeding particularly during the initial months of administration. Spotting may also occur in some women during the process of changing or discontinuing contraceptives.

5. Perimenopause

Women towards menopause can experience changes in the cycle with the changing levels of hormones. Abnormal cycles are also among the first manifestations of perimenopause.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions

The other health problems that can lead to it are:

■ Uterine fibroids

■ Endometriosis

■ Gonorrhoea.

■ Eating disorders

Symptoms which can be associated with irregular period

Other than unexpected timing, you can have:

■ Severe cramps

■ Excessive bleeding (drowning through pads/tampons in one hour)

■ Spotting between cycles

■ A pimple or too much facial hair (characteristic of PCOS)

■ Fatigue

■ Pelvic pain

In case of irregular periods along with serious pains, dizziness or long-lasting heavy bleeding, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The Diagnosis of irregular periods?

A medical practitioner can prescribe:

■ Physical and pelvic exams

■ Laboratory test of hormone levels.

■ Thyroid function tests

■ Ultrasound imaging

■ Pregnancy test

It can be beneficial to be able to monitor your menstrual cycle over the course of several months, and in this way, your doctor can determine some of the time patterns and potential triggers.

Options of Treatment of Irregular Periods.

The basis of treatment is dependent on the underlying cause.

Hormonal Therapy

Cycles and heavy bleeding can be controlled with birth control pills or other hormonal drugs.

Treatment of Underlying Conditions.

Treatment of such conditions as PCOS or thyroid disorders tends to normalize normal cycles.

Lifestyle Changes

Minor modifications could enhance cycle variability:

■ Maintain a healthy weight

■ Deal with stress (yoga, meditation, treatment)

■ Eat a balanced diet

■ Get adequate sleep

Fertility Treatment

In case of abnormal cycles of ovulation, ovulation-inducing drugs can be prescribed.

When to See a Doctor

Contact a medical professional in case you:

■ Absence due to three or more consecutive periods.

■ Not observed to bleed less than 7 days.

■ Have severe pelvic pain Be alert of the abnormalities in your day.

■ Trying to become pregnant unsuccessfully.

■ It can be included in early examination to avoid complications and provide adequate treatment.

Do Menstrual Taboos Impact Fertility?

Yes. Abnormal cycles tend to suggest abnormal ovulation thereby complicating conception. Other illnesses such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are the major cause of infertility although most of the women have been able to conceive successfully with appropriate treatment.

Advice on how to deal with Irregular Periods.

Although medical treatment is necessary with underlying conditions, the following tips can help sustain the wellbeing of the cycle:

■ Mark your days with the help of an app or a calendar.

■ Limit caffeine and processed food.

■ Exercise moderately

■ Take into consideration the idea of taking supplements (such as iron or vitamin D) that your doctor should tell you about.

Conclusion

Abnormal cycles are not unusual, however, one should not disregard them, particularly when they are frequent or severe. Get to know the potential factors, such as stress to such conditions as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to take proactive measures towards achieving higher reproductive health.

In case you are having menstrual irregularities, it is advisable to seek medical attention to be treated and diagnosed properly. By using the proper care and lifestyle modifications, a normal and healthy cycle can be recovered by many women.

FAQs:

1. What are irregular periods?

Irregular periods refer to those times during which your menstrual cycle is regularly outside of the normal range (21 35 days) or when you notice substantial changes in bleeding patterns every month.

This can be missed periods, excessively heavy/light bleeding or intermenstrual spotting.

2. What is the most popular cause of irregular periods?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most widespread causes as it is a hormonal disorder, which impacts ovulation. The other frequent ones are stress, thyroid, weight changes and birth control.

3. Is it possible to have irregular periods brought about by stress?

Yes. After being exposed to high levels of stress, cortisol is produced and it may interfere with other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone resulting in delayed or missed periods.

4. What are the effects of thyroid problems on periods?

Hormonal conditions like Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may disrupt the balance of the hormones resulting in heavy, light menstrual cycles or irregular cycles.

5. Is irregular period as a teenager normal?

Yes. In the early years of the menstrual cycle, there may be aberrant cycles because the hormones are yet to stabilize. Nevertheless, recurrent irregularity must be considered by a health care provider.

6. Is there any influence of irregular periods on fertility?

Yes. Irregular cycles also imply irregular ovulation and this may complicate the process of getting pregnant. Even women who have irregular periods can get pregnant if their treatment is done properly.

7. What makes me visit a physician regarding irregular periods?

You are to consult a medical professional in case you:

■ Absence during three or more consecutive periods.

■ Have extreme bleeding.

■ Bleed for more than 7 days

■ Have severe pelvic pain

■ Cyclical changes, major and sudden, get your notice.