There are multiple causes of irregular periods. It includes medications, changes in hormone levels, certain health conditions, and more. A woman experiences irregular periods when she misses three or more periods in a row. It means having periods fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. When your menstrual flow is much heavier or lighter than usual then it’s a matter of concern. Today, we will discuss some major points related to irregular menstrual cycles.
What are Irregular Periods?
In a normal menstrual cycle during ovulation, an egg is released from one ovary. If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm then your body receives a signal. This signal is sent by the changing hormone levels. This is mainly a signal which tells your body to shed the tissues and blood that line the uterus. This bleeding usually lasts about five to seven days. Then, the monthly cycle repeats.
However, there are some women who face the problem of irregular periods. There are many causes of irregular periods. It includes lifestyle, stress, and other medical conditions.
Types of Irregular Periods
Following are some of the types of irregular periods:
- Amenorrhea: A medical condition where periods stop completely. If your period is absent for 90 days or more, then it’s abnormal. However, if you’re breastfeeding, pregnant or going through menopause, then it’s normal.
- Dysmenorrhea: A term for painful periods and extreme menstrual cramps. However, some minor discomfort during your menstrual cycle is normal.
- Oligomenorrhea: A medical condition where periods occur infrequently. You may have 6-8 periods a year or go more than 35 days between periods.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: This happens between monthly periods, extremely heavy periods, or a prolonged bleeding.
Note: If you’re noticing any of the types mentioned above, consult with your healthcare provider. They will guide you and provide you solutions to cure these issues. You can also book a consultation with the best Gynecologist, Dr. Rita Bakshi, at Risaa IVF.
Irregular Periods Symptoms
Here are some symptoms of irregular periods:
- Missing periods for three or more times in a row.
- Periods that are lasting more than 7 days.
- Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
- Bleeding is much heavier or lighter than normal.
- Using one or more sanitary pads or tampons in an hour.
- Spotting or bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- Experiencing severe pain, vomiting, cramping, or nausea during periods.
Signs of pregnancy when you have irregular periods
Signs of pregnancy include the following:
- Constipation: Pregnancy can make it harder to have bowel movements.
- Morning sickness: You may feel nauseous at any time of the day.
- Frequent urination: You may need to pee more often.
- Fatigue: You might feel very tired all the time.
- Food cravings: You may crave certain foods or not like others.
- Missed or light period: You might miss your period or have light spotting.
- Mood swings: You might feel moody or emotional.
- Bloating: You may feel full or bloated.
- Tender breasts: Your breasts may feel sore or sensitive.
Note: Your periods may not always be regular and predictable. Every menstrual cycle may have a slight difference and that’s normal. However, if you’re experiencing some issues then it’s important to consult with your doctor.
Effects of Irregular Periods on Body
Irregular periods can affect your body in several ways. Some possible side effects include:
- Hormonal imbalances: Irregular periods can indicate that your hormones are not balanced, which can affect other parts of your body.
- Infertility: If your periods are irregular, it might be harder to get pregnant.
- Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations from irregular periods can cause mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
- Weight gain or loss: Hormonal changes may lead to changes in your weight.
- Sleep problems: Irregular periods can sometimes lead to trouble sleeping or insomnia.
- Thinning hair: Hormonal imbalances can cause hair thinning or hair loss.
Causes of Irregular Periods
Irregular periods reasons include the following:
Medical Conditions of Irregular Period
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: In PCOS, your ovaries make high amounts of androgens. This hormone delays ovulation which causes your periods to be irregular. There are some people with PCOS who totally stop menstruating.
- Endometriosis: It occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. The tissue often attaches itself to the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Endometriosis can cause cramps and abnormal bleeding. It can also cause severe discomfort before and during the time of periods.
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: This typically occurs in cisgender women under the age of 40. Typically those whose ovaries do not function as they should. Simply meaning irregular or missed periods. It can happen during cancer treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: PID is a bacterial infection affecting the female reproductive system. It is generally caused by STIs. Bacteria enter the vagina and spread to the upper genital tract and uterus. Some common signs include irregular periods, heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, and pelvic pain.
- Ovarian or uterine cancer: There are certain cancers which can affect a person’s menstrual cycle. Changes may include bleeding that is heavier than normal or missed periods.
- Thyroid or pituitary gland disorders: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Additionally, other thyroid or pituitary gland disorders that affect your hormones. These are some of the causes of irregular periods.
- Bleeding disorders: Developing a blood clotting or bleeding disorder can also affect your periods.
Other Causes of Irregular Period
Certain medications, breastfeeding, or complications of pregnancy may also cause irregularity. Some causes of irregular periods are as follows:
- Medications, including steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners).
- Birth control pills contain a mixture of hormones. These pills prevent pregnancy by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. They can even affect your menstruation cycle. You may also have missed or irregular periods for up to six months after discontinuing these pills.
- Scarring, surgery, or blockages in your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
- Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Diagnosis
Keeping the records of your menstrual cycle is important. Note the symptoms, including, cramps, flow, passing large clots, or more. These will be helpful to share with your doctor if needed. Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and menstrual cycle. They will also perform a physical examination and a pelvic exam.
Your healthcare provider might also do certain tests, including the following:
| Pelvic ultrasound: | An ultrasound can detect multiple health issues. It includes irregular periods due to polyps, uterine fibroids, or an ovarian cyst. |
| Hysteroscopy: | This procedure will help the doctor to look inside of your uterus. It will help to diagnose and treat the cause of irregular periods. |
| Endometrial Biopsy: | The doctor will remove a sample of tissue from the lining of your uterus. It can help diagnose hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or precancerous cells. |
Irregular Periods Treatment
Irregular Period Medicines
Medications are usually the first treatment for treating irregular periods. If medication is not working, your provider might also recommend surgery. Some possible medications include the following:
- Hormonal birth control: It manages irregular bleeding caused by uterine fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, or other medical conditions. Hormone birth control also helps in regulating the menstrual cycle.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: These medicines help to shrink the size of uterine fibroids. It also helps in controlling heavy bleeding by temporarily stopping the cycle.
- Tranexamic acid: Doctors recommend this medication to control and treat heavy periods.
- Hormone therapy: This is helpful if irregular periods are because of perimenopause. Additionally, it helps with other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, it’s best to consult with your gynaecologist because there are risks involved.
- Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics if the cause of bleeding is from any infection.
- Pain Reliever: You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers. This will help to get relief from mild or moderate discomfort.
Surgical Treatment
The treatment for irregular periods totally depends on how serious your condition is. There are many surgical treatment options depending on your age and condition. The following are also irregular periods treatment for unmarried women. However, it’s important to consult with your gynecologist before going for a treatment. Some surgical treatments include:
- Myomectomy: A medical procedure to remove uterine fibroids.
- Endometrial ablation: This procedure uses cold, heat, or different types of energy. It helps to bleed less during your menstrual cycle by destroying the tissue that lines the uterus. Additionally, you must have a form of birth control to have this process. And, if you still wish to have a baby in the future, you should not have this procedure.
- Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy might be needed as a last option if the uterus has been damaged severely.
- Uterine Artery Embolization: This procedure cuts off the blood supply to the uterus. It helps to stop the uterine fibroids.
How to Get Regular Periods Naturally?
Causes of irregular periods can be anything. But, it’s important to lower the risks beforehand to avoid major complications in future. Here are some tips for irregular periods that every girl or woman can follow to regularize their cycle:
- Ensure you are getting proper rest.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and having nutritious meals.
- If losing weight then do it gradually and don’t limit your food and calories intake.
- Stop following intense workout routines.
- Practice relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
- Change your sanitary napkins or tampons every 4-6 hours. It will keep you safe from infections and toxic shock syndrome.
- Use birth control medications or other contraceptive pills as directed.
- Go for regular health check-ups with your gynecologist.