Millions of women and girls worldwide experience the natural process of menstruation every month. Menstruation occurs when tissue and blood are shed from the uterine lining and pass through the cervix and vagina. The menstrual cycle generally lasts for four to seven days and happens roughly every 28 days. It is also called menstruation, a menstrual cycle, menses, or simply a period.
Data show that approximately 14 to 25% of women of reproductive age experience irregular menstrual cycles. Generally, the period lasts for four to seven days, and it occurs naturally for an average length of 29 days. Irregular cycles occur when intervals are under 21 days or over 35 days, or when periods skip two to three consecutive months; bleeding may then be very light or overly heavy.
Common Causes Of Irregular Periods
Hormones play an important role in regulating the period cycle. When you have a hormone imbalance, it leads to irregular periods. There are many causes of this condition, here are a few of them:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. In PCOS, ovaries start producing androgen (a type of hormone) in large amounts, which delays or stops ovulation, leading to irregular periods, excess hair growth, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and difficulty conceiving. Generally, in this syndrome, the formation of cysts takes place, and because of this, the size of the ovary changes. Sometimes, in adverse conditions, the increased size of cysts creates pressure on the surrounding organs.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when endometrial tissue grows in an area except the uterus. This causes pain, and scar tissue starts growing in the pelvic area. It often begins at the first menstrual cycle and lasts until menopause. Symptoms are light bleeding as well as heavy bleeding, along with menstrual cramps or pelvic pain.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid hormones play an important role in the body. When the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient hormones, this leads to a thyroid disorder. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the proper functioning of the female reproductive system. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is less active, whereas in hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland is more active, leading to irregular periods.
Birth Control Pills
Discontinuing birth control pills may temporarily affect your menstrual cycle for some women, as it is a combination of two hormones named oestrogen and progestin, which prevent pregnancy and affect the menstrual cycle.
Lifestyle Factor
Taking too much stress, not sleeping properly, losing and gaining weight significantly, dancing and doing gymnastics for a long duration, or irregular eating patterns and a lack of nutritional balance may contribute to hormonal changes affecting your period.
Also Read: Common Period Problems And What They Mean
Symptoms Of Irregular Periods To Watch Out For

There are several irregular period symptoms that we need to take care of as soon as possible. If you witness any of the symptoms below, always prioritise visiting a gynaecologist.
- Irregular periods that occur in less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
- In menstrual disorders, periods are skipped more than three times a year.
- The bleeding lasts for more than seven or fewer than two days.
- Most of the time, in irregular periods, the flow of blood is very heavy; otherwise very low.
- The intervals between the menstrual cycles are longer than nine days. For example, the first cycle lasts for 28 days, the next lasts for 37 days, and the next lasts for 29 days, so there are no proper gaps in between.
- The bleeding lasts for more than seven days or less than two days.
- Most of the time, in irregular periods, the flow of blood is very heavy; otherwise very low.
- The intervals between the menstrual cycles are longer than nine days. For example, the first cycle lasts for 28 days, the next lasts for 37 days, and the next lasts for 29 days, so there are no proper gaps in between.
- Women with irregular periods face severe pain, abdominal cramps, back cramps, headaches, acne, mood swings, bloating, or disturbance in sleeping patterns during their periods.
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Diagnosis And Tests For Irregular Periods You Should Know About
As irregular periods happen due to multiple reasons, diagnosis is the key to finding a cure. Here are a couple of tests that are usually suggested by doctors to find out the cause.
Blood Test
If you visit the doctor for irregular menstruation, they may suggest some blood tests to identify the actual reason for the irregularity. The specific blood tests for irregular periods include testing of thyroid d-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, DHEA, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Changes in these hormone levels lead to irregular periods.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound provides a detailed, real-time view of the reproductive organs. They check the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, and cervix through this process. This painless process helps detect the reasons for irregular periods resulting from polyps, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids.
Also Read: Menstrual Hygiene And Health: What You Need To Know
Irregular Periods Treatment Options
Remediating irregular periods can be a lengthy process. However, sticking to a recommended regimen is inevitable. Here are the most common treatment options available for menstrual irregularity.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormone therapy is useful and effective if perimenopause is the cause of irregular periods. It is also very effective for other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and dryness of the vagina. This therapy has some particular side effects, like fatigue, memory problems, and weight gain with decreased muscle mass. Therefore, consult a medical professional before opting for it.
Contraceptive Pills
Contraceptives are also known as 21-day tablets. These pills are generally a combination of oestrogen and progestin. Such medicines come in different forms, like pills, injections, a vaginal ring, or an intrauterine device (IUD). If PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or hyperthyroidism is the reason for the irregularity of periods, then this medicine can help to overcome the irregular periods.
Yoga And Exercises
Practising yoga and exercise helps keep stress levels under control, which balances hormone levels and helps overcome irregular periods. It also eases menstrual cramps and other symptoms.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Finding a healthy balance that supports your body’s needs can help regulate periods. A weight change can significantly contribute to irregular periods. Focus on balanced nutrition to support energy levels and hormonal balance. Body Mass Index (BMI) will help to understand what the proper weight should be for a given height.
Surgery
Doctors advise surgery in severe cases. When the issue is related to the fallopian tube, uterus, and size of the cysts, it leads to irregular periods.
When To Seek Medical Help
Seeking advice from a healthcare practitioner is a mandate if you have any of the following problems.
- When you feel intolerable pain (cramps) during or in between periods, consult the doctor.
- If your period lasts for more than seven days and you have all the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), such as vomiting, fainting, fever, dizziness, or diarrhoea, contact your gynaecologist.
- Once you find any spotting or vaginal bleeding when not on your period or once you have menopause, then go for medical help.
- Consult the doctor if you are going through irregular, heavy bleeding or passing larger blood clots than usual.
- In case you are facing a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, take a bit of advice from your doctor.
- Regular period cycles become very irregular or sudden; in that case, also consult a gynaecologist.
- If you are having irregular periods and planning to get pregnant, consult the doctor.
Also Read: Are Blood Clots In Periods Normal?
How Do I Reduce The Risk Of Having Irregular Periods?
You should accommodate the following lifestyle changes in order to reduce the risk of irregular menstruation.
- Adopt relaxation and stress-reduction measures.
- Be sure that you obtain adequate sleep
- Avoid doing long or difficult workouts.
- Have a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and engaging in moderate exercise. Rather than following methods that severely restrict your food and calorie consumption, try losing weight gradually.
- Take your birth control as prescribed to support consistent hormone regulation.
- Change sanitary pads every four to six hours to prevent infections.
- Schedule routine check-ups with your gynaecologist.
Conclusion
Irregular periods are very common. Irregular periods can change the length, frequency, and flow of your menstrual cycle, often due to lifestyle or hormonal shifts. Getting back to the normal menstrual cycle is possible with the help of a doctor's advice, changes in lifestyle, and following the discussed measures.
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