Q&A: I have irregular periods. What should I do?

Irregular periods can be a hard subject to tackle because defining them is difficult. What is irregular for one woman can be regular for another. But, irregular periods can be worrying, particularly if it is the first time that you have experience them. But, is there any need to worry, and what can you do to regulate them. Read on and have all your questions answered.

How do I know if I have irregular periods?

Irregular periods will be different for each person. A regular cycle is defined as occurring every 28 days with a bleeding period that typically lasts 5 days, but the menstrual cycle varies for each woman depending on her hormones. This means that to determine whether you have an irregular period is to calculate how long your own menstrual cycle usually lasts and to establish if your cycle has become abnormal. Irregular periods are usually defined as being too frequent or infrequent. Missed periods are likely, and a change in blood flow might occur.

Why am I having irregular periods?

There are various reasons why you could be having irregular periods. There is a summary below.

Menopause

When a woman is in peri-menopause, the period leading up to menopause when she no longer has periods, hormones can severely fluctuate, leading to irregularities. Irregular periods are considered very normal at this time.

Puberty

It can take the body several years after puberty to adjust to a regular menstrual pattern because hormones can be off balance.

Change in contraception

If you have changed from one hormonal birth control to another, or have changed from a non-hormonal birth control method to a hormonal, your menstrual cycle is likely to affected.

Choice of contraceptive

Birth control pills or any of the hormonal birth control methods are likely to alter the level of hormones you have in your body. Your body needs time to adjust to the new hormones, or the body is preparing for cessation of your periods. Bleeding can become more erratic, lighter, or heavier depending on the contraceptive you use.

Lifestyle

a poor diet, stress, heavy exercise, and an extreme change in weight can upset your hormones and cause irregular bleeding.

POS

If a woman is suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome ovulation does not usually take place, so bleeding can become irregular, or stop completely.

Gynecological problems

Unsuspected pregnancy, early miscarriage, and problems with the womb all fall under this category.

Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland produces hormones so irregular bleeding might be a sign of a thyroid disorder.

Cancer

Heavy bleeding between periods can be a symptom of cervical cancer but this is extremely rare.

Should I worry?

For most women there is no need to be concerned about your irregular periods. In fact 90% of women will have experienced irregularity in their menstrual cycle before they enter peri-menopause when irregular periods are difficult to avoid. However, if you are concerned, you should visit your doctor who will be able to carry out appropriate tests.

Is there anything I can do, or should do, to regulate them?

It depends on the cause of your irregular periods, and how long you have been having them, as to how they can be treated. The majority of women suffer with irregularity because of a hormone imbalance. If you are fairly young and have been suffering for less than 7 months, it is usually advised that you leave them untreated and let your body rebalance the hormones and adjust to the changes. If you are going through menopause then you can make lifestyle changes to try and rebalance the hormones or use alternative treatment. Follow the link at the bottom of the page to find out more. If you have irregular periods because of an underlying condition, you should seek medical help.

More information about irregular periods

Despite being common, irregular periods can be concerning to women who know little about why they happen. To read more about the treatment options for irregular periods, follow this link.