Should I Seek Medical Advice for My Irregular Periods?

It’s always advisable to consult with your health care provider when experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle. Nearly all women will experience irregular periods in their lifetimes, especially those who are approaching menopause. Irregular periods are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, affecting about 90% of all women.

Annual Pap and pelvic examinations are a good time to discuss irregular periods with your primary care provider. However, some symptoms of irregular periods warrant immediate attention.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding
Irregular Periods • Extended bleeding (more than 7 days)
• Bleeding after sex
• Spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Excess hair growth
• Unexplained weight gain
• Accompanying odorous discharge

Understanding irregular periods –and whether or not they’re a sign of something more serious – can be frustrating. Click here to learn about what is defined as a regular period, or keep reading below to learn more about the causes of irregular periods.

Hormones: The Likely Culprit Behind Your Irregular Period

In menopausal women ages 45 – 55, the most common cause of irregular periods is fluctuating hormone levels. When the production of hormones, most notably estrogen and progesterone, decreases in the female body, periods become irregular.

The hormone estrogen thickens the uterine lining before ovulation. When estrogen levels become unbalanced, the uterine lining sheds irregularly. This may result in heavy bleeding.

Progesterone regulates the duration and the heaviness of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It also spurs the shedding of uterine contents when fertilization does not occur during the female menstrual cycle. When production levels of this hormone decrease, irregular periods result.

Click here for more about the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle, or keep reading below to learn more about health conditions and lifestyle triggers that may cause menstruating women to have irregular periods.

Health Conditions and Lifestyle Triggers That May Cause Irregular Periods
Many health conditions and lifestyle triggers may lead to irregular periods. They include:

Health Conditions

• Eating disorders
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, cysts, polyps, endometriosis)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Tuberculosis
• Recent birth or miscarriage
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Anemia
• Thyroid dysfunction

Lifestyle Triggers

• Significant weight gain or loss
Irregular Periods • Excessive exercise
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Drug use
• Caffeine
• Excessive alcohol use
• Increased stress
• Medication use
• Breastfeeding
• Some birth control methods (e.g. intrauterine device)

If you’re seeking treatment for irregular periods – especially irregular periods caused by menopause – click here for a comprehensive overview about treatments for irregular periods.