One in three women experience some type of irregular periods. If you're experiencing them, here are potential causes and management strategies
Irregular periods, medically known as oligomenorrhea or menstrual irregularities, can be frustrating, confusing, and even concerning. While menstrual cycles typically happen every 21 to 35 days, with bleeding lasting two to seven days, irregular periods deviate from this norm. You might have a less frequent period, periods at seemingly random intervals, longer periods, or something completely different.
Irregular periods don’t always have to be cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing them, it’s crucial to understand potential causes, management strategies, and when to see a doctor. Here’s your go-to guide to irregular periods.
What are irregular periods? Irregular periods refer to variations in the menstrual cycle length, duration, or amount of bleeding. They can manifest in several ways, including:
Infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea): menstrual cycles more than 35 days apart.Frequent periods (polymenorrhea): menstrual cycles occurring less than 21 days apart.Absent periods (amenorrhea): complete absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles. Heavy or prolonged bleeding (menorrhagia): excessive or extended menstrual bleeding beyond the usual seven days. This type of irregular period is more common among people over 35 and about one in five people with periods experience them. How common are irregular periods? Irregular periods are much more common than you might think — according to a variety of studies, the prevalence can range from 5 to 35.6% , depending on age, country of residence, and occupation. That means as many as one in three people with experience experience some sort of irregularity in their periods during their reproductive years.
Some types of irregular periods are more common than others. For example, a little more than one in ten people with periods — 13.5% — experience infrequent periods, while heavy bleeding is a more common. About one in five people with periods experience heavy bleeding, and it’s more common among people over 35 .
What causes irregular periods? Irregular periods aren’t always a cause for concern, but it’s crucial to understand why you experience them. These irregularities can stem from various factors, including lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, and other causes.
Irregular periods caused by lifestyle factors Sometimes, irregular periods stem from lifestyle factors, including:
Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt hormone levels, leading to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Weight fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain can affect hormone production and disrupt the menstrual cycle.Exercise: Intense or excessive physical activity can alter hormone levels, causing irregular periods.Poor nutrition: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients can impact hormone balance and menstrual regularity.Irregular periods caused by underlying health conditions Irregular periods can be a sign of a health condition underneath the surface. If you’re experiencing irregular periods, it can be a sign of:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) : A common hormonal disorder characterized by cysts on the ovaries, insulin resistance, and irregular periods.Thyroid disorders : Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can disrupt hormone production and menstrual cycles.Endometriosis : A condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, leading to irregular bleeding and pelvic pain.Reproductive disorders : Conditions such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts can cause irregular periods.Remember, just because you have irregular periods doesn’t mean you definitely have a health condition. Becoming aware is the first step in taking control of your health; we’ll go over when it might be time to consult with a healthcare professional.
Irregular periods caused by other causes If it’s not lifestyle changes or an underlying health condition, irregular periods may be caused by one of two factors:
Medications: Certain medications, such as hormonal contraceptives or anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clots), may affect menstrual regularity.Perimenopause : The transitional phase before menopause can cause irregular periods due to fluctuating hormone levels. Learn the first signs of perimenopause .Do irregular periods affect my fertility? While irregular periods don’t always directly affect your fertility, they can make conception more difficult.
Impact on ovulation Irregular periods can signal irregular ovulation, including a period without ovulation (also known as anovulatory cycles ). Ovulation is the process when a mature egg is released from the ovary for fertilization; without ovulation, sperm has nothing to fertilize, and therefore there’s no chance of pregnancy.
Underlying health conditions Sometimes, underlying health conditions are the root cause of irregular periods. Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, and reproductive tract abnormalities, which can cause irregular periods, may also impact fertility. PCOS, for example, is a common hormonal disorder associated with irregular periods and anovulatory cycles, leading to difficulties in conceiving.
>>RELATED: PCOS and Pregnancy: What to Know If You're TTC with PCOS
Timing of intercourse Irregular periods can make it more challenging to time intercourse optimally for conception. Tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature charting , recognizing signs of ovulation, or using ovulation predictor kits that measure your hormones can help.
It's essential to remember that not all individuals with irregular periods will experience fertility problems. Many people with irregular cycles can still conceive naturally, especially with appropriate management and support from healthcare providers.
Irregular periods: When to see a doctor While occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are common and often benign, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
Persistent irregular periods for several months Severe or prolonged menstrual bleeding Symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, or fever Concerns regarding fertility or reproductive health How to manage irregular periods Managing irregular periods often depends on your end goal. For example, some people want to manage irregular periods to have more predictable periods, out of convenience; others are focused on conception, and want to regulate their cycle for more predictability; some people are focused on the underlying causes of irregular periods and focus on treating health conditions.
Managing irregular periods involves various strategies aimed at regulating the menstrual cycle and addressing underlying causes.
Lifestyle interventions Just as lifestyle factors can contribute to irregular periods, interventions can help regulate your cycle, typically by helping regulate your hormones. Lifestyle interventions to help manage irregular periods include:
Stress management: Incorporating stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help regulate hormone levels, and, therefore, your cycle. Balanced diet: Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support hormonal balance and overall well-being.Moderate exercise: Engaging in regular but moderate physical activity can promote healthy hormone levels and regulate menstrual cycles. Learn how to sync your workouts to different phases of your cycle . Addressing underlying health conditions If irregular periods persist or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying health conditions contributing to menstrual irregularities. They might recommend
various diagnostic tests to assess hormone levels, thyroid function, and reproductive health. These tests may include blood tests, pelvic exams, ultrasound imaging, or specialized procedures to evaluate the uterus and ovaries.
Once a diagnosis is established, treatment strategies can be tailored to address specific underlying health conditions contributing to irregular periods. Treatment options may include:
Hormonal therapy: Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or medications to regulate insulin levels in conditions like PCOS, can help restore hormonal balance and regulate menstrual cycles.Surgical intervention : In cases of severe endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove abnormal tissue or cysts and restore normal menstrual function.Thyroid management: Treatment for thyroid disorders, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy or medications to regulate thyroid function, can help stabilize hormone levels and improve menstrual regularity.After initiating treatment for underlying health conditions, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any new concerns or symptoms. Remember, addressing underlying health issues not only helps regulate menstrual cycles but also promotes long-term reproductive health and wellness.
Other interventions Hormonal contraception and other medications can cause irregular periods; if this is the case, you can manage irregular periods by changing contraception methods or addressing underlying conditions:
Hormonal contraception : Birth control pills, patches, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of irregular periods.Medications : If medications other than hormonal contraceptives are affecting your menstrual regularity, your doctor may prescribe medications such as hormonal supplements or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage underlying conditions contributing to irregular periods.Tracking irregular periods for conception If you’re trying to conceive, tracking irregular periods can be an effective way to manage this symptom while you’re trying to regulate your cycle.
While irregular cycles may present challenges in predicting menstruation and ovulation, several methods and tools can aid in tracking and managing irregular periods:
Menstrual calendar: Keep a menstrual calendar or diary to record the start and end dates of each period, along with any accompanying symptoms or changes in menstrual flow. Over time, this can help identify patterns or irregularities in cycle length, duration, and intensity of bleeding.Ovulation tracking: Monitoring ovulation can be particularly useful for individuals with irregular periods who are trying to conceive. Methods such as basal body temperature charting , tracking cervical mucus changes, or using ovulation predictor kits can help identify the fertile window and optimize timing for conception. However, these may be less accurate for irregular periods and without consistent tracking.Ovulation calculators: Online ovulation calculators or fertility calculators can estimate ovulation and fertile days based on inputted menstrual cycle data. While these calculators may be less accurate for individuals with irregular periods, they can still provide valuable insights into potential ovulation timing.Physical symptoms: Paying attention to physical symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, such as breast tenderness, bloating, or changes in mood, can help you anticipate the onset of menstruation or ovulation, even in the absence of regular cycles.>>MORE: Top 5 Signs of Ovulation: What To Look Out for if You’re Trying To Conceive
Irregular periods: the bottom line Irregular periods can be disruptive and distressing, yet you can manage them with lifestyle adjustments, hormonal interventions, or medical treatment. It's crucial to seek medical advice if irregularities persist or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions.
The first step to taking care of your menstrual health is getting informed — and by reading this article, you’re on the right track to promote your overall health and well-being.
