An irregular period can make your life a little more difficult to plan, but if you’re dealing with irregular periods, it’s important to know that you are not alone.
Millions of women around the world have irregular menstrual cycles, and we talk with women all the time who are looking for more information about their irregular cycles. Below, we want to take a closer look at some of the common causes of irregular periods.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle And Irregularities
A menstrual cycle is the length of time between each period, and while some suggest that a normal cycle length is 28 days, many women have normal cycles that range from 24 and 35 days. A “normal” cycle is less about how many days your cycle lasts and more about the regularity of cycles. Some people will experience a complete menstrual cycle every 26 days. Others will be very regular over the course of 31 days. Every person is different, but cycle irregularities occur when a woman experiences a 26-day cycle one month, a 32-day cycle the next month, and a 29-day cycle the next month, for example. A cycle is also considered irregular if it lasts longer than 35 days.
Many women find that their irregular cycles also present with some uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
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Abnormal uterine bleeding
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Unusually heavy bleeding
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Spotting between bleeding
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Bleeding that lasts longer than normal
What Causes Irregular Periods?
There are a number of reasons why a woman may experience irregular periods, and odds are you’ll experience some menstrual irregularities at some point in your life. Here’s a look at some common causes and contributing factors for irregular periods.
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Hormones – Hormones are oftentimes a driving factor in irregular menstrual cycles. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are responsible for helping to regulate your cycle, and when these levels get out of whack, your cycle can become irregular. Hormone levels will naturally fluctuate during certain life events, like puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and menopause.
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Birth Control – Although this feeds off the above point, many women may notice changes to their cycle when starting, ending or switching a hormone-based birth control like a contraceptive or an IUD. We’ll be able to answer some common questions about what to expect if you are making any changes to your birth control plan.
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Stress – Stress can also trigger the release of a hormone called cortisol, and this hormone can also impact the regularity of your cycle. Significant stress levels can lead to late or even missed periods.
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Underlying Health Conditions – A number of health conditions can also contribute to irregular periods. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, where cysts develop in the ovaries, or endometriosis, where endometrial cells grow on the outside of the uterus, can contribute to irregular cycles and some of the symptoms listed above. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can also lead to hormone deficiencies and menstrual irregularities.
All this information leads us to a main point, which is when should I reach out to my OBGYN if I’m experiencing irregular periods. While you can always reach out if you have questions or concerns, a good rule of thumb is to talk to your doctor if you believe that your irregularity is not due to birth control, life cycle changes (like pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, etc.) or an influx of stress.
If you want to learn more about irregular periods, or you want answers to other women’s issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at MetroPartners OBGYN.