Menstrual Irregularities

What Are Menstrual Irregularities?

Menstrual irregularities refer to any changes or disruptions in your normal menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, but anything between 21 to 35 days is considered normal. When periods become unpredictable, infrequent, too frequent, or stop altogether, it’s classified as a menstrual irregularity.

At My Lady Doc, we believe that understanding your body and menstrual health is crucial. Let’s explore the different types of irregular periods, their causes, and when you should seek medical advice.

Types of Menstrual Irregularities

Amenorrhea (Absence of Periods):
- Primary Amenorrhea: When a girl hasn’t had her first period by age 16.
- Secondary Amenorrhea: When you’ve had regular periods, but they stop for three months or more.
Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods):
- If your periods occur less frequently than every 35 days, you may have oligomenorrhea.
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods):
- If your periods last longer than 7 days or you experience heavy blood flow (soaking through pads/tampons every hour), you may have menorrhagia.
Polymenorrhea (Frequent Periods):
- If your cycles are shorter than 21 days and periods happen too frequently, it could be polymenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods):
- Severe cramps or pain during your period that disrupts daily activities may indicate dysmenorrhea.

Common Causes of Menstrual Irregularities

Stress: High levels of physical or emotional stress can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular cycles.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that often causes missed or irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and hair growth.
Thyroid Disorders: Both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause menstrual irregularities.
Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain, as well as eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, can affect your cycle.
Birth Control: Starting, stopping, or changing birth control methods can impact your menstrual cycle for a few months.
Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, and changes in flow.
Chronic Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, Celiac disease, or kidney disease can also influence your menstrual health.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While occasional irregular periods may not be a cause for concern, frequent disruptions to your cycle could signal an underlying health issue. It’s important to speak to your doctor if:

You haven’t had a period for 3 months, and you’re not pregnant.
Your periods are very heavy or last longer than 7 days.
You experience severe pain during your periods.
You notice spotting or bleeding between periods.
You’ve had regular periods, but they suddenly become irregular.

At My Lady Doc, we provide comprehensive care to address menstrual concerns. Our expert team is here to listen, evaluate, and help you find solutions to get your cycle back on track.

Diagnosing Menstrual Irregularities

Your healthcare provider may use several methods to diagnose the cause of your irregular periods, including:

Medical History & Physical Exam: Discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions.
Blood Tests: Checking hormone levels to rule out thyroid issues, PCOS, or other hormonal imbalances.
Pelvic Ultrasound: To look for ovarian cysts or abnormalities in your reproductive organs.
Endometrial Biopsy: A sample of the uterine lining may be taken to rule out abnormal growths or cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment for menstrual irregularities depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments may include:

Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and balanced nutrition.
Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills or hormone therapy can help regulate your cycle.
Medications for Underlying Conditions: Treating thyroid issues, PCOS, or diabetes can normalize periods.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary for uterine fibroids or endometriosis.