Common Causes
Other common causes of irregular periods include:
- Having an intrauterine device ( IUD)
- Changing birth control pills or using certain medications
- Too much exercise
- Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Stress
- Overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism)
- Thickening of or polyps on the uterine lining
- Uterine fibroids
Related Conditions
Sometimes, irregular periods can be caused by some medicines, exercising too much, having a very low or high body weight, or not eating enough calories. Hormone imbalances can also cause irregular periods. For example, thyroid hormone levels that are too low or too high can cause problems with periods.
What causes a sudden irregular period?
Irregular cycles or irregular periods is an abnormal variation in length of menstrual cycles. A female usually experiences cycle length variations of up to eight days between the shortest and longest cycle lengths. Lengths ranging between eight and 20 days are considered moderately irregular.
Why do regular periods become irregular?
Yes, you can still get pregnant even if your period is irregular. But having unpredictable periods or skipping periods makes it harder to track when you will be ovulating, which is when you’re most fertile. Irregular periods also make it difficult to know if you are pregnant because you won’t know when you should be getting your period.
What does irregular periods mean?
Is having irregular periods bad?
Why does my period feel irregular?
When is irregularity common in women?
What is PCOS in women?
What are the two structures that regulate the menstrual cycle?
Why does my vagina bleed after my period?
When does a woman's ovaries stop working?
Why does my thyroid slow down?
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About this website
Irregular periods - NHS
Find out what causes irregular periods, when to see your GP and how irregular periods can be treated.
Why does my period come at a different time?
Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable. That's because the part of the brain that regulates periods is influenced by events like these. Going on a trip or having a major change in schedule can also make your period come at a different time than expected.
How often do you have periods?
You start having periods that last longer than 7 days, are heavy, or are coming more often than every 21 days. Your period comes less often than every 45 days. You have severe cramping or abdominal pain. You have bleeding in between your periods. Your periods are irregular for 3 years or more.
What happens if a girl's egg isn't fertilized?
If the egg isn't fertilized by sperm, it starts to fall apart. Then the lining and egg leave a girl's body as her period and the whole thing starts all over again — that's why we use the word "cycle.". The first day a girl's period comes is Day 1 of her cycle. A girl's body may not follow an exact schedule.
What can a doctor prescribe for a period?
The doctor may prescribe hormone pills or other medicines, or recommend lifestyle changes that can help you to have regular periods.
How to keep your period in case of a period?
Keep some pads or tampons in your backpack or purse, just so you'll have them handy in case your period comes when you're not expecting it. You may even want to carry an extra pair of underwear.
How long does a girl's period last?
It's also normal for the number of days a girl has her period to vary. Sometimes a girl may bleed for 2 days, sometimes it may last a week. That's because the level of hormones the body makes can be different from one cycle to the next, and this affects the amount and length of bleeding.
How long is a woman's cycle?
You often hear this is a 28-day cycle. But 28 is just an average figure that doctors use. Cycle lengths vary — some are 24 days, some are 34 days.
What causes irregular periods?
Two of the health problems mentioned above, thyroid disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause irregular periods. Another health problem that can cause irregular periods is uterine fibroids, which are benign lumps that grow on the uterus. Some of the symptoms of this illness are heavy periods, cramping, painful sex, ...
How to regulate your period?
You can try to regulate your menstrual cycle with some at-home remedies. First, use the Flo app to track your periods and symptoms each month. Even if your period is irregular, you may be able to detect some symptom patterns and be better prepared. Practice yoga.
How to make your period more predictable?
Feeling less stressed overall can help make your period’s arrival more predictable. Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese, you may experience heavier periods. If you’re severely underweight, you may experience irregular menstruation as well. It’s important to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
How often do women get their periods?
Women typically get their periods once every 28 days or so. For some women, this happens like clockwork, but others have cycles that are much less predictable. Your periods are most likely irregular if: The number of days between your periods starts to change. The amount of blood you lose is more or less than usual.
How often do you miss your period?
You miss three or more periods a year. Your period has always been regular and suddenly becomes irregular. You have a period more than once every 21 days. You don’t get your period for 35 days. Your periods are unusually heavy or painful. Your period lasts longer than 7 days.
What to do if your period suddenly changes?
If you’ve had regular periods and the pattern suddenly changes, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. They can give you a physical exam and rule out any potential problems. Updated on September 20, 2019. Anna Klepchukova, MD — Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Specialist, Chief Science Officer at Flo.
Why does my period stop?
Too much exercise — Too much physical activity can potentially throw off your period’s timing and sometimes stop it altogether. Polycystic ovary syndrome — This is a hormonal disorder that indicates you have high amounts of male hormones.
What is irregular period?
Irregular menstruation is when the length of the cycle is more than 35 days, or if the duration varies . A period, or menstruation, is the part of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, is shed. This appears as bleeding from the womb that is released through the vagina.
What does it mean when your period is irregular?
Complications. Irregular periods can sometimes indicate a health problem, and some of these can lead to further problems, such as fertility issues. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a number of small, fluid-filled sacs known as cysts develop in the ovaries.
How do irregular periods affect pregnancy?
Irregular periods can sometimes make it more difficult to get pregnant, as the times a person is ovulating may also be irregular. People who skip periods may also have months where they do not ovulate.
What causes irregular birth control?
Temporary causes for irregularity can include stress, natural hormonal changes, and starting or stopping birth control.
How long does it take for estrogen to balance?
It can take several years for the estrogen and progesterone to reach a balance, and irregular periods are common at this time. Before menopause, women often have irregular periods, and the amount of blood shed may vary. Menopause occurs when 12 months have passed since the woman’s last menstrual period.
What hormones cause irregular periods?
Estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone are the main hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. If something disrupts or alters how these hormones rise and fall each cycle, it can cause irregular periods.
How to check if you are ovulating?
Here are some things you can do to track ovulation: 1 Mark any periods on a calendar, and look for patterns. 2 Check for changes in cervical mucus. As ovulation approaches, the mucus will be more plentiful, slippery, clear, and stretchy. 3 Take your temperature each day and note when it spikes. This can indicate that ovulation is occurring.
What Is an Irregular Period?
You can find out whether your periods are regular or irregular by charting how long your menstrual cycles are. You can determine your menstrual cycle length by counting from day 1 of your period to day 1 of the next period. Day 1 is traditionally the first day of actual flow. It's normal to have cycles between 21 and 35 days. 2
What does it mean when you are irregular?
Often, the term "irregular" may refer to a change in what's normal for you. Most women know what their typical cycle is like. Any persistent or concerning changes to that may warrant a visit to the gynecologist.
What are the factors that affect menstrual cycle?
There are many factors that can influence an individual's menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals can experience a missed or irregular period if they: 1 Are breastfeeding (which in the early days may cause lactation amenorrhea or a total lack of periods) 2 Are pregnant 3 Are traveling (especially if their sleep pattern is interrupted or they are out of their normal time zone) 4 Are under a lot of stress 5 Experience illness
How long is a menstrual cycle?
The length of your menstrual cycle does not necessarily correspond to how fertile you are. You could have a menstrual cycle that is longer or shorter than 28 days and still be fertile. Alternatively, you might have a textbook 28-day cycle and have fertility problems .
How many days between periods?
It's normal to have anywhere between 21 and 35 days between periods. Your period is irregular if: It comes more frequently than 21 days. The length of your cycles varies greatly (even if they are typically within the typical range of 21 to 35 days) You go 35 days or more between periods. For example, if one cycle is 25 days, but another is 33 days, ...
What to do if you are worried about your period?
Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any aspect of your menstrual cycle or have questions about your period, fertility, or reproductive health.
How long after a period can you get pregnant?
They might encourage you to seek help for fertility if you don't get pregnant after one year of trying ( or after six months, if you're age 35 or older ).
Why does my period stop?
Extreme weight loss and eating disorders. Excessive or rapid weight loss can cause your period to stop. Not consuming enough calories can interfere with the production of the hormones needed for ovulation. You’re considered underweight if you have a body mass index lower than 18.5.
How long is a period?
Your period is considered irregular if it’s longer than 38 days or if the duration varies . Irregular periods can have several causes, from hormonal imbalances to other underlying conditions, and should be evaluated by your doctor. Here’s a look at the possible causes and their symptoms. 1. Pregnancy.
What percentage of menstrual irregularities have thyroid problems?
A 2015 study found that 44 percent of participants with menstrual irregularities also had thyroid disorders.
How long does it take for perimenopause to start?
It usually begins in your 40s, but can occur earlier. You may experience signs and symptoms lasting from 4 to 8 years, beginning with changes to your menstrual cycle. Fluctuating estrogen levels during this time can cause your menstrual cycles to get longer or shorter. Other signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:
How many women have endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis causes very painful, even debilitating menstrual cramps. Endometriosis also causes heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods.
How to get your period back?
Cutting back on your training and increasing your calorie count can help restore your periods.
When your period begins, what are the symptoms?
how heavy your bleeding was, including how many pads or tampons you used. symptoms during your period, such as cramping, back pain, and other symptoms and how bad they were.
What causes menstrual irregularities?
Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of causes, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, diseases, trauma, and certain medications. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
What causes heavy bleeding during menstruation?
Common causes of heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding include: 2, 7. Adenomyosis (the presence of uterine lining in the wall of the uterus) Bleeding disorders, such as leukemia, platelet disorders, clotting factor deficiencies, or (less common) von Willebrand disease.
What is the name of the condition where the uterus is lining?
Adenomyosis (the presence of uterine lining in the wall of the uterus) Nonhormonal IUDs. Bleeding disorders, such as leukemia, platelet disorders, clotting factor deficiencies, or (less common) von Willebrand disease. Pregnancy complications (miscarriage)
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Perimenopause (generally in the late 40s and early 50s) Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia) Excessive exercise . Thyroid dysfunction (too much or too little thyroid hormone) Elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, which is made by the pituitary gland to help the body produce milk.
What is the term for a problem with the adrenal gland?
Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (problem with the adrenal gland)
Why do teens have irregular cycles?
That means the body isn’t ovulating monthly. In teens, this often happens because their bodies haven’t yet settled into a pattern of regular menstrual cycles. In time, the cycles should become shorter and more predictable.
How long can a girl go without a period?
It’s not uncommon to go several months without a period within the first year or two of beginning to have menstrual cycles. In your daughter’s situation, a gap of six months at this point probably doesn’t require an evaluation. However, if she goes another three to six months without another period, make an appointment for her to see her health ...
What happens during a period?
During a menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg in a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormone changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. When ovulation happens and the egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a menstrual period. The average age for periods to begin is 12.
Why do teens have periods?
In teens, this often happens because their bodies haven’t yet settled into a pattern of regular menstrual cycles. In time, the cycles should become shorter and more predictable. If a girl has her first period and then doesn’t have another one for about a year, an evaluation is appropriate.
Why do athletes stop their periods?
In some elite athletes, such as gymnasts, runners and dancers, periods may stop due to high levels of physical activity coupled with inadequate caloric intake. If that could be the case for your daughter, it must be addressed not only due to cessation of menstrual cycles, but also because it could affect her bone health and other aspects of healthy development.
Why does my period feel irregular?
Anticoagulant: Medications used to thin the blood for other medical conditions such as heart disease or clotting disorders can cause bleeding not related to a cycle, making it seem like you are having an irregular period.
When is irregularity common in women?
Age-related: Irregularity in periods is very common in both the early stages of puberty and the final stages of a woman's reproductive years ( menopause).
What is PCOS in women?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition very common in women of reproductive age, resulting in menstrual abnormalities as well as an excess of the androgen testosterone. PCOS can affect a woman's overall health and appearance and often has a si..
What are the two structures that regulate the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex system of chemicals and messenger hormones that come from structures in the brain. These structures, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland , work in conjunction to stimulate the ovaries and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Why does my vagina bleed after my period?
While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it's quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD. Read more. Vagina. 7 Causes of Vaginal Bleeding After Sex, Menopause & Periods.
When does a woman's ovaries stop working?
"Premature ovarian failure" (POF), also called "primary ovarian insufficiency" and "early menopause" happens when the ovaries stop working well too early in life. Naturally menopause occurs between the ages 45 and 55. Symptoms of menopause are changes in menstrual period, missing periods, hot flashes, mood changes and vaginal dryness.
Why does my thyroid slow down?
This causes a slowing of the body's metabolism. The condition can occur due to autoimmune disease; any surgery or radiation treatment to the thyroid gland; some medications; pregnancy; or consuming too much or too little iodine. It is often found among older women with a family history of the disease.
