what is a irregular period

by Tyshawn Beatty Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Common Causes

There are many causes of female and male fertility, and only some affect menstruation. If you notice that your periods are irregular, it's something to talk to a doctor about. Irregular cycles are sometimes a sign of hormone imbalances, health issues, or a problem with ovulation.

Related Conditions

You might see the doctor for irregular periods in any of the following cases:

Your period suddenly becomes irregular after being regular
You haven’t had a period for 90 days or more
You have a period more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days
Your period lasts for more than seven days
Your period is unusually heavy
Your period is incredibly painful
You bleed in between your periods

What does it mean if I have an irregular period?

Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you understand what's normal for you, time ovulation and identify important changes — such as a missed period or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. While menstrual cycle irregularities usually aren't serious, sometimes they can signal health problems.

How to know if you have an irregular period?

Irregular period treatments and relief

Medication. Medications may be recommended by your medical provider such as the following. ...
Surgery. When medications fail, some causes of irregular periods can be treated with surgical options that either remove masses or decrease the lining of the uterus.
Pregnancy care. ...

Is it bad that I have an irregular period?

What do you do if your period is irregular?

What Is an Irregular Period?

What are the factors that affect menstrual cycle?

What is the 28 day myth?

How long is a menstrual cycle?

How many days between periods?

What to do if you are worried about your period?

How long after a period can you get pregnant?

See 4 more

About this website

What is considered an irregular period?

You have irregular periods if the length of your menstrual cycle (the gap between your periods starting) keeps changing. Your periods may come early or late. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it's normal for it to be a bit shorter or longer than this.

What are the signs of irregular periods?

What is abnormal menstruation?Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.Missing three or more periods in a row.Menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual.Periods that last longer than seven days.Periods that are accompanied by pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting.More items...•

What can cause irregular menstruation?

Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of causes, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, diseases, trauma, and certain medications.

How do you fix irregular periods?

Treatment for irregular periodshormone therapy, such as estrogen or progestin.metformin to treat PCOS and insulin resistance.thyroid medication.surgery to remove fibroids.changes to your hormonal birth control if it's causing menstrual irregularity.

Does irregular periods mean infertility?

Irregular menstrual cycles don't always affect fertility. In fact, plenty of women with irregular menstrual cycles get pregnant and go on to have normal pregnancies. So if you're wondering whether irregular periods mean infertility, the answer is no, but this may make it harder for you to get pregnant.

How late is normal period?

The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman. Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.

Is irregular periods hard to get pregnant?

Yes, women can get pregnant with an irregular period. However, the ability to get pregnant decreases significantly. The disadvantage is ovulation becomes difficult to determine. The pregnancy success rate of a healthy woman with a regular cycle is 30%.

How late is my period before I should be worried?

It's normal for periods to vary a little in length from month to month. How late can a period be before you should worry? Generally, a period is considered late if it's more than five days past due.

Is irregular periods hard to get pregnant?

How many days between periods is normal?

The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 21 to 40 days, are normal.

How late is normal period?

Are irregular period normal?

It is normal to have irregular periods for the first few years of menstruating — and sometimes even longer. But the only way to know if everything's OK is to visit your doctor or nurse practitioner . The length of a menstrual cycle can vary from girl to girl, but on average they're usually between 21 and 35 days.

Irregular Period: How to Identify & When It's Serious | Buoy

Symptoms of an irregular period. Irregular menstruation can mean a missed, delayed, or not regular period. Signs of an irregular period include one that lasts for more than 7 days, cycles that occur more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days, and bleeding so heavy that you lose more than 5 tablespoons of blood.

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Irregular periods can be common at first

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter had her first period at 15. That was six months ago, and she hasn’t had a period since. Should I take her to see a health care provider, or is this typical? ANSWER: When they first start, periods in teens are often irregular. It’s not uncommon to go several months […]

Irregular Periods: Possible Causes of a Missed Period - WebMD

Every woman is different -- including their periods. Some happen like clockwork. Others are hit or miss and unpredictable. On average, a woman get their period every 24 to 38 days.

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.

What are the external forces that affect the hypothalamus and pituitary?

Extrinsic: Outside forces that can affect the hypothalamus and pituitary include things like cancerous and non-cancerous growths, poor blood flow and even diet. For example, women with very low body weight due to extreme exercise or conditions such as anorexia nervosa can have irregular periods due to damage to the hypothalamus.

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.

What is the purpose of contraceptives?

Contraceptives: Contraceptives are medications used to control and prevent pregnancy; as such, they directly affect the menstrual cycle and can change the duration and quality of your period as a side effect.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

How many days does a woman's period last?

For most women, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days.1 However, 14% to 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles, meaning the cycles are shorter or longer than normal; are heavier or lighter than normal; or are experienced with other problems, like abdominal cramps.2 Irregular cycles can be ovulatory, meaning that ovulation occurs, or anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur. The most common menstrual irregularities include:

What is the first FDA approved screening platform for lysosomal storage disorder?

SEEKER® – The First FDA-Authorized Newborn Screening Platform for Lysosomal Storage Disorders

When does a woman stop getting her period?

Amenorrhea (pronounced ey-men-uh-REE-uh) or absent menstrual periods: 3, 4, 5, 6 When a woman does not get her period by age 16, or when she stops getting her period for at least 3 months and is not pregnant.

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.

What hormones are involved in breast milk production?

Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for breast milk production. Prolactin suppresses your reproductive hormones resulting in very light periods or no period at all while you’re breastfeeding.

How do you know if you're pregnant?

Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include: morning sickness. nausea. sensitivity to smells. breast tingling or tenderness. fatigue. If you miss a period or notice changes in your period and you’ve had sex, you can take a pregnancy test at home or see your doctor to find out if you’re pregnant.

What does it mean when your neck is swollen?

Swelling at the base of your neck is another common sign of a thyroid disorder.

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.

Why is My Period Late?

During a normal menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one of your ovaries during ovulation. If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, then changing hormone levels send your body a signal to shed the blood and tissues that line your uterus.

What does it mean when your period is irregular?

An irregular period is when the length of your menstrual cycle unexpectedly falls outside of your regular range. Irregular periods can include abnormal uterine bleeding, such as: Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than normal. After puberty, many women have a regular menstrual cycle.

What happens to the egg during ovulation?

What is the term for periods that last more than a week?

Amenorrhea. Not having any periods for at least three menstrual cycles. Oligomenorrhea. Having periods more than 35 days apart. Menorrhagia. Heavy bleeding that lasts more than a week. During a normal menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one of your ovaries during ovulation.

How often do you have periods?

You have a period less often than every 35 days. Your period lasts for more than a week. Your period becomes unusually heavy. You bleed between periods. Your periods are extremely painful. A gynecologist will be able to determine the cause of your irregular periods and help you develop the best treatment plan for you.

Is it normal to bleed during your period?

Heavy bleeding during your period. Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than normal. Bleeding after you’ve reached menopause. After puberty, many women have a regular menstrual cycle. However, it's normal for the cycle to vary by a few days each time.

What Does a Missed Period Mean?

If you have missed your period, it could be an irregularity or something else altogether. A missed period is most commonly due to pregnancy though it could also be due to changes in your life or a more serious medical reason.

How do you know if you have thyroid disease?

Signs that you may have a thyroid disorder include unexplainable weight gain, a puffy face, feeling cold even when it isn’t cold, joint pain, feeling sad or depressed, pale skin, and thinning hair. 7. Strenuous Exercise. Elite athletes often experience athletic amenorrhea – the absence of menstruation.

What causes a lack of calcium in the body?

In addition to causing a hormonal imbalance, lower estrogen also means a lack of calcium. In turn, this causes bones to become brittle and weak, increasing the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. 9. Certain Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce your menstrual flow.

How many periods do you have if you have PCOs?

This condition is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, and is often a cause of infertility. If you have PCOS, you may experience fewer than eight periods in a year. Some women may even stop having their periods altogether.

What are the symptoms of a woman's period?

In addition to bleeding or spotting between periods, you may also experience extremely painful menstrual cramps, pain during sex, chronic lower back pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. 6. Thyroid Disorders.

How many days does a period last?

Generally speaking, a standard range could be anywhere between 21 and 35 days .

What causes dark spots on the neck?

You may also notice your skin darkening along your neck, inside portion of the elbow, groin, and under your breasts. 5. Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow somewhere outside the uterus. It’s more common to happen in women in their 30s and 40s.

What are some examples of abnormal menstruation?

Examples of abnormal menstruation include the following: Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman’s periods have stopped completely. The absence of a period for 90 days or more is considered abnormal unless a woman is pregnant, breastfeeding, or going through menopause (which generally occurs for women between ages 45 and 55).

What are some examples of menstrual problems?

Examples of menstrual problems include: Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. Missing three or more periods in a row. Menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual. Periods that last longer than seven days. Periods that are accompanied by pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting.

Why do women with polycystic ovary syndrome have irregular periods?

Sometimes a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome will have irregular periods or stop menstruating completely. In addition, the condition is associated with obesity, infertility and hirsutism (excessive hair growth and acne). This condition may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, although the exact cause is unknown.

What are the factors that affect a woman's menstrual cycle?

Stress and lifestyle factors. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, dieting, changes in exercise routines, travel, illness, or other disruptions in a woman's daily routine can have an impact on her menstrual cycle. Birth control pills.

How many days apart are normal menstrual cycles?

A woman's period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. Examples of menstrual problems include: Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. Missing three or more periods in a row.

What causes menstrual irregularities?

Other causes of abnormal menstruation include: Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) Medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, an under- or overactive thyroid gland, or pituitary disorders that affect hormonal balance.

What age do you start having amenorrhea?

Young women who haven't started menstruating by age 15 or 16 or within three years after their breasts begin to develop are also considered to have amenorrhea. Oligomenorrhea refers to periods that occur infrequently. Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods and severe menstrual cramps.

What causes menstrual cycle irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

What is the process of ovulation?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, ...

Why is it important to track your period?

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure refers to the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Women who have premature ovarian failure — also known as primary ovarian insufficiency — might have irregular or occasional periods for years. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

What to do if you have questions about your menstrual cycle?

If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, talk to your health care provider.

How to find out what's normal for you?

To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. If you're concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month: End date.

How long does a woman's period last?

Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.

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 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

What is the 28 day myth?

The 28-Day Myth. Occasional Irregularity. Other Period Problems. There is a wide range of what is considered to be "normal" when talking about the menstrual cycle. 1 That said, irregular periods can be a signal that something in the body is not quite right.

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 ).