Causes of Irregular Menstruation Every Woman Should Know

 

An irregular menstrual cycle is one that continually falls outside of the regular expected range for unknown reasons. People with irregular menstrual cycles may notice that their periods happen infrequently and are often unpredictable.

Some irregular menstrual cycles are normal especially when your period first begins in life and when they are coming to an end. Menstruation can also be irregular after pregnancy and when one starts or stops taking birth control pills.

However, if you are having irregular periods and the above-mentioned factors are not the cause, then continuous irregular periods might be a result of medical issues that should be taken to a gynecologist to resolve. Some irregular periods are caused by lifestyle, behaviors, and environment.

Irregular periods could be any of the following

1. Bleeding or spotting between periods

2. Bleeding after sexual intercourse

3. Heavy bleeding when you are on your period

4. Bleeding that lasts longer than usual

5. Bleeding after you reached menopause.

Reasons for irregular menstruation

There are a variety of reasons for late, missed, or irregular periods ranging from stress to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes are…

1. Medication: some medications like anti-epileptic and antipsychotics can cause irregular periods.

2. Eating disorders such as anorexia can make one have irregular periods because the body of someone suffering from anorexia is not producing and circulating enough hormones to control the menstrual cycle.

3. Uncontrolled diabetes could cause irregular menstruation because the interaction between blood sugar levels and hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

4. Premature ovarian failure: the body of women with premature ovarian failure stop working before the age of 40 according to the National Institute of Health. There are some women with this condition that experience occasional periods.

5. Stress hormones affect menstruation and prolonged stress can cause your period to be delayed.

6. When you start your first period, it may take some time for your period to become regular.

What to Do When Your Periods Are Late?

If you have or experience any of the following symptoms, then it’s important to go see your doctor.

1. Extremely painful periods

2. Bleeding between periods

3. When your period becomes unusually heavy.

4. Period lasting for more than one week

5. When you have period more often than every 21st day.

6. Your period is suddenly irregular

7. You haven’t seen your period for 90 days.

A gynecologist will properly examine your body to determine the cause of your irregular period and develop the best treatment plan for you.