When is a period considered irregular?
Your menstrual cycle should last around 28 days — give or take a few days — and the length of time between your periods shouldn’t vary more than a day or two. If you have your period more frequently than every 21 days or if more than 38 days pass between your periods, your period is considered irregular.
Other menstrual irregularities include:
- Periods that last longer than eight days
- The time between periods varies
- The length of time you have your period changes
- Your flow varies from month to month
If you’re not sure if your periods are regular, count the days between the last day of your period until the first day of your next one for three months. Your period is irregular if that number is significantly different each month.
What causes irregular periods?
One of the most common causes of irregular periods is anovulation. Anovulation occurs when you don’t ovulate during your cycle, which is usually due to hormone imbalances. Other causes of irregular periods include:
- Too much exercise
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Stress
- Thyroid problems
- Eating disorders
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Your age can also influence the regularity of your menstrual cycles. For example, when young women first start to get their periods, their cycles aren’t always regular because their hormones fluctuate. And as you approach menopause, your risk of having irregular periods increases.
When should I talk to a doctor about my irregular periods?
Irregular periods are a warning sign of hormonal imbalances and ovulation problems that could interfere with your fertility and overall health and wellness. If you have irregular periods and other disruptive symptoms of hormonal imbalance or are concerned about infertility, you should make an appointment to speak to one of the physicians at Contemporary Women’s Care.
How are irregular periods treated?
Your doctor can recommend treatments depending on the condition causing your irregular periods. For example, if you’re under a significant amount of stress, your doctor may recommend stress management techniques.
Alternatively, if your irregular periods are due to a hormonal imbalance, you may benefit from taking an oral contraceptive or another hormone therapy. Your doctor may prescribe thyroid hormones if an underactive thyroid is the root cause of your symptoms.
If you’re troubled by your abnormal or unpredictable menstrual cycle, call Contemporary Women’s Care or make an appointment online today.
