All The Potential Causes Behind Irregular Periods
Individuals have irregular periods if their menstrual cycle lasts less than 24 days, more than 38 days, or fluctuates greatly from month to month. This condition is referred to as oligomenorrhea by lady doctors.
Among the most common causes are:
Hormonal Alterations That Occur Naturally
The body, and its internal workings, change during puberty. So your periods may be irregular for the first year or two of puberty until they settle into a consistent pattern. It is usual to have irregular periods during the interim.
Oligomenorrhea can also happen after a baby is born and breastfeeding until the hormones return to normal.
The Beginning Of Menopause (usually between the ages of 45 and 55)
Perimenopause occurs 4–8 years before menopause, usually in a woman’s forties.
During perimenopause, the menstrual cycle may lengthen or shorten at different intervals. Periods become less frequent over time and eventually cease when menopause occurs.
Pregnancy
If a woman’s period is late, she can check for pregnancy with an over-the-counter test or seek medical care. If a store-bought test gives you a positive result, talk to your doctor about what to do next.
If you have bleeding after a positive pregnancy test, consult a doctor immediately because it could indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Hormonal Contraception Methods
Ovulation is prevented with hormonal contraception, which means that a person does not experience a true period while using it. Instead, some women do not get periods at all, while others experience period-like withdrawal bleeding.
Similarly, a woman’s periods may become irregular if she quits using hormonal birth control, and the body’s hormonal cycle takes some time to return to normal.
Most people endure a 2–4 week withdrawal bleeding after they stop taking birth control pills.
Excessive Stress
High-stress levels are connected to irregular periods. Those with higher stress levels generally have longer and heavier periods.
The body releases stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol when a person is stressed, and these chemicals may interact with the sex hormones that regulate menstruation.
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is when the ovaries generate small cysts and fluid-filled sacs. PCOS can induce high testosterone levels, delaying or preventing ovulation and the onset of a woman’s menstruation.
Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
- Acne
- An increase in hair growth.
- Insulin resistance
- Weight gain and depression
- Problems conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy.
A Thyroid Problem
The thyroid gland is positioned in the neck, shaped like a butterfly and its function is to produce thyroid hormones. The menstrual period is affected by this particular hormone.
- When the thyroid gland is underactive, it does not produce enough hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. As a result, longer, heavier periods may occur.
- Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause periods to be shorter and lighter.
If you are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or suspect that any of the above conditions or situations apply to you, consult with an online lady doctor now!