What is irregular period (menses)?

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The average gap between periods starting (the menstrual cycle) is 28 days. It can sometimes be a bit
shorter or longer.

 

Most people who menstruate have their period around every 28 days, but it’s different for everyone.

 

Periods can range from day 24 to day 38 of your cycle.

 

A woman's periods are irregular if :

 

• The number of days in between each of your periods is different and keeps changing

• The amount of menstrual blood changes from one period to the next

• Your periods come closer together – less than 25 days from the start of one to the start of the next
  one

• Your periods come further apart – longer than 35 days between the start of one and the next one

• Some people might have a less regular cycle, and experience a different cycle each month (this is
  often the case when girls first start their period). However, it can also be caused by things like stress,
  certain health conditions or pregnancy. Irregular periods can also be a sign of menopause. Most of
  the time there’s no need to worry but sometimes it is important to speak to your doctor to clarify the
  reasons.

 

Irregular periods can affect anyone who has periods.

 

It's more likely for your periods to be irregular when they first start during puberty, and when you're
nearing menopause.

 

 

Why do I get irregular period?

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Common causes of irregular periods include:

 

• Puberty, when you first start your periods

• The start of menopause (usually between the ages of 45 and 55)

• Pregnancy – a missed period is often an early sign of pregnancy

• Hormonal contraception like the progestogen-only pill, contraceptive injection and intrauterine
  system (IUS)

• Losing or gaining a lot of weight

• Stress and anxiety

• Exercising too much

• Breastfeeding

• Irregular periods can also be caused by underlying health conditions

• Endometriosis – a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is
  found elsewhere in the body

• Pelvic inflammatory disease – an infection of the womb, ovaries and/or fallopian tubes

• Fibroids – non-cancerous growths that can develop in the muscular wall of the womb

• Adenomyosis – when the tissue that normally grows within the womb (the lining) grows into the
  muscular wall of the womb instead

• Polycystic ovary syndrome – a hormonal condition which affects how your ovaries work

• Thyroid problems

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In rare cases, irregular periods may be a sign of cancer of the womb or the neck of the womb (cervix).
These cancers can cause bleeding in between periods or during sex. If you’re worried, speak to Dr. Ida.

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What should I do if I have irregular period?

If you have any of the symptoms of irregular periods as mentioned above
and would like to know more, you can book an appointment with Dr. Ida.