Causes of Irregular Menstruation You Should Know If Your Period Isn’t Like Clockwork

Is your period like clockwork or do you have irregular cycles? Medically, a cycle is considered regular when it lasts between 21 and 35 days and menstruation lasts between 2 and 7 days. If you experience longer and shorter periods or there is no uniformity in their duration, they are considered irregular. Knowing the main causes of irregular menstruation is important to detect whether it is due to a reason you can manage or one you should be concerned about.

Causes of Irregular Menstruation You Should Know

Let’s look at what the causes are. Anyway, remember that if your concern is the absence of menstrual bleeding, the first thing you should check is if you are pregnant. Although there may be other causes, this should be ruled out first.

Breastfeeding and Irregular Menstruation

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production and reduces the production of reproductive hormones. That is why during breastfeeding menstruation is often absent or very light.

In any case, if you are in this stage and have no or very little menstrual bleeding, it is probably because of prolactin and it will return normally in time. When you stop breastfeeding, if menstruation does not return, consult specialists.

Perimenopause, One of the Causes of Irregular Menstruation

You might think it doesn’t apply to you due to your age. Normally, perimenopause happens from age 45 onwards. But don’t rule it out, as there is a condition called early menopause that occurs before age 40, and in some cases even before 30.

It’s not as rare as you might think. It is estimated to affect one in every twenty women. If your irregular periods come with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sudden mood swings without cause, difficulty sleeping, and vaginal dryness, this could be the cause. Consult your doctor on how to manage this stage healthily.

Hormonal Imbalances

It is one of the most common causes of irregular menstruation. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as excess facial and body hair. It is also frequently associated with very heavy periods, weight gain, fatigue, and muscle pain.

These imbalances can have various causes, including thyroid problems, depressive states or emotional disorders, as well as obesity and extreme weight loss.

Besides consulting a gynecology service, you can do exercises to help regulate your hormones and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Also known as PCOS, if you suspect you have it, it is recommended to discuss it with your gynecologist for evaluation and diagnosis. It often comes with symptoms such as hirsutism (excess body or facial hair), obesity, and infertility.

Poor Nutrition and Nutritional Deficiencies Among Causes of Irregular Menstruation

Lack of certain nutrients and lower caloric intake than recommended for your energy expenditure can lead to irregular periods.

These problems may be caused by illness, an eating disorder (for example, anorexia), lack of health and nutrition culture, poverty, or other reasons.

Medications That Affect Menstrual Cycle Regularity

Some medications have irregular menstruation as a side effect. Are you taking medication and noticing irregular periods? Check the leaflet, and if it mentions this possibility, consult the doctor who prescribed it. It is important they know this reaction and advise whether you should continue taking the medication or consider switching.

Uterine Fibroids or Endometriosis, Two Causes of Irregular Menstruation You Should Know

Fibroids are muscle tumors that develop in the uterine wall, while endometriosis is an abnormal growth of uterine tissue. Both are different problems but with common symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles, painful menstruation, and pain during sexual intercourse.

If you suspect this applies to you, consulting a doctor for diagnosis is appropriate. This is the first step for an effective solution.

Excessive Physical Exercise

Exercise is beneficial and healthy. But, like everything, excessive exercise can push your body to the limit.

In some sports disciplines like elite gymnastics or artistic sports like ballet, it is not uncommon for periods to become lighter, cycles longer, and even for bleeding to stop for months during periods of high physical demand.

Stress

Another cause of these menstrual disorders is stress. Worries, high demands of physical or intellectual performance, or excess nervousness affect hormone production. That is why the menstrual cycle is altered.

The solution in these cases involves ending stress. That sounds simple, but you may need external support to achieve it. Practice relaxation techniques and disciplines that help balance body and mind, such as yoga. But sometimes that is not enough. Consulting a psychologist’s guidance can help reduce stress.

Sources:

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/irregular-periods.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326713#sop