Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Periods do not always follow a predictable pattern. While some women have their periods every 28 days, others are left in the dark. Some may completely skip a month, while others may vary from cycle to cycle.

What causes an irregular Menstrual Cycle?

Irregular periods are when menstrual bleeding is unpredictable or happens more or less often than it does for the average person

There could be a number of causes for your menstrual irregularity. Menorrhagia is defined as excessively heavy or prolonged periods.

A period that lasts more than 7 days or heavy bleeding that necessitates changing your period product every hour are common symptoms.

 

Menorrhagia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

·        Stress and lifestyle factors

·         Birth control pills.

·        Uterine polyps or fibroids

·        Endometriosis

·         Pelvic inflammatory disease

·        Polycystic ovary syndrome

·        Premature ovarian insufficiency

Other causes of Irregular Menstruation

·        Medications: Certain anti-inflammatory and hormone medications can interfere with menstrual bleeding. IUD birth control can also cause heavy bleeding.

·        Cervical Cancer or Uterine Cancer 

·        Medical conditions, Examples include bleeding disorders, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, and pituitary disorders that affect hormonal balance.

·        Hormone Imbalance: Heavy bleeding may result from an excess of the hormones progestin or oestrogen, which regulate the uterine lining. Hormone imbalances are most common in people who have just begun menstruating or are approaching menopause.

·        Complications associated with pregnancy, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (the fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus; for example, within the fallopian tube).

 

When should I see a doctor?

Although home remedies can be beneficial, you should consult your gynaecologist on a regular basis.

However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an online gynaecologist consultation today:

·        Fever

·        Abnormal Vaginal Discharge or Odour

·        Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

·        Unusual Hair Growth

·        New Acne

·        Nipple Discharge

·        If your periods last longer than a week on a regular basis

·        Severe Pain

·        Bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, while pregnant, or after menopause

·        If you need to change your period product every hour for several hours in a row

Depending on the cause of your irregular periods, your doctor may also recommend medication or another type of treatment. Among the possible causes are:

·        Eating disorders

·        Stress

·        Breastfeeding

·        Birth control

·        Puberty

·        Menopause

·        PCOS

·        Thyroid issues

Should You Be Worried If Your Menstruation Is Inconsistent?

A couple of irregular periods per year are usually nothing to be concerned about. Any more than that, and you should consult a doctor to ensure that an ovulation problem or a health condition isn't the cause. “If you are not using contraception and are not in perimenopause or menopause and your periods are irregular, you should consult your gynaecologist. "An irregular cycle, for example, can increase your risk of uterine cancer if you have PCOS," says Dr Disha Sridhar.