Irregular Periods : Causes, Types, Treatment and Symptoms

Irregular periods or menstrual cycles happen when a woman experiences changes in the length, timing, and heaviness of her menstrual flow. While a typical cycle lasts approximately 28 days, irregular cycles can be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days; their duration may also exceed 7 days. Over 4-5 months, the pattern of periods may vary unpredictably, with flow that is heavier, lighter, or involves spotting. Other irregular period symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty conceiving, skin changes, such as acne other hormonal fluctuations.

Causes of Irregular Periods

A variety of factors are responsible for the cause of irregular periods, and the potential reasons for delayed periods are listed below:

• PCOS
• Thyroid disorders
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Premature ovarian failure.
• Uterine or cervical lesions.
• Anorexia and bulimia (eating disorders).
• Adrenal gland-induced hormonal issues.
• Excessive exercise with an improper diet.
• Physical or emotional, and high-level stress.
• Perimenopause is an irregular period before transitioning into menopause.
• Medical conditions like uterine fibroids and polyps, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

When to Seek a Specialist for Irregular Periods?

To improve your overall health and fertility, consider consulting a specialist for irregular periods. The surgeon will determine the underlying condition, manage fertility concerns, and prevent future complications.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Gynic Specialists today.

• Severe pelvic pain.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Bleeding between periods, which doesn’t occur.
• Missing periods with no pregnancy for 3 to 6 months.
• Symptoms of early menopause between 30 to 40 years of age.
• Duration of period longer than 7 days with heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Unpredictable lengths of the period cycle (sometimes <21 days or >35 days in 3 to 6 months).
• Hormonal imbalance symptoms like acne, hair loss, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss.

Types of Irregular periods

Irregular menstruation can occur in several ways, depending person’s physiology and underlying conditions. Here are some common types of menstrual disorders manifested as:

• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual periods that are 35+ days apart.
• Menorrhagia: Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods with severe menstrual cramps.
• Intermenstrual bleeding or Metrorrhagia: Bleeding occurring between periods.
• Menometrorrhagia: Excessive uterine bleeding that is prolonged and occurs at irregular intervals.
• Hypomenorrhea: Light bleeding with less.
• Polymenorrhea: Very frequently occurring menstrual periods.
• Anovulatory Bleeding: Irregular bleeding occurring when a woman does not ovulate.

Diagnostic Approach for Irregular Periods

A systematic step-by-step diagnostic approach helps identify the underlying cause and helps the specialist guide you with appropriate management.

Here’s the plan approved by the specialists:

a). Taking a detailed medical history and performing physical examinations by:

• Collecting menstrual history
• Identifying patterns of irregularities
• Any pregnancy history
• Sexual activity or contraception use
• Gathering various lifestyle factors such as stress levels, medications, weight and diet, and family history.

b). The doctor may also perform initial laboratory investigations that include:

• Blood culture test.
• Pregnancy test
• Thyroid function test.
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Glucose/insulin and hemoglobin test.

c). Further tests may be conducted after the evaluation of the results, such as:

• An endometrial biopsy for patients above 35 years.
• MRI or CT scan if there is a risk of pituitary involvement.

Treatment for Irregular Periods

Irregular menstruation treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause. It may include:

• Get adequate sleep to manage stress.
• Performing yoga and gentle exercises.
• Remedy eating disorder and excessive exercise pattern.
• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and proper exercise.
• Hormonal therapy and other medical therapies (iron supplements or NSAIDs).
• Manage underlying conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders.
• Surgical options: Endometrial ablation, surgical excision of the uterine fibroids, uterine artery embolization, dilation and curettage, and hysteroscopy.

What if Irregular Periods are left untreated?

Untreated irregular menstruation can lead to:

• Anovulation signals a lack of egg formation in the body, making it difficult to conceive.
• Irregular periods can lower the levels of estrogen and lead to osteoporosis.
• Results in the abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
• A significant loss of blood can cause iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Hormonal imbalance induced by irregular menstruation can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
• Impacts mental well-being and causes psychological stress.

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