Irregular periods may be caused by stress, hormonal changes, PCOS, thyroid problems, weight changes, pregnancy or perimenopause; although it is generally not a cause for concern if there is only a temporary alteration in your menstrual cycle, frequent or ongoing irregular periods might require a gynecological evaluation.

Your menstrual cycle may vary at different stages of life and knowing the possible reasons for this can help you to decide when a change is normal and when you should get medical advice.

What Are Irregular Periods?

It is not necessary for a menstrual cycle to take place on the same day each month. A certain amount of variation is normal.

Periods may be considered irregular if:

• Your cycle length frequently changes

• Your periods are regularly more than 35 days apart

• You miss periods without being pregnant

• Your periods suddenly become much heavier or lighter

• You experience bleeding or spotting between periods

The reason underneath it all will depend on your age, your way of life, your medical history and any other symptoms.

Common Causes of Irregular Periods

1.Stress: Stress is one of the common causes of alterations in the menstrual cycle.

Emotional stress, bad sleep, heavy work schedules and major changes to your routine can have an effect on the hormones which are involved in ovulation and this might cause your period to be delayed, come early or be missed.

Stress could have been one of the factors that led to a change in your menstrual cycle during a particularly stressful period.

2.PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal reason for irregular periods.

PCOS can have an effect on ovulation and this may cause periods to become delayed, less frequent or in some cases altogether absent. Other symptoms can be acne, excess facial or body hair, weight changes and difficulty in getting pregnant.

That does not mean you have PCOS just because your periods are irregular. A gynaecologist will be able to assess your symptoms and medical history in order to decide if any further testing is required.

3.Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland has an important role in the regulation of metabolism and reproductive health.

Menstrual cycles can be affected by either an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Further symptoms may be tiredness, unexplained weight changes, mood changes or a sensitivity to heat or cold.

4.Changes in weight and over exercising: It can influence the body's hormonal levels and cause ovulation to be affected.

A very low body weight, the practice of restricting one's diet or engaging in excessive exercise can lead to periods becoming less frequent or ceasing altogether. Also, having a surplus of body weight can have an effect on ovulation and on the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and leading a healthy lifestyle all help to support general reproductive health.

5.Perimenopause: For women in their 40s, irregular periods may be an early indication of perimenopause, which is the phase that precedes menopause.

The levels of hormones at this stage can cause the periods to become heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, more frequent or less frequent, and hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes may also take place.

6.Pregnancy: If you are having sexual intercourse and your period has suddenly come later, then pregnancy should be thought about.

A missed period may be an early indication that a woman is pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test can help establish if pregnancy is the cause of the delay.

7.Medicines & Other Health Conditions: The effects on the menstrual cycle can also be caused by certain medicines and existing health conditions.

That is the reason why ongoing changes in your periods shouldn't always be blamed on stress or your way of life; a medical examination can help in identifying the underlying cause.

When is the right time to see a Gynecologist?

You should consider consulting a Gynecologist if:

• Your periods remain irregular for several cycles

• You have missed several periods without an obvious reason

• Your periods are unusually heavy or prolonged

• You experience severe menstrual pain

• You have bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse

• You notice excessive facial or body hair or persistent acne

• You have unexplained weight changes

• You are trying to conceive and have irregular periods

Your Gynecologist might suggest blood tests, hormonal studies, or an ultrasound depending on the symptoms you have and your medical history.

Can irregular periods have an effect on fertility?

In some cases, irregular periods are a sign of irregular ovulation. This can make it hard to predict the fertile window and may have an effect on conception.

Conditions including PCOS and thyroid disorders can lead to irregular ovulation. When the root cause is identified, this can help in determining the right treatment and reproductive care.

How do you keep track of your periods?

It helps you to understand your cycle pattern and gives you useful information when having a gynecological consultation.

Record:

• The first day of each period

• Number of days of bleeding

• Approximate flow

• Pain or other symptoms

• Spotting between periods

• Major changes in your lifestyle, weight or medication

Either use a period-tracking app or just keep a monthly calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it common for periods to be irregular at times? Yes, occasional changes may result from stress, alterations in lifestyle, illness, travel or other temporary causes. One should talk to a gynaecologist if the irregularity is persistent.

Does the fact that one's periods are irregular always indicate that they have PCOS? No, PCOS is only one possible cause; stress, thyroid problems, pregnancy, weight changes and perimenopause can likewise lead to irregular periods.

Can stress cause a delay in your period? Yes, significant physical or emotional stress can influence the hormones which are involved in ovulation and may delay or, in some cases, stop the period.

Can irregular periods make it harder to get pregnant? Irregular periods at times show that there is irregular ovulation and this can make it more difficult to get pregnant. The impact varies according to the underlying cause.

At what stage should I be concerned about having irregular periods? If you still have irregular periods, if you regularly miss your periods, or if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain and bleeding between periods, you should see a gynecologist for an evaluation.

Irregular periods need not always be a cause for worry, but any ongoing changes should not be ignored. Some of the possible causes may be stress, PCOS, thyroid disorders, weight changes, pregnancy and perimenopause. By keeping track of your menstrual cycle and talking to a gynaecologist about any ongoing changes, you can help find out the underlying cause and make sure that you receive the right kind of care.

If any of this sounds like your situation, don't sit with the worry alone. Contact us today at: +91 9477715231 or Book an Appointment