Irregular periods can be incredibly frustrating, with bleeding arriving unexpectedly and usually at the most inconvenient time. Beyond never knowing for sure when (or if) your period will start each month, irregular menstrual cycles are often signs of an underlying health concern.
Whether your periods began like clockwork before suddenly becoming irregular, or you’ve had unpredictable menstrual periods ever since they began, you receive compassionate and understanding women’s health care from David Leszkowitz, DO, and the White Lake Family Medicine team in White Lake, Michigan.
So, what are irregular periods, exactly? Here’s what you need to know about menstrual problems and their causes.
Defining irregular periods
Some women have such regular menstrual cycles that they know the day when their period will begin and how long it will last.
But most women don’t have such predictable periods, so let’s explore the guidelines defining expected versus irregular menstrual cycles.
Periods typically last up to seven days. Menstrual cycles occur every 28-29 days on average, meaning your next period starts about 28-29 days after the first day of bleeding in your last period.
Your periods are irregular if you have one or more of the following four common signs:
- Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days
- Menstrual cycles vary by more than nine days
- Missing three or more periods in a row
- Bleeding between periods
Women with irregular periods may also experience heavy bleeding and abdominal pain.
About menstrual pain and heavy bleeding
Whether or not you have irregular periods, you may struggle with heavy bleeding and severe pain.
Heavy bleeding
Your bleeding is heavier than usual if you have any of the following:
- Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
- Needing to wear more than one pad or tampon
- Soaking through more than one pad or tampon within an hour
- Needing to change your tampon or pad during the night
- Passing large blood clots
Excessive menstrual bleeding is a top cause of iron deficiency anemia in women.
Painful periods
Six out of ten women have mild to moderate cramps, a common problem caused by muscle contractions in the uterus. Cramping typically begins the day or two before your period and ends within a few days.
Severe pain or pain lasting longer than your period may point to a gynecological condition.
Causes of irregular periods
Irregular periods occur for many possible reasons. Here are the most common:
Gynecological conditions
Gynecological conditions disrupt your periods by affecting reproductive organs and causing hormonal imbalances. The problems most likely to cause an irregular period include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
These conditions can also cause heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps.
Non-gynecological conditions
Irregular periods begin when a health condition affects estrogen and other reproductive hormones. Uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, and endometrial cancer disrupt menstrual periods. Being extremely underweight or obese also disrupts estrogen and affects your periods.
Adolescence
Your periods may not settle into regular cycles for several years after you start menstruating. But you should talk with us if your periods are regular and suddenly change or if you have any of the signs listed above.
Vigorous physical activity
The stress of intensive athletic training and excessive exercise affects hormone levels. As a result, you may have irregular periods or stop menstruating.
Menopause
Women’s hormones start fluctuating years before they reach menopause, causing irregular and missed periods. Though this natural transitional time (perimenopause) can begin in your 30s, it typically starts in your 40s.
Behavioral health concerns
Your emotional and behavioral health has a direct impact on your periods. You may have irregular periods if you struggle with mood swings, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or chronic stress.
The caring White Lake Family Medicine team includes women’s health specialists who are available to help you with irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and menstrual cramps. Call the office today or request an appointment online if you have menstrual concerns.
