What are the causes of irregular periods?
What is an irregular period?
Each menstrual cycle starts from the first day of last menstrual period to the start of the next period. Your period may be considered irregular if the duration varies or if it lasts longer than 38 days. There are several causes of irregular periods.
For example, the causes range from hormonal imbalance to other underlying conditions. Note that your doctor is in a good position to examine you and determine the cause(s) of your irregular periods.
Here are the possible causes of irregular periods and their symptoms:
1. Uterine fibroids
Fibroids develop in the uterine wall. They are muscular tumors most of which are noncancerous. Fibroids have varying sizes ranging from as small as the seed of an apple to the size of a grapefruit.
Further, fibroids can cause painful menstrual periods, and heavy periods enough to cause shortage of blood cells. Also, you may experience low back pain, pelvic pain or pressure, leg pain or pain during sex.
It is important to note that most fibroids do not require treatment. Symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain drugs. Also, you can take iron supplement if you have anemia.
2. Breastfeeding
Prolactin is a hormone that produces breast milk. Also, prolactin suppresses reproductive hormones.
While breastfeeding, reproductive hormone suppression by prolactin results in very light periods or absence of period.
Normally, your periods should return shortly after you stop breastfeeding your baby.
3. Eating disorders and weight loss
Rapid or excessive weight loss can stop your period. Also, if you do not eat enough calories, it may affect hormone production that is required for ovulation.
If you have a body mass index that is lower than 18.5, you are considered underweight. In addition to cessation of periods, you may also experience hair loss, fatigue and headache.
Therefore, you should speak with your doctor if you have an eating disorder; you are underweight; or you have lost a lot of weight rapidly.
4. Medications
Certain drugs can affect your menstrual cycle. Such drugs may include: thyroid medications, chemotherapy drugs and aspirin. Others include: hormone replacement therapy, epilepsy drugs, Ibuprofen, antidepressants and blood thinners.
So talk to your doctor about any medication you are taking, or you may want to take.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnancy results in you missing your period. It may also cause spotting.
Other early pregnancy symptoms include: morning sickness, sensitivity to smells and nausea. Fatigue and breast tenderness or tingling may also occur during early pregnancy.
If you notice changes in your period or if you miss a period after you have had sex, take a pregnancy test. You can do the test at home or your doctor will help you find out if you’re pregnant.
Further, call your doctor if you’re pregnant and experience sharp abdominal or pelvic pain lasting more than a few minutes. Your doctor will determine whether or not your symptoms are due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
6. Stress
Evidence shows that stress can cause an interference with your menstrual cycle. Stress temporarily interferes with the brain part that controls the hormones regulating your cycle.
Therefore, once your stress levels reduce, your periods are likely to return to normal.
7. Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control pills can cause irregular bleeding. Similarly, hormone-containing intrauterine devices can trigger irregular bleeding.
Further, spotting between periods may be caused by birth control pills. Also, birth control pills may result in much lighter periods.
An intrauterine device may cause heavy bleeding.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome
The most common sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is irregular period. You may miss your periods if you have PCOS. Also, when you do get your period, you may have heavy bleeding.
Additionally, PCOS causes weight gain, infertility, obesity, male-pattern baldness or excess facial and body hair.
9. Cervical and endometrial cancer
Cervical and endometrial cancers can instigate changes to your menstrual cycle. For example, they can cause bleeding between periods or heavy periods. Other signs and symptoms of these cancers include unusual discharge and bleeding during or after sexual intercourse.
It is noteworthy that these symptoms may also be caused by other issues. Therefore call your doctor if you are concerned.
10. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the period of transition before a woman enters menopause. It usually starts in your 40s. But it can begin earlier.
Signs and symptoms of perimenopause last from 4 to 8 years. At this time, you may experience early signs and symptoms including changes to your menstrual cycle.
At the time of perimenopause, your estrogen levels will fluctuate, causing your menstrual cycle to get shorter or longer.
During perimenopause, you will have the following signs and symptoms:
- Mood changes
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
11. Endometriosis causes irregular periods
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues that line the uterus grow outside the uterus. It affects 1 out of 10 women of reproductive age.
Endometriosis causes painful menstrual cramps. In fact, the pain can be so severe and debilitating.
Symptoms of endometriosis are prolonged periods, heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods. Other symptoms may include: gastrointestinal pain, pain during and after intercourse, infertility and painful bowel movements.
Diagnosis of endometriosis is via an exploratory surgery. Symptoms of endometriosis can be managed with hormone therapy or medication. However, there is no cure at this time for endometriosis.
12. Thyroid problems may cause irregular periods
A study in 2015 revealed that 44% of participants with irregular menstrual periods also had thyroid disorders.
Hyperthyroidism is the presence of high blood levels of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can cause lighter, shorter periods.
Other symptoms include heart palpitations, sudden weight loss, swelling at the base of the neck, anxiety and nervousness.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can cause increased cramping, and longer, heavier periods. You may also experience weight gain, sensitivity to cold and fatigue.
13. Being overweight may cause irregular periods
Research shows that being overweight affect hormone levels. In particular, overweight impacts insulin levels. The impact on hormone levels can interfere with your menstrual cycle.
It is important to note that obesity is a known cause of menstrual irregularities.
Also, if you experience rapid weight gain, you may have menstrual irregularities. Weight gain and irregular periods are signs of hypothyroidism and PCOS.
If you are concerned about your condition, call your doctor who will examine you for proper diagnosis and treatment.
14. Excessive exercise causes irregular periods
Evidence shows that excessive or intense exercise may interfere with hormones that account for menstruation.
So women who participate in intensive physical activities and training such as ballet dancers, and female athletes often have amenorrhea (missed or stopped periods).
To restore your periods, there is need to increase your calorie count and cut back on your training.
When to talk to your doctor about irregular periods
If you have symptoms of irregular periods call your healthcare provider immediately. Many of the several causes of irregular periods require medical treatment.
So make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these signs and symptoms:
- Your periods are more than 35 days or less than 21 days apart
- Your periods become suddenly irregular
- You experience spotting during periods
- You develop severe pain during your menstrual period
- Your periods cease for more than 3 months in the absence of pregnancy
- Your monthly menstrual period lasts longer than 7 days
- You need more than one tampon or pad every hour
- You experience fever or unusual vaginal discharge
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history as follows:
- How much you exercise
- If you are experiencing any emotional issues or stress
- Your sexual history
- If you are experiencing changes to your weight
Your doctor will examine you and conduct tests to help diagnose the cause of your irregular periods. The following investigations will be done:
Treatments for irregular periods
Treatment of irregular periods depends on what is causing it. Therefore, treatment may be directed at the underlying medical condition.
Your doctor may recommend that you take one or more of these treatments:
- Hormonal intrauterine Devices
- Exercise
- Oral contraceptives
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Vitamin D supplements
- Metformin
- Thyroid medication
The following stress reduction techniques may be helpful:
- Meditation
- Reducing work demands
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
How to monitor your menstrual period
It is a good idea to track your period even if it is regular. You can use one of the many period tracking apps. Similarly, a calendar or notebook can be used to track periods.
You can start tracking your period by indicating the first day of your period on a calendar. You will begin to see how regular or not your monthly periods are within a few months.
You need to keep track of the following symptoms:
- Symptoms such as back pain and cramping during your period and how severe they were.
- PMS symptoms including cramps, moods, bloating, headache and breast tenderness
- When your menstrual bleeding starts and if it were earlier or later than expected
- Duration of your period and whether or not it was shorter or longer that your last period
- How heavy your menstrual bleeding was and how many pads or tampons you used
Conclusion
Evidence shows that a number of factors, some of them serious, can cause irregular periods.
The good news, however, is that your doctor can help you determine the cause of your irregular periods. In addition, s/he will help get your cycle back on track.
On a final note, you need to eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise and avoid stress. This will help to increase your chances of enjoying consistent, regular periods.
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