The menstrual cycle starts from the first day of the last period to the first day of the next period. It is considered irregular, if it is longer than 38 days or if there is infrequent bleeding in between, you lose more or less blood during your cycle, or the number of days vary. Irregular periods are very common in the pubescent and perimenopausal time as the body is still adapting to hormonal changes.
However, there are other causes later in life that can cause an irregular period. Make sure to consult a top gynecologist if you have any of the below conditions.
Table of Contents
1-Pregnancy:
The most common and frequent cause of a missed period is pregnancy. Pregnancy can also cause spotting. Some other symptoms of pregnancy are morning sickness, fatigue, nausea and breast tenderness.
2-Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding releases hormones that have negative feedback on reproductive hormones. Very light period or irregular period is seen in cases of lactating mothers.
3-Pelvic inflammatory disease:
PID is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive tract. It can gain access through the vagina, and ascends up, to the uterus and fallopian tubes. This bacteria can be contracted during sexual contact, childbirth, miscarriage or gynaecological procedure. Fever, pain in the pelvic region, nausea, vomiting and irregular periods are common manifestations of PID.
4-Oral contraceptive pills:
OCPS is used for birth control by suppressing the reproductive hormones. These hormones also control the menstrual cycle. Thus intake of these medicines cause decreased bleeding or irregular period. Even intrauterine devices kept for birth control purposes can lead to irregular period.
5-Fibroids:
Fibroids are small growths of muscle that are attached to the wall of the uterus. They are associated with irregular bleeding, painful menstrual cycle and pelvic discomfort. They are non-cancerous in nature, but they can grow with hormonal stimulation.
6-Endometriosis:
Endometriosis occurs when a lining of the uterus grows in other places like the ovaries. This condition is associated with an irregular period, abnormal bleeding, cramps, painful intercourse, and pain during the period. The endometrial tissue can attach itself to the fallopian tubes, or even the lower digestive tract.
7-Perimenopause:
The time before menopause (the early 40s) is also a time of hormonal deregulation that can cause irregular period. The hormone estrogen slowly decreases during this time, and the imbalance between progesterone and estrogen causes irregular bleeding. Other symptoms during perimenopause include night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness.
8-Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):
PCOS is a common disorder, involving various cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is also associated with hormonal deregulation and manifests as irregular period, infertility and excessive facial hair.
9-Obesity:
Obesity impacts estrogen and insulin levels and these can interfere with the menstrual cycle.
10-Excessive exercise:
Eating disorders like anorexia and excessive exercise can affect the hormones in the body that control the menstrual cycle. This deregulation of hormones results in irregular period or even cessation in some severe cases.
Irregular periods are cumbersome; get a consultation with top experts to deal with this condition. Book an appointment with a top gynecologist in Multan, Karachi and Lahore through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
