Irregular Periods: What Causes It and Is It Dangerous?

Irregular menstruation is a common issue many women face. There are multiple causes and contributing factors behind this condition. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, possible complications, treatment options, and preventive measures for irregular periods.

Irregular periods can present in several forms, such as:

• Inconsistent cycle lengths
• Unusually light periods
• Periods that arrive too early or too frequently

These irregularities are often caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, medication use, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

A typical menstrual cycle is around 28 days but can range from 21 to 35 days. Consistency in timing is more important than exact length. Irregularity is more common during the first few years of menstruation or as a woman approaches menopause.

1. Lifestyle Factors

• Intense Exercise: Over-exercising can disrupt hormone levels and menstrual cycles.
• Stress: Emotional or mental stress affects hormone secretion and can delay or suppress menstruation.
• Disordered Eating: Conditions like bulimia can impair reproductive function.

2. Perimenopause

As women approach menopause (typically between ages 45–55), estrogen levels decline, causing irregular ovulation and eventually the cessation of periods.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Estrogen and progesterone imbalances—often caused by being underweight or overweight—can directly impact the menstrual cycle.

4. Anovulation (No Ovulation)

This condition may stem from chronic stress or underlying medical conditions that disrupt egg maturation, leading to missed or irregular periods.

5. Medication

Certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid drugs, anti-seizure meds, chemotherapy, and blood pressure medications, can affect menstrual regularity.

6. Underlying Health Conditions

• PCOS: Causes elevated testosterone, delaying or preventing ovulation.
• Endometriosis: Causes excess uterine lining growth, resulting in heavier periods.
• Thyroid Disorders: Affects metabolism and ovulation regulation.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of reproductive organs that can disrupt menstrual function.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Very heavy or prolonged periods
• Extremely light periods
• Bleeding between cycles
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Nausea or vomiting during periods
• Periods lasting more than 7 days

Doctors may use the following to determine the cause:

• Medical History Review: Including menstrual history, pregnancy, contraception, and gynecological screenings.
• Blood Tests: To check hormone levels like Prolactin, LH, and FSH.
• Ultrasound: To detect abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries using high-frequency sound waves.

• Anemia: Caused by excessive or frequent bleeding leading to iron deficiency.
• Osteoporosis: Low estrogen levels can weaken bones.
• Heart Disease: Estrogen helps protect the heart; imbalances raise risk.
• Endometrial Cancer: Excess estrogen thickens the uterine lining, increasing cancer risk.

1. Weight Management
   Maintain a healthy weight—being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone production and ovulation.
2. Stress Management
   Reduce stress through relaxation, laughter, and hobbies to stabilize hormonal balance.
3. Medications
   Doctors may prescribe hormone supplements to regulate periods, particularly if irregularity is due to weight or lifestyle issues.

Irregular menstruation often indicates ovulation problems (anovulation). Without regular ovulation, progesterone is not produced properly, and the uterine lining doesn’t shed predictably, causing cycle disruption. Without ovulation, conception is not possible, making this a significant cause of infertility.

• • Avoid stress or manage it with leisure activities
  • Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night
  • Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine
  • Exercise regularly but avoid overexertion

Q: No period but experiencing vaginal discharge—is that normal?
A: It can be normal. Vaginal discharge helps flush out bacteria. However, discharge with odor, unusual color, or accompanied by itching may indicate an infection and requires medical attention.

Q: Period lasting over a month—what’s the cause?
A: Potential causes include:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Uterine issues (e.g., fibroids, cancer, PCOS, endometriosis, PID)
• Medication side effects (e.g., blood thinners, chemotherapy, anti-inflammatories, IUDs)

Q: Can I take herbal pills (Ya Satree) if I miss my period?
A: It is not recommended. Some contain plant-based hormones that can stimulate the uterine lining but may also cause hormonal imbalances. Consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Irregular menstruation is a condition where the menstrual cycle deviates from the norm. Missing a period for 3 months is termed amenorrhea, while 1–2 months of delay is late menstruation. Common causes include pregnancy, stress, weight fluctuations, medication, or menopause. It may also indicate conditions like PCOS or premature ovarian failure and is a key contributor to infertility.

If you have concerns or need more information, feel free to contact us via Line@ : @beyondivf