Irregular Periods: 10 Possible Causes and Symptoms

An Irregular period occurs when the length of the menstrual cycle is not regular. Usually, a woman’s period occurs every 28 days and lasts about 3 to 8 days. Doctors consider that a woman might experience irregular periods if her cycles are longer than 38 days or if the length of each cycle varies by 7 to 9 days.

A woman might have irregular periods if,

• Periods last longer than seven days
• Missing more than three menstrual cycles
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
  

There are various causes why a woman might suffer from irregular periods issues. These causes might be:

Stress

Extreme anxiety or stress can cause menstrual cycles to become unpredictable. In 2021, researchers validated it by looking back at the regularity of cycles during the COVID-19 epidemic. Of the 210 individuals, 54% reported that they noticed a difference in their menstrual periods during the first few months of the epidemic. Higher levels of reported stress were associated with longer, heavier periods. The body responds to emotional or physical stress by producing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Therefore, there is a chance that they could have an impact on menstruation hormones.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause, that typically begins between the ages of 40 and 45.

Certain women experience a longer menstrual cycle during perimenopause, while others experience a shorter one. In the years leading up to menopause, a woman's menstrual cycle will gradually become irregular, and then cease altogether.

Few signs of perimenopause are:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary urgency

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition that causes irregular periods for the women of age group of twenties or thirties. Women with PCOS have prominent level of androgens, the male sex hormones, which stops the ovulation and causes irregular periods.

Women with this condition may experience irregular periods or heavy bleeding. Few other symptoms also include:

• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Infertility
• Excessive hair growth
• Acne and pimples

Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects about one in ten women of childbearing age. This condition causes the uterine lining tissue to grow outside of the uterus. During menstruation, this can be quite painful.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods
• Excessive bleeding
• Infertility
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful intercourse

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine polyps are benign growths that develop in the uterine lining. Fibroids in the uterus are tumors that grow in the uterine wall. The size of a fibroid can range from that of a tiny grapefruit seed to that of a large apple seed. Although these tumors are mostly harmless, they can cause painful periods and excessive bleeding. 

Symptoms of the uterine fibroids include:

• Excessive or painful bleeding during your periods
• Bleeding between your periods
• Low back pain
• Constipation
• Chronic vaginal discharge

Thyroid

The thyroid, a little butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, has a role in regulating hormones that, among other factors, affect ovulation and menstruation. A study found that 14% of teenage girls who suffered from thyroid issues also experienced periods that have been irregular.

Symptoms of thyroid, which includes hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism include,

• Losing or gaining weight
• Irregular periods or heavy menstrual periods
• Anxiety
• Altered heart and metabolic rates

Obesity

Extreme obesity or underweight can disrupt hormone function by setting off a chain reaction in the body. That can cause irregular or no menstruation, as well as absent ovulation.

A study published in BMC Women's Health found that women with BMIs of less than 20 or greater than twenty-five were at least 1.1 times more likely to develop menstrual abnormalities than those with BMIs between 20 and 25.

Pregnancy

Women's menstrual cycles typically cease during pregnancy. The early symptom is often a missing period or a spotting instead of a period.

The most common symptoms of pregnancy include:

• Fatigue
• Missed period
• Nausea
• Increased urination

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. As a result, a person does not actually experience menstruation. Women who take hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, implants, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), may still have vaginal bleeding occasionally.

Like a monthly menstruation, this bleeding could happen once a month on average. It is possible to experience spotting, irregular bleeding, lighter or heavier bleeding after starting this method of contraception. However, the bleeding ceases completely for few people.

In most cases, irregular bleeding from contraception is harmless; nevertheless, a patient who experiences this side effect and wishes to discuss alternative methods of birth control should consult a physician.

Cervical and Endometrial Cancer

Abnormal uterine bleeding that looks like a menstruation can be a symptom of cervical and endometrial cancers. Bleeding can also occur in the time between periods or after sexual activity.

Seeing a doctor about any unexplained vaginal bleeding is crucial because these cancers often have no symptoms in their initial stages.

If you are one among the many women suffering from irregular periods and are having trouble determining which of these disorders is impacting you, you may set up an online consultation with a gynaecologist from the comfort of your home, to discuss about your symptoms and make a diagnosis.