Why Is My Period Irregular?

There are many possible reasons for irregular periods, ranging from your own natural cycle to underlying physical conditions.

In this article, we identify some of the most common reasons for your unpunctual monthlies, be they late, infrequent, or too frequent.

Firstly, let’s get the big one out of the way….

Could I be pregnant?

The truth is that only you will know if there is a reason you might be pregnant. You might be pregnant if: you usually have regular periods and have missed a period; you have been engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner of the opposite sex; you are suffering additional symptoms such as breast pain, fatigue, and nausea, especially in the mornings.

Home pregnancy tests are readily available from pharmacies and some supermarkets and are very easy to do on your own. If you have any questions about the test or are concerned that you might be pregnant you should speak to your GP or family planning nurse.

However!!! Even if your period is usually regular, and you suddenly miss a period, there are MANY other possible reasons for it – read on.

Do periods have to happen every 21 days?

The answer to that question is, “absolutely not”. A normal cycle can range anywhere between 21-40 days. It is especially common to have irregular intervals between periods during puberty. Your periods should settle into a pattern over time, but it could take a few years.

Can taking oral contraceptives effect regularity?

Yes, oral contraceptives necessarily impact your natural cycle, subsequently you may experience irregularity when you first start taking them, such as frequent short bleeds during the month. Certain contraceptives are more likely than others to result in irregular bleeding, such as contraceptive injections and an IUS. The bleeding does not impact the effectiveness of the contraceptive, and in most cases the irregularity will settle down after some time. If you find that the bleeding is not getting better or it is disruptive to your life, you should speak to a GP or family planning nurse about alternative contraceptives.

Can my mental health impact my periods?

Yes, stress and anxiety can put the body into a “panic mode” and cause high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, to be released. Your body responds by shutting down all unessential systems, such as the female hormone cycle. Consequently, you may experience irregularity during periods of high stress or depression, such as during exams, bereavement, or anxiety inducing situations such as the 2020 lockdown.

Can my weight impact my period?

Yes, various weight-related conditions can impact the regularity of your period: obesity, being underweight, gaining weight rapidly, or losing weight rapidly.

People who suffer from eating disorders or over-exercise often have irregular periods, and many may stop having their period altogether. This is because being underweight, losing weight rapidly, or over-exercising, puts your body into “survival mode”. Your body will try and preserve energy by only performing essential functions. If your period stops for over 6 months, this is known as amenorrhea, and it can have widespread and long-term negative effects on the body.

If you think your period irregularity is related to your weight, you should seek advice from a GP or a dietician.

Are there medical conditions that cause irregular periods?

Yes, there are a few: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, ovarian cysts, and cancer can all cause irregular bleeding.

These are not common causes, however, here are some things to look out for if you are concerned that you may have one of these conditions:

PCOS is caused when multiple cysts form on the ovaries. In addition to irregular periods, people with PCOS will experience side effects related to having high levels of male hormones in the body, such as growing facial hair and increased instances of acne. PCOS can be diagnosed by having a blood test to check for hormone levels and having a painless ultra-sound scan of the ovaries.

Endometriosis is caused when patches of the wombs lining grow outside of the womb. Symptoms of endometriosis include heavy and often painful periods, pain in the back and bowels, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the uterus. If you suffer from fibroids you may experience heavier bleeding, and longer than usual, periods.

There are many different types of ovarian cysts, but most are harmless and go away on their own. Cysts can make your periods either more or less frequent, and can also cause bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Thyroid problems are difficult to diagnose through periods, however, if you know that you suffer from hyper- or hypo- thyroidism, you should be aware that this can impact the regularity of your period.

When should I see a doctor?

Clearly, there are many possible reasons for irregular periods, most of which are nothing to worry about. However, if you are worried how can you know when you should be speaking to a doctor or a gynecologist about your concerns?

You should seek medical advice if:

· Your periods are normally regular and have suddenly become irregular.

· You have frequent bleeding between periods OR you have very long gaps between periods (over 41 days).

· Your irregular periods are accompanied by any other symptoms such as fatigue or pain.

· Your periods regularly last longer than 7 days.

· Your period is very heavy and disruptive to your life.

Sources:

  • https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/familyhealth/15-reasons-why-your-period-might-be-irregular/ar-BB1bLqhl?li=AAJt1k3

  • https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322643#pregnancy