Menstrual Irregularities

Menstrual irregularities are common but shouldn’t be ignored. Whether your periods are too heavy, too light, or unpredictable, they can signal hormonal changes or underlying conditions. Understanding what’s normal for your body helps restore balance and improve comfort.

What Is an Irregular Period

A normal menstrual cycle lasts 21–35 days. When cycles become shorter, longer, heavier, or stop altogether, it may indicate a problem.
Types of irregularities include:

• Amenorrhea (no periods)
• Oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods)
• Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding)
• Polymenorrhea (frequent periods)
• Spotting between periods
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

Tracking your symptoms helps your provider identify the underlying cause.

Common Causes

Several factors can affect your cycle, including:

Hormonal causes:

• PCOS
• Thyroid disorders
• Perimenopause or menopause
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Elevated prolactin levels

Gynecologic conditions:

• Fibroids or polyps
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Lifestyle and other factors:

• Stress or major life changes
• Weight fluctuations or low BMI
• Excessive exercise
• Eating disorders
• Chronic illness or certain medications

When to See a Provider

Contact your OB/GYN if you:

• Miss more than three periods in a row
• Have very heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Bleed between periods or after sex
• Experience severe cramps or cycle changes

Early evaluation ensures timely treatment and peace of mind.

Diagnosis and Testing

Your provider may recommend:

• A pelvic exam
• Blood tests to assess hormones
• Ultrasound to view the uterus and ovaries
• Endometrial biopsy (if needed)

These help identify hormonal, structural, or systemic causes.

Treatment Options

Treatment is based on the cause, age, and reproductive goals. Options may include:

• Hormonal birth control to regulate cycles
• Medication for thyroid or hormonal imbalances
• Lifestyle changes for weight or stress management
• Nutritional support and supplements
• Surgical procedures for fibroids or other issues

Menstrual Health Through Every Stage

Cycle changes are common during adolescence, after pregnancy, and near menopause. Understanding your body and staying proactive helps you manage transitions more easily.

Get Answers and Relief

Irregular periods can be disruptive, but they’re often treatable. Our team provides compassionate, thorough care to help you feel your best.

Schedule your appointment with Care for Womens Medical Group to discuss your symptoms and restore balance to your cycle.