Most women’s menstrual cycles last 21 to 35 days. 1 However, 14% to 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles, meaning their periods are shorter or last longer than regular, heavier or lighter than usual, or they have other issues, such as abdominal cramps. 2 Irregular cycles can be ovulatory (ovulation occurs) or anovulatory (ovulation does not occur).
Menstrual irregularities that are most common:
- Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. When a woman is not pregnant and has not had her period by the age of 16, or for at least 3 months.
- Oligomenorrhea is defined as having periods that are more than 35 days apart.
- Menorrhagia is another term for excessive bleeding. Ovulatory bleeding and menorrhagia are sometimes confused, but they are not caused by the same thing and require separate diagnostic testing.
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding: regular bleeding that lasts more than 8 days.
- Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual periods with severe cramping.
- Polymenorrhea is defined by menstrual cycles that are less than 21 days apart.
- Menstrual cycles differ by more than 20 days from one another.
- Menstrual bleeding for less than two days.
- Intermenstrual bleeding: recurring bouts of bleeding, also known as spotting.
Causes of Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. Hormonal (estrogen and androgen) imbalances are among them. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is characterized by an increase in androgen production, which causes cysts as well as other issues like irregular periods and weight gain.
Menstrual problems can be largely caused by stress and other lifestyle factors. Changes in sleep schedules, exercise, travel or illness, and diet can all aggravate menstrual disorders. Young women are having more period problems as their reliance on fast food and emphasis on work over health grows.
Birth control pills have been linked to irregular and delayed periods. Period pain and excessive bleeding are exacerbated by fibroids. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing cramps and irregular bleeding. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection caused by sexual contact that can result in irregular menstrual cycles.
Menstrual irregularities can also be caused by uterine cancer and thyroid disorders.
Menstrual Disorders Diagnosis
Diagnosis:
Only after the doctor has ruled out any other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, or medications that could be causing or exacerbating the condition can a diagnosis be made.
The following diagnostic procedures are available:
- Blood test
- PAP examination
- Ultrasound: A technique for imaging the pelvic organs using high-frequency sound waves.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A diagnostic procedure that uses large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of the reproductive organs.
- Laparoscopy: A minor surgical procedure that involves inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, through an abdominal incision. Using a laparoscope, the doctor can detect abnormal growths in the pelvic and abdominal areas.
- Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope inserted through the vaginal canal is used to examine the cervix canal and the inside of the uterus.
- Endometrium biopsy: Tissue samples from the uterine lining are removed with a needle or during surgery to look for cancer or other abnormal cells.
- Dilution and Horting (D&C): A common gynecological procedure that involves widening the cervical canal with a dilator and scraping the uterine cavity with a curette, a spoon-shaped surgical instrument used to remove tissue.
Treatment:
- Depending on the cause of your irregular periods, you may require treatment for a medical condition. The following treatments may be recommended by your doctor:
- Pills for contraception
- Hormone spirals
- Thyroid medication
- Metformin
- Weight gain or loss
- Exercise
- Vitamin D supplements
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Deep inhalation
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising moderately and eating nutritious foods. If you need to lose weight, instead of relying on diets, go at your own pace.
- Ensure that you get enough rest.
- Stress-reduction and relaxation techniques should be used.
- Limit your long or strenuous exercise routines if you are an athlete. Excessive physical activity can cause menstrual cycles to be irregular.
- As directed, use birth control pills or other forms of contraception.
- Change your tampons or sanitary napkins every four to six hours to avoid this.
- Infections as well as toxic shock syndrome
- Visit your doctor regularly.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:
- You haven’t been pregnant in over three months and your periods have stopped.
- Your menstrual cycle has become suddenly irregular.
- Lasts for more than seven days
- Every hour or two, more than one pillow or tampon is required.
- You are in excruciating pain during your period.
- If your periods are less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart, you should see a doctor.
- You’ve noticed seeing between periods.
- You have additional symptoms, such as a strange discharge or a fever.