What is an irregular menstrual cycle?
Any noticeable change in your monthly period is considered a menstrual irregularity. That’s why it’s important to track the start and end dates of your menstrual cycle each month. Some of the most common irregular menstrual cycle signs include:
- A missed period
- A heavy flow
- A very light flow
- Spotting between periods
- Nausea or vomiting
- Painful periods
If your period lasts for longer than eight days on a regular basis, it may be time to schedule an appointment with Manhattan Women’s Health or Tribeca Women’s Health.
What causes menstrual irregularities?
An abnormal period has many possible causes, including:
Lifestyle changes
Stress, weight loss, weight gain, diet changes, and lack of sleep can all impact your menstrual cycle.
Medical conditions
Hormone disorders of the thyroid or pituitary gland may cause irregular periods.
Birth control
Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which can cause irregular periods. If you’ve just started a new birth control, it may take up to three months for your body to get used to the hormone changes. Likewise, when going off of birth control — in hopes of getting pregnant in many cases — you can experience menstrual irregularities for up to six months.
Uterine fibroids or polyps
Uterine polyps, or fibroids, are noncancerous growths in the uterus that may cause heavy bleeding or severe cramping during your period.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus, rather than breaking down during menstruation. It can even begin attaching to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. This can cause a breadth of menstrual irregularities, including heavy bleeding, missed periods, severe pain, and extreme bloating.
There are many other reasons you may experience an irregular menstrual cycle, so make sure to contact Manhattan Women’s Health or Tribeca Women’s Health if you notice any concerning changes.
How are menstrual irregularities diagnosed and treated?
How your irregular menstrual cycle is diagnosed and treated depends entirely on your medical history, symptoms, and other factors. Track any concerns you have, including flow changes, uterine pain, severe bloating, and more. These detailed records help give the Manhattan Women’s Health and Tribeca Women’s Health teams a better idea of why your menstrual cycle has changed.
The team may recommend a Pap smear and pelvic exam, in addition to a physical examination. During this visit, your doctor examines your medical history, ask you questions about your diet and lifestyle habits, and they may order one or more of the following tests:
- Vaginal cultures
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Blood tests
Once you’ve been properly evaluated and diagnosed, the Manhattan Women’s Health or Tribeca Women’s Health team can design an individualized treatment plan that works for you. If you’re experiencing any menstrual irregularities or schedule an appointment online.
