Irregular Periods: When to Consult a Doctor

Menstrual cycles are a normal part of most women's lives. However, variations in the cycle can sometimes be an indication of underlying health issues. Irregular periods, while often not a cause for concern, can sometimes signal more serious conditions. This blog post will delve into the topic of irregular periods, their potential causes, when they might require medical attention, and the scientific rationale behind these situations.

Understanding Irregular Periods

A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days, with menstruation lasting from 2 to 7 days. A period is considered irregular if it falls outside this range, has an unpredictable pattern, or changes in volume, duration, or accompanying symptoms.

Causes of Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can occur due to various reasons:

1.Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances, often resulting from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, can affect the regularity of periods. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and any imbalance can disrupt this process.

2. Stress and Lifestyle Factors

High levels of stress, sudden changes in weight, or intense physical activity can influence menstrual regularity. They can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, affecting the hormones that regulate menstruation.

3. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause irregular periods. These conditions affect the reproductive system and can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle.

When to Consult a Doctor

While occasional irregularities are normal, consistent changes in your menstrual cycle might require medical attention. Here are some instances when it would be wise to consult a doctor:

1.Frequent Missed, Extra, or Irregular Periods

Having more than one missed, extra, or irregular period is often a sign of a hormonal issue such as PCOS. In PCOS, small cysts form on the ovaries, leading to a hormone imbalance that can cause irregular periods.

2. Heavy Bleeding

Heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can lead to anemia and fatigue. It can be caused by conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis.

3. Severe Pain

If your periods are accompanied by severe pain, it could be a sign of endometriosis or other underlying conditions. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and irregular periods.

4. Changes Post Medication or Procedures

If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle after starting a new medication or undergoing a medical procedure, it's important to consult your doctor. Some medicines and procedures can affect the menstrual cycle.

SUMMARY

Irregular periods can be a normal part of a woman's life, particularly during puberty and menopause. However, consistent irregularities or changes in menstruation can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is key to maintaining reproductive health.

Jayti Shah is a Clinical Nutritionist with a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA). Over the last 9 years, she has helped 400 clients in their clinical and weight loss journeys. She works with SocialBoat as a nutrition consultant.

At SocialBoat, we offer custom diet plans and guided workouts to help you achieve your goals in a 360-degree approach. Our gamified experience ensures that you don’t find workouts boring and we reward you for being consistent with your efforts.

REFERENCES

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2015). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
2. Berga, S. L., & Loucks, T. L. (2006). The diagnosis and treatment of stress-induced anovulation Minerva ginecologica, 58(1), 45-54 https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/minerva-ginecologica/article.php?cod=R09Y2006N01A0045
3. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2012). Endometriosis and infertility: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 98(3), 591-598.  https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00643-0/fulltext
4. Fraser, I. S., Mansour, D., Breymann, C., Hoffman, C., Mezzacasa, A., Petraglia, F. (2015). Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and experiences of affected women in a European patient survey. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 128(3), 196-200. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.09.027
5. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Menstrual Cramps.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/gynecologichealth/periods.html