14 irregular period causes and how to identify them

Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the start of your next period. Your period is considered irregular if it’s longer than 38 days or if the duration varies.

Irregular periods can have several causes, from hormonal imbalances to other underlying conditions, and should be evaluated by your doctor. Here’s a look at the possible causes and their symptoms.

Pregnancy can cause you to miss your period or experience spotting. Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include:

If you miss a period or notice changes in your period and you’ve had sex, you can take a pregnancy test at home or see your doctor to find out if you’re pregnant.

If you may be pregnant and experience sharp, stabbing pain in the pelvis or abdomen that lasts more than a few minutes, see your doctor right away to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for breast milk production. Prolactin suppresses your reproductive hormones resulting in very light periods or no period at all while you’re breastfeeding.

Your periods should return shortly after you stop breastfeeding. Read on to learn more the effects of breastfeeding on your period.

Perimenopause is the transition phase before you enter menopause. It usually begins in your 40s, but can occur earlier.

You may experience signs and symptoms lasting from 4 to 8 years, beginning with changes to your menstrual cycle. Fluctuating estrogen levels during this time can cause your menstrual cycles to get longer or shorter.

Other signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:

Irregular periods are the most common sign of PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may miss periods and have heavy bleeding when you do get your period.

PCOS can also cause:

A 2015 study found that 44 percent of participants with menstrual irregularities also had thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause longer, heavier periods and increased cramping. You may also experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain.

High levels of thyroid hormones, which is seen in hyperthyroidism, can cause shorter, lighter periods. You may also experience:

Swelling at the base of your neck is another common sign of a thyroid disorder.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus. Most fibroids are noncancerous and can range in size from as small as an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit.

Fibroids can cause your periods to be very painful and heavy enough to cause anemia. You may also experience:

• pelvic pain or pressure
• low back pain
• pain in your legs
• pain during sex

Most fibroids don’t require treatment and symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and an iron supplement if you develop anemia.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside the uterus.

Endometriosis causes very painful, even debilitating menstrual cramps. Endometriosis also causes heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods.

Other symptoms may include:

• gastrointestinal pain
• painful bowel movements
• pain during and after intercourse
• infertility

Exploratory surgery is the only way to diagnose endometriosis. There’s currently no cure for the condition, but symptoms can be managed with medication or hormone therapy.

Obesity is known to cause menstrual irregularity. Research shows that being overweight impacts hormone and insulin levels, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle.

Rapid weight gain can also cause menstrual irregularities. Weight gain and irregular periods are common signs of PCOS and hypothyroidism, and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Excessive or rapid weight loss can cause your period to stop. Not consuming enough calories can interfere with the production of the hormones needed for ovulation.

You’re considered underweight if you have a body mass index lower than 18.5. Along with stopped periods, you may also experience fatigue, headaches, and hair loss.

See your doctor if:

• you’re underweight
• have lost a lot of weight without trying
• you have an eating disorder

Intense or excessive exercise has been shown to interfere with the hormones responsible for menstruation.

Female athletes and women who participate in intensive training and physical activities, such as ballet dancers, often develop amenorrhea, which is missed or stopped periods.

Cutting back on your training and increasing your calorie count can help restore your periods.

Certain medications can interfere with your menstrual cycle, including:

Speak to your doctor about changing your medication.

Cervical and endometrial cancers can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, along with bleeding between periods or heavy periods. Bleeding during or after intercourse and unusual discharge are other signs and symptoms of these cancers.

Remember that these symptoms are more commonly caused by other issues. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned.

There are several possible causes of irregular periods, many of which require medical treatment. Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• your periods stop for more than 3 months and you’re not pregnant
• your periods become irregular suddenly
• you have a period that lasts longer than 7 days
• you need more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
• you develop severe pain during your period
• your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• you experience spotting between periods
• you experience other symptoms, such as unusual discharge or fever

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and want to know about:

• any stress or emotional issues you’re experiencing
• any changes to your weight
• your sexual history
• how much you exercise

Medical tests may also be used to help diagnose the cause of your irregular bleeding, including:

Treatment depends on what’s causing your irregular periods and may require treating an underlying medical condition. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• oral contraceptives
• hormonal IUDs
• thyroid medication
• metformin
• weight loss or weight gain
• exercise
• vitamin D supplements

Stress reduction techniques may also help, including:

• yoga
• meditation
• deep breathing
• cutting back on work and other demands

Tracking your period is a good idea even when your period is regular. You can track your period on a calendar or in a notebook, or use one of the many period tracking apps available.

Begin tracking your period by marking the first day of your period on a calendar. Within a few months you’ll begin to see if your periods are regular or different each month.

Keep track of the following:

• PMS symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and moods
• when your bleeding begins and whether or not it was earlier or later than expected
• how heavy your bleeding was, including how many pads or tampons you used
• symptoms during your period, such as cramping, back pain, and other symptoms and how bad they were
• how long your period lasted and whether or not it was longer or shorter than your last period

Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help.

Read the article in Spanish.

14 irregular period causes and how to identify them

Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the start of your next period. Your period is considered irregular if it’s longer than 38 days or if the duration varies.

Irregular periods can have several causes, from hormonal imbalances to other underlying conditions, and should be evaluated by your doctor. Here’s a look at the possible causes and their symptoms.

Pregnancy can cause you to miss your period or experience spotting. Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include:

If you miss a period or notice changes in your period and you’ve had sex, you can take a pregnancy test at home or see your doctor to find out if you’re pregnant.

If you may be pregnant and experience sharp, stabbing pain in the pelvis or abdomen that lasts more than a few minutes, see your doctor right away to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for breast milk production. Prolactin suppresses your reproductive hormones resulting in very light periods or no period at all while you’re breastfeeding.

Your periods should return shortly after you stop breastfeeding. Read on to learn more the effects of breastfeeding on your period.

Perimenopause is the transition phase before you enter menopause. It usually begins in your 40s, but can occur earlier.

You may experience signs and symptoms lasting from 4 to 8 years, beginning with changes to your menstrual cycle. Fluctuating estrogen levels during this time can cause your menstrual cycles to get longer or shorter.

Other signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:

Irregular periods are the most common sign of PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may miss periods and have heavy bleeding when you do get your period.

PCOS can also cause:

A 2015 study found that 44 percent of participants with menstrual irregularities also had thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause longer, heavier periods and increased cramping. You may also experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain.

High levels of thyroid hormones, which is seen in hyperthyroidism, can cause shorter, lighter periods. You may also experience:

Swelling at the base of your neck is another common sign of a thyroid disorder.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus. Most fibroids are noncancerous and can range in size from as small as an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit.

Fibroids can cause your periods to be very painful and heavy enough to cause anemia. You may also experience:

• pelvic pain or pressure
• low back pain
• pain in your legs
• pain during sex

Most fibroids don’t require treatment and symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and an iron supplement if you develop anemia.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside the uterus.

Endometriosis causes very painful, even debilitating menstrual cramps. Endometriosis also causes heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods.

Other symptoms may include:

• gastrointestinal pain
• painful bowel movements
• pain during and after intercourse
• infertility

Exploratory surgery is the only way to diagnose endometriosis. There’s currently no cure for the condition, but symptoms can be managed with medication or hormone therapy.

Obesity is known to cause menstrual irregularity. Research shows that being overweight impacts hormone and insulin levels, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle.

Rapid weight gain can also cause menstrual irregularities. Weight gain and irregular periods are common signs of PCOS and hypothyroidism, and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Excessive or rapid weight loss can cause your period to stop. Not consuming enough calories can interfere with the production of the hormones needed for ovulation.

You’re considered underweight if you have a body mass index lower than 18.5. Along with stopped periods, you may also experience fatigue, headaches, and hair loss.

See your doctor if:

• you’re underweight
• have lost a lot of weight without trying
• you have an eating disorder

Intense or excessive exercise has been shown to interfere with the hormones responsible for menstruation.

Female athletes and women who participate in intensive training and physical activities, such as ballet dancers, often develop amenorrhea, which is missed or stopped periods.

Cutting back on your training and increasing your calorie count can help restore your periods.

Certain medications can interfere with your menstrual cycle, including:

Speak to your doctor about changing your medication.

Cervical and endometrial cancers can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, along with bleeding between periods or heavy periods. Bleeding during or after intercourse and unusual discharge are other signs and symptoms of these cancers.

Remember that these symptoms are more commonly caused by other issues. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned.

There are several possible causes of irregular periods, many of which require medical treatment. Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• your periods stop for more than 3 months and you’re not pregnant
• your periods become irregular suddenly
• you have a period that lasts longer than 7 days
• you need more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
• you develop severe pain during your period
• your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• you experience spotting between periods
• you experience other symptoms, such as unusual discharge or fever

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and want to know about:

• any stress or emotional issues you’re experiencing
• any changes to your weight
• your sexual history
• how much you exercise

Medical tests may also be used to help diagnose the cause of your irregular bleeding, including:

Treatment depends on what’s causing your irregular periods and may require treating an underlying medical condition. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• oral contraceptives
• hormonal IUDs
• thyroid medication
• metformin
• weight loss or weight gain
• exercise
• vitamin D supplements

Stress reduction techniques may also help, including:

• yoga
• meditation
• deep breathing
• cutting back on work and other demands

Tracking your period is a good idea even when your period is regular. You can track your period on a calendar or in a notebook, or use one of the many period tracking apps available.

Begin tracking your period by marking the first day of your period on a calendar. Within a few months you’ll begin to see if your periods are regular or different each month.

Keep track of the following:

• PMS symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and moods
• when your bleeding begins and whether or not it was earlier or later than expected
• how heavy your bleeding was, including how many pads or tampons you used
• symptoms during your period, such as cramping, back pain, and other symptoms and how bad they were
• how long your period lasted and whether or not it was longer or shorter than your last period

Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help.

Read the article in Spanish.

14 irregular period causes and how to identify them

Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the start of your next period. Your period is considered irregular if it’s longer than 38 days or if the duration varies.

Irregular periods can have several causes, from hormonal imbalances to other underlying conditions, and should be evaluated by your doctor. Here’s a look at the possible causes and their symptoms.

Pregnancy can cause you to miss your period or experience spotting. Other symptoms of early pregnancy may include:

If you miss a period or notice changes in your period and you’ve had sex, you can take a pregnancy test at home or see your doctor to find out if you’re pregnant.

If you may be pregnant and experience sharp, stabbing pain in the pelvis or abdomen that lasts more than a few minutes, see your doctor right away to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for breast milk production. Prolactin suppresses your reproductive hormones resulting in very light periods or no period at all while you’re breastfeeding.

Your periods should return shortly after you stop breastfeeding. Read on to learn more the effects of breastfeeding on your period.

Perimenopause is the transition phase before you enter menopause. It usually begins in your 40s, but can occur earlier.

You may experience signs and symptoms lasting from 4 to 8 years, beginning with changes to your menstrual cycle. Fluctuating estrogen levels during this time can cause your menstrual cycles to get longer or shorter.

Other signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:

Irregular periods are the most common sign of PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may miss periods and have heavy bleeding when you do get your period.

PCOS can also cause:

A 2015 study found that 44 percent of participants with menstrual irregularities also had thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause longer, heavier periods and increased cramping. You may also experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain.

High levels of thyroid hormones, which is seen in hyperthyroidism, can cause shorter, lighter periods. You may also experience:

Swelling at the base of your neck is another common sign of a thyroid disorder.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus. Most fibroids are noncancerous and can range in size from as small as an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit.

Fibroids can cause your periods to be very painful and heavy enough to cause anemia. You may also experience:

• pelvic pain or pressure
• low back pain
• pain in your legs
• pain during sex

Most fibroids don’t require treatment and symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and an iron supplement if you develop anemia.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside the uterus.

Endometriosis causes very painful, even debilitating menstrual cramps. Endometriosis also causes heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods.

Other symptoms may include:

• gastrointestinal pain
• painful bowel movements
• pain during and after intercourse
• infertility

Exploratory surgery is the only way to diagnose endometriosis. There’s currently no cure for the condition, but symptoms can be managed with medication or hormone therapy.

Obesity is known to cause menstrual irregularity. Research shows that being overweight impacts hormone and insulin levels, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle.

Rapid weight gain can also cause menstrual irregularities. Weight gain and irregular periods are common signs of PCOS and hypothyroidism, and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Excessive or rapid weight loss can cause your period to stop. Not consuming enough calories can interfere with the production of the hormones needed for ovulation.

You’re considered underweight if you have a body mass index lower than 18.5. Along with stopped periods, you may also experience fatigue, headaches, and hair loss.

See your doctor if:

• you’re underweight
• have lost a lot of weight without trying
• you have an eating disorder

Intense or excessive exercise has been shown to interfere with the hormones responsible for menstruation.

Female athletes and women who participate in intensive training and physical activities, such as ballet dancers, often develop amenorrhea, which is missed or stopped periods.

Cutting back on your training and increasing your calorie count can help restore your periods.

Certain medications can interfere with your menstrual cycle, including:

Speak to your doctor about changing your medication.

Cervical and endometrial cancers can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, along with bleeding between periods or heavy periods. Bleeding during or after intercourse and unusual discharge are other signs and symptoms of these cancers.

Remember that these symptoms are more commonly caused by other issues. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned.

There are several possible causes of irregular periods, many of which require medical treatment. Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• your periods stop for more than 3 months and you’re not pregnant
• your periods become irregular suddenly
• you have a period that lasts longer than 7 days
• you need more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
• you develop severe pain during your period
• your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• you experience spotting between periods
• you experience other symptoms, such as unusual discharge or fever

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and want to know about:

• any stress or emotional issues you’re experiencing
• any changes to your weight
• your sexual history
• how much you exercise

Medical tests may also be used to help diagnose the cause of your irregular bleeding, including:

Treatment depends on what’s causing your irregular periods and may require treating an underlying medical condition. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• oral contraceptives
• hormonal IUDs
• thyroid medication
• metformin
• weight loss or weight gain
• exercise
• vitamin D supplements

Stress reduction techniques may also help, including:

• yoga
• meditation
• deep breathing
• cutting back on work and other demands

Tracking your period is a good idea even when your period is regular. You can track your period on a calendar or in a notebook, or use one of the many period tracking apps available.

Begin tracking your period by marking the first day of your period on a calendar. Within a few months you’ll begin to see if your periods are regular or different each month.

Keep track of the following:

• PMS symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and moods
• when your bleeding begins and whether or not it was earlier or later than expected
• how heavy your bleeding was, including how many pads or tampons you used
• symptoms during your period, such as cramping, back pain, and other symptoms and how bad they were
• how long your period lasted and whether or not it was longer or shorter than your last period

Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help.

Read the article in Spanish.

Possible Causes of a Missed Period

Every woman is different — including their periods. Some happen like clockwork. Others are hit or miss and unpredictable. On average, a woman get their period every 24 to 38 days. A period usually lasts about 2 to 8 days. Is your period irregular — and if so, does it need treatment?

What’s Irregular

You may have irregular periods if:

• The time between each period starts to change
• You lose more or less blood during a period than usual
• The number of days that your period lasts varies a lot

Causes

Many things can cause irregular periods. Changes in your body’s level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the normal pattern of your period. That’s why young girls going through puberty and women approaching menopause commonly have irregular periods.

Other common causes of irregular periods include:

A less common cause is severe scarring (adhesions) of the lining of the uterus, a condition that doctors call Asherman syndrome.

Treatment

You probably don’t need treatment for irregular periods unless they bother you or if you need treatment for another condition that’s affecting your menstrual cycle.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism are two common causes of irregular periods in women. In general, the goal of treatment is to restore the balance of hormones in the body.

If you have PCOS, your doctor may recommend birth control pills or other hormones to trigger a period. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may need to take thyroid hormones.

Other things that may help include:

Changing birth control. If you have irregular periods after 3 months of hormonal birth control, your doctor may recommend another type of birth control. Some women develop irregular periods when using Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, or an IUD.

Lifestyle changes. Some women have changes in their period because they exercise too much. You may need to make your workouts less intense, or exercise less often. If stress is the problem, learning how to manage your stress — and possibly also talking with a counselor — may be helpful.

Continued

Extreme changes in your weight can affect your periods. Weight gain can make it harder for your body to ovulate, so weight loss could help with that. But extreme, sudden weight loss can also lead to infrequent or irregular periods.

Hormone therapy (HT). An irregular menstrual cycle is often due to a lack of or imbalance in certain hormones in the body. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills (oral contraceptives) containing the hormones estrogen and progesterone to help control irregular periods. A hormone medication called progestin can also help trigger periods in women who don’t get them.

If you have irregular periods and are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe other hormone treatments.

Surgery. Sometimes, scarring or structural problems in the uterus (womb) or fallopian tubes may lead to irregular periods. Your doctor may recommend surgery to correct any structural problems or birth defects, particularly if you know you want to have children. It may also be done to remove severe scar tissue in the reproductive tract.

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor if you have had regular, monthly periods and the pattern changes. Your doctor may give you a physical exam and other tests to rule out pregnancy or a health problem.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You miss three or more periods a year.
• You get your period more often than every 21 days.
• You get your period less often than every 35 days.
• You are bleeding more heavily than usual during your period.
• You bleed for more than 7 days.
• You have more pain than usual during a period.

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycles

This article is also available in: português, español

An irregular cycle is a menstrual cycle that continually falls outside of “regular” ranges for an unexpected reason.

Some variability in your cycle length is normal. Irregularity is also normal and expected when your periods first begin in life (menarche), and when they are coming to an end (perimenopause). They are also expected after pregnancy, and when stopping or starting a method of hormonal birth control (1).

In between these times, cycles that are continually irregular can suggest an issue that needs to be addressed with your healthcare provider. Irregular cycles can be caused by behaviors, lifestyle, and environment. They can also be caused by medical conditions that affect your hormones or structural reproductive tract. These conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated.

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Cycles that are continually irregular can have a serious impact on short- and long-term health.

What defines an irregular cycle?

A cycle is considered clinically irregular when the majority of cycles in the previous six months are out of range. People with irregular cycles may notice that their periods happen infrequently, frequently, or are very unpredictable.

Irregular cycle lengths

• Adolescents: Cycles outside the range of 21–45 days (2)

• Adults: Cycles outside the range of 24–38 days (3)

• Adults: Cycles that vary in length by more than 7–9 days (for example, a cycle that is 27 days long one month, 42 the next) (4)

• Periods that suddenly stop for more than 90 days (exceptions include pregnancy, menopause, and recently discontinued hormonal birth control) (3)

Why irregular cycles happen

Here are some of the more common reasons that cycles become irregular. Different causes lead to different types of irregularities.

Life stages and pregnancy

• After menarche (the 2–3 years after menstruation begins)

• Perimenopause (as cycles come to an end)

• Pregnancy

• The postpartum period (after a pregnancy)

• Breastfeeding

• Recurrent miscarriages (known or unknown) (5)

Sleep/wake cycles

• Shift work or working night shifts

• Sleep disorders

• Jet lag/long-distance travel (6,7)

Physical/emotional changes

• Chronic stress

• Intensive exercise

• Substance use/abuse

• Quick weight changes

• Eating disorders (not getting enough calories, binge eating)

• Certain medications (8-11)

Medical conditions that can cause irregular cycles

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

• Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)

• Unmanaged diabetes

• Infections of the reproductive tract

• Uterine polyps

• Uterine fibroids

• Abnormalities of the cervix or vagina

• Certain cancers or benign tumors

• Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause)

• Bleeding disorders

• Other medical conditions (12-15)

Why it matters

Cycles that are continually irregular can have a serious impact on short- and long-term health. They can lead to a wide range of more serious health conditions, and cause distressing symptoms. Menstrual cycle health is related to your heart health, metabolism, sleep, fertility, and more (7,13-15). This is why it’s important to have any potential issues diagnosed as early as possible, and managed with the help of a healthcare provider.

Talking to a healthcare provider

When talking to your healthcare provider, show them your cycle history. Also, tell them if you’ve recently noticed unexpected changes in your body, such as unexplained abdominal pain, difficulty controlling your weight, or unusual hair growth on your face or body. This can help them identify what might be causing your cycle irregularity.

A healthcare provider will probably ask questions about your symptoms and your medical and menstrual history and perform a simple physical exam. In some cases, they may also:

• Ask questions about your full health history, including medical and surgical history, social history, and family history

• Perform blood tests to check the levels of hormones and sugars in the blood. Hormones they will typically check for include testosterone, thyroid hormone, prolactin, and tests of sugar metabolism.

• Perform a pelvic ultrasound (sonogram) of your ovaries and uterus

Managing a clinically irregular cycle will help you to meet your short-term goals, like having a more regular period or becoming pregnant, and long-term goals for staying healthy and well.

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What Are Irregular Periods: Treatment, Pregnancy, and More

Why Do Some Menstrual Periods Become Irregular? 

There are many variables that can affect the length and timing of your menstrual cycle. Some are correctable, but others can signal significant medical issues.

Irregular Periods Can Be Caused by Non-Disease-Related Issues

Lynn points out that irregular menstrual cycles can also be caused by:

• Perimenopause As you enter the transition to menopause, which can last as long as 10 years, your menstrual cycles will become erratic as part of the process. If you skip more than two periods, you are probably in late perimenopause. (10) It’s been estimated that 70 percent of women experience menstrual irregularities in the approach to menopause. (11)
• Stress and anxiety Chronic stress or even short-term anxiety about a specific problem can wreak havoc with your hormone balance, causing a missed period and irregular cycle.
• Extreme exercise Exercising too much can throw off the timing of menstrual bleeding and sometimes stop it.
• Eating disorders, extreme dieting, or weight loss Being underweight, whether from extreme exercise, dieting, an eating disorder, or illness, can have the same effect.
• Age As mentioned, perimenopause and menopause have a major effect. But being young can create irregularities as well. “Once menstruation begins in young women, it can take several years before it falls into a pattern,” says Lynn.
• Birth control And not just birth control pills; IUDs, implants, and rings can also cause irregular bleeding.

Irregular Periods May Occur While Breast-Feeding a Newborn

Nature’s birth control, exclusive breast-feeding may cause amenorrhea — no menstruation at all — because you are less likely to ovulate for up to about six months. (Learn more before you use this method; many experts recommend new moms pair this approach with an additional birth control method, such as condoms, to increase effectiveness.)

Irregular Periods May Occur After Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss

Also referred to as a spontaneous abortion, a miscarriage happens when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, pregnancy loss is considered a stillbirth. (12) “After these events, it can take a couple of months before you will start having regular periods again,” says Lynn.

Should You Be Concerned if Your Period Is Irregular? 

A couple of irregular periods per year are usually nothing to worry about. Any more than that, and you should see a doctor to be sure an ovulation problem or health condition isn’t the cause. “If you are someone who’s not on contraceptives and not of age for perimenopause or menopause and your periods are irregular, you should alert your physician. For example, if you do have PCOS, an irregular cycle can increase your risk of uterine cancer,” says Lynn.

Can a Missed Period Be Considered Part of an Irregular Period?

Sometimes, a period is late for a very good reason. Before you schedule an appointment with your doctor, you might want to rule out pregnancy.

Treatment Options: Can You Fix Irregular Periods? 

If stress is a possible culprit in your irregular cycle, try stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, visualization, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Avoid over-exercising, and try not to diet excessively. If you need help figuring out what’s best for you, contact a registered dietitian. For all medical issues, consult your healthcare professional.

Can You Get Pregnant With an Irregular Period? 

Absolutely yes, says Lynn. “Sometimes you can ovulate with irregular cycles, sometimes you don’t ovulate with irregular cycles. If you’re not ovulating, you’re not going to get pregnant, but if you are ovulating with irregular cycles, you can. You can have bleeding without ovulating but it’s a real period only if you ovulate. You should use contraception if not desiring pregnancy and to protect against STDs.”

RELATED: Some Period Tracker Apps Are Useful, Help Women Find Fertile Window

There’s No Simple Formula to Show That You Are Ovulating (but You Can Try)

If you are interested in ovulation timing for family planning or any reason, but you have irregular menstrual periods, see your doctor first. If you do have PCOS or another condition, you can get treated as soon as possible.

Can You Calculate Ovulation With an Irregular Period?

Ovulation calculators are not very helpful for women with irregular menstrual cycles. Just as you can’t assume you are not ovulating if you have PCOS, you also can’t assume that you are. That’s another reason to get checked out by your doctor soon, so you can begin treatment before your fertility window closes.

Although none of these fertility awareness methods (FAM) are foolproof, women with regular or mildly irregular periods may be able to help predict ovulation by monitoring themselves for ovulation symptoms such as changes in cervical mucus or changes in basal body temperature and by tracking their cycles.

Learn more about interpreting your body’s ovulation symptoms from a reputable resource, such as Taking Charge of Your Fertility or Planned Parenthood. Products such as apps, testing kits, and ovulation monitors may help some women figure out when they are ovulating; talk to your doctor before investing time and money in these products.

Abnormal Menstruation (Periods): Types, Causes & Treatment

Overview

What is abnormal menstruation?

Most women have menstrual periods that last four to seven days. A woman’s period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days.

Examples of menstrual problems include:

• Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• Missing three or more periods in a row
• Menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual
• Periods that last longer than seven days
• Periods that are accompanied by pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting
• Bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause or following sex

Examples of abnormal menstruation include the following:

• Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman’s periods have stopped completely. The absence of a period for 90 days or more is considered abnormal unless a woman is pregnant, breastfeeding, or going through menopause (which generally occurs for women between ages 45 and 55). Young women who haven’t started menstruating by age 15 or 16 or within three years after their breasts begin to develop are also considered to have amenorrhea.
• Oligomenorrhea refers to periods that occur infrequently.
• Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods and severe menstrual cramps. Some discomfort during the cycle is normal for most women.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding may apply to a variety of menstrual irregularities, including: a heavier menstrual flow; a period that lasts longer than seven days; or bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or after menopause.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes abnormal menstruation (periods)?

There are many causes of abnormal periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions:

• Stress and lifestyle factors. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, dieting, changes in exercise routines, travel, illness, or other disruptions in a woman’s daily routine can have an impact on her menstrual cycle.
• Birth control pills. Most birth control pills contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin (some contain progestin alone). The pills prevent pregnancy by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. Going on or off birth control pills can affect menstruation. Some women have irregular or missed periods for up to six months after discontinuing birth control pills. This is an important consideration when you are planning on conception and becoming pregnant. Women who take birth control pills that contain progestin only may have bleeding between periods.
• Uterine polyps or fibroids. Uterine polyps are small benign (noncancerous) growths in the lining of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are tumors that attach to the wall of the uterus. There may be one or several fibroids that range from as small as an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit. These tumors are usually benign, but they may cause heavy bleeding and pain during periods. If the fibroids are large, they might put pressure on the bladder or rectum, causing discomfort.
• Endometriosis. The endometrial tissue that lines the uterus breaks down every month and is discharged with the menstrual flow. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue starts to grow outside the uterus. Often, the endometrial tissue attaches itself to the ovaries or fallopian tubes; it sometimes grows on the intestines or other organs in the lower digestive tract and in the area between your rectum and uterus. Endometriosis may cause abnormal bleeding, cramps or pain before and during periods, and painful intercourse.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. Bacteria may enter the vagina via sexual contact and then spread to the uterus and upper genital tract. Bacteria might also enter the reproductive tract via gynecologic procedures or through childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion. Symptoms of PID include a heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, irregular periods, pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal areas, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries make large amounts of androgens, which are male hormones. Small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) may form in the ovaries. These can often been seen on an ultrasound. The hormonal changes can prevent eggs from maturing, and so ovulation may not take place consistently. Sometimes a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome will have irregular periods or stop menstruating completely. In addition, the condition is associated with obesity, infertility and hirsutism (excessive hair growth and acne). This condition may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, although the exact cause is unknown. Treatment of PCOS depends on whether a woman desires pregnancy. If pregnancy is not a goal, then weight loss, oral contraceptive pills, and the medication Metformin® (an insulin sensitizer used in diabetes) can regulate a woman’s cycles. If pregnancy is desired, ovulation-stimulating medications can be tried.
• Premature ovarian insufficiency. This condition occurs in women under age 40 whose ovaries do not function normally. The menstrual cycle stops, similar to menopause. This can occur in patients who are being treated for cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, or if you have a family history of premature ovarian insufficiency or certain chromosomal abnormalities. If this condition occurs, see your physician.

Other causes of abnormal menstruation include:

• Uterine cancer or cervical cancer
• Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)
• Medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, an under- or overactive thyroid gland, or pituitary disorders that affect hormonal balance
• Complications associated with pregnancy, including miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus; for example, within the fallopian tube)

Diagnosis and Tests

How is abnormal menstruation (periods) diagnosed?

If any aspect of your menstrual cycle has changed, you should keep an accurate record of when your period begins and ends, including the amount of flow and whether you pass large blood clots. Keep track of any other symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and menstrual cramps or pain.

Your doctor will ask you about your menstrual cycle and medical history. He or she will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and sometimes a Pap test. The doctor might also order certain tests, including the following:

• Blood tests to rule out anemia or other medical disorders
• Vaginal cultures, to look for infections
• A pelvic ultrasound exam to check for uterine fibroids, polyps or an ovarian cyst
• An endometrial biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is removed from the lining of the uterus, to diagnose endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, or cancerous cells. Endometriosis or other conditions may also be diagnosed using a procedure called a laparoscopy, in which the doctor makes a tiny incision in the abdomen and then inserts a thin tube with a light attached to view the uterus and ovaries

Management and Treatment

How is abnormal menstruation (periods) treated?

The treatment of abnormal menstruation depends on the underlying cause:

• Regulation of the menstrual cycle: Hormones such as estrogen or progestin might be prescribed to help control heavy bleeding.
• Pain control: Mild to moderate pain or cramps might be lessened by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Aspirin is not recommended because it might cause heavier bleeding. Taking a warm bath or shower or using a heating pad might help to relieve cramps.
• Uterine fibroids: These can be treated medically and/or surgically. Initially, most fibroids that are causing mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you experience heavy bleeding, an iron supplement might be helpful in preventing or treating anemia. Low-dose birth control pills or progestin injections (Depo-Provera®) may help to control heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be used to shrink the size of the fibroids and control heavy bleeding. These drugs reduce the body’s production of estrogen and stop menstruation for a while. If fibroids do not respond to medication, there are a variety of surgical options that can remove them or lessen their size and symptoms. The type of procedure will depend on the size, type and location of the fibroids. A myomectomy is the simple removal of a fibroid. In severe cases where the fibroids are large or cause heavy bleeding or pain, a hysterectomy might be necessary. During a hysterectomy, the fibroids are removed along with the uterus. Other options include uterine artery embolization, which cuts off the blood supply to the active fibroid tissue.
• Endometriosis: Although there is no cure for endometriosis, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may help to lessen the discomfort. Hormone treatments such as birth control pills may help prevent overgrowth of uterine tissue and reduce the amount of blood loss during periods. In more severe cases, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or progestin may be used to temporarily stop menstrual periods. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess endometrial tissue growing in the pelvis or abdomen. A hysterectomy might be required as a last resort if the uterus has been severely damaged.

There are other procedural options which can help heavy menstrual bleeding. A five-year contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD), called Mirena®, has been approved to help lessen bleeding, and can be as effective as surgical procedures such as endometrial ablation. This is inserted in the doctor’s office with minimal discomfort, and also offers contraception. Endometrial ablation is another option. It uses heat or electrocautery to destroy the lining of the uterus. It is usually only used when other therapies have been tried and failed. This is because scars from the procedure can make monitoring the uterus more difficult if bleeding persists in the future.

Prevention

How can the risk of abnormal menstruation (periods) be reduced?

Here are some recommendations for self-care:

• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising moderately and eating nutrious foods. If you have to lose weight, do so gradually instead of turning to diets that drastically limit your calorie and food intake.
• Make sure you get enough rest.
• Practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
• If you are an athlete, cut back on prolonged or intense exercise routines. Excessive sports activities can cause irregular periods.
• Use birth control pills or other contraceptive methods as directed.
• Change your tampons or sanitary napkins approximately every four to six hours to avoid toxic shock syndrome and prevent infections.
• See a doctor for regular check-ups.

Living With

When should you seek medical attention for abnormal menstruation (periods)?

Contact a doctor or medical professional if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain during your period or between periods
• Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for two to three hours) or passing large clots
• An abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• High fever
• A period lasting longer than seven days
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods or after you have gone through menopause
• Periods that become very irregular after you have had regular menstrual cycles
• Nausea or vomiting during your period
• Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as a fever over 102 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or dizziness

You should also see a doctor if you think you might be pregnant.

90,000 Irregular periods: causes of an unstable menstrual cycle

We all want our periods to come right on time. In reality, irregular menstruation is a common female problem. But do not rush to panic if your menstrual cycle is out of order. You just need to figure out the reasons and take action.

Causes of irregular periods

The menstrual cycle can change at different periods of a woman’s life:

• In the first months and even the first two years after the onset of menstruation, the cycle may set up slowly and not go as planned.
• For about 35 years, the duration of your period may be shortened.
• After childbirth, periods may be absent while the mother is breastfeeding the baby.
• At 50, a woman approaches menopause, and at this time the menstrual cycle often becomes shorter or less stable: women may not have menstruation every month, bleeding may increase or decrease.

All of these changes are completely normal and are not cause for alarm.And in order not to miss a problem or an unusual situation requiring medical intervention, we advise you to keep a detailed menstrual calendar. Notice any unusual symptoms and disruptions in your cycle.

Menstruation calendar

Every month, track and write down in a special calendar the answers to the following questions:

1. How long is your menstrual cycle. Mark the first day of each period on your calendar. The period between the first days of two periods in a row is called a cycle.So you can track the duration and stability of your menstrual cycle, which normally lasts 21-35 days.
2. What is the nature of the discharge during menstruation. Surely, you can tell how often your periods go. It is worth making notes on the calendar how much discharge you have each month, how many tampons or pads you use, if there are any changes in the color and structure of the discharge.
3. Any changes in vaginal discharge. Bloody stains on linen between periods, discoloration, amount, structure and odor of vaginal discharge, itching, problems with lubrication.
4. Pain in the lower abdomen of any nature (not only menstrual).
5. Periods of depression, mood swings, irritability.

All of these markings will allow you to paint a detailed picture of your women’s health and make it easier for doctors to diagnose your condition and prescribe the right drugs, if necessary.

And now let’s dwell on possible menstrual irregularities in more detail. Gynecologists divide them into primary and secondary.

Primary menstrual irregularities

The primary cycle disorders include “primary amenorrhea”. It is found in adolescent girls. Normally, menstruation should begin before age 15. And if this does not happen, the girl needs to see a doctor. The reasons for the absence of menstruation in girls after 15 years can be different:

• Weight deficit. One of the most common reasons. The minimum body weight for the onset of the first menstruation is 45 kg. In this case, solving the problem is quite simple: you need to monitor the diet.
• Genital anomalies. Sometimes they can be completely asymptomatic. Therefore, girls need to undergo regular examinations so that the doctor can diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment in time.
• Lesions of the ovaries (underdevelopment), pituitary gland and hypothalamus.It can also only be detected by a doctor.
• Delayed sexual development. Before the onset of menstruation in girls, breasts begin to grow, hair appears under the armpits and in the intimate area. If this does not happen before the age of 13-15, this is a reason to see a doctor.

In addition, girls should be aware that the menstrual cycle is very rarely established immediately, as a rule, it takes about a year. And during this period, menstruation can be irregular, as well as scarce, or vice versa – more abundant.There is nothing abnormal in this. But if the first menstruation began more than a year ago, and the cycle has not been established, this is a reason to see a doctor.

Secondary menstrual irregularities

Doctors talk about secondary cycle disorders when a failure has occurred in an already established cycle. Possible causes of violations:

• Pregnancy. If your period did not start on time, the first thing to think about is, of course, a possible pregnancy.
• Stress. One of the most common causes of cycle disruption. Of course, saying you don’t have to worry is much easier than doing. But we must always remember this and, if necessary, do not hesitate to seek help from friends or a psychotherapist.
• Serious physical activity. It is one thing to do sports for health and a good figure, and quite another to exhaust the body with daily intense training. This can lead to hormonal disruption and the disappearance of the fatty layer necessary for women.The fact is that fat is an important component of the hormonal transformation chain. And if the content of adipose tissue in the body becomes less than 18-25%, this can lead to menstrual dysfunction.
• Strict diet. Diet can cause hormonal disruption and reduce body fat to a critical minimum. Therefore, never get carried away with strict diets, give preference to a healthy balanced diet.
• Cold or exacerbation of chronic diseases. Any change in state, even a slight increase in temperature, can cause a delay in menstruation.
• Change of climate and time zones. Women often notice that the cycle is out of order when they travel. Therefore, when going to a country with a different climate, be prepared that your period may start earlier or vice versa – later.
• Birth control pills. Oral contraceptives are often prescribed to restore the menstrual cycle.But it also happens the other way around: if you take pills for a long time, and then suddenly stop drinking them, then the menstrual cycle may get off a little. Why is this happening? The body relaxed. He is used to receiving hormones from the outside, and now he needs to start producing them on his own. Therefore, if at first after the abolition of OK drugs, the cycle does not normalize in any way, you need to visit a gynecologist.
• Various diseases of the reproductive system. In this case, only a doctor can make a diagnosis.Therefore, if menstrual irregularities are not an isolated one, but have become the norm for you, be sure to make an appointment with a gynecologist.

Be healthy!

90,000 Irregular periods: causes and treatment, how to get pregnant

Planning pregnancy 13:43, 26 April 2018

A considerable part of planning women are interested in how to get pregnant with an irregular cycle. Normally, the female cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days.Anything outside the range is considered irregular.

If in one month the cycle lasts 21 days, and in the next 35, then this is also not the norm.

Determining the moment of ovulation with such variability is quite difficult, therefore, with the onset of pregnancy, there are often problems.

Possible causes

The reasons for the irregularity of the menstrual cycle can be quite unexpected. The duration of this period is determined by the hormonal background and is normally divided into two parts, on the border of which ovulation occurs.Bleeding may be irregular due to pathological and physiological reasons.

The pathological causes of the disturbed cycle should be corrected together with the doctor, since in most cases hormonal agents have to be used. The physiological ones are much easier to cope with.

• Adolescence. In girls under 17, the process of synchronization and stabilization of the hormonal background is the norm and does not require treatment. You should consult a doctor if menstruation has not been established within a year from the onset of menarche.
• Breastfeeding period. Produced for the formation of milk, prolactin suppresses the secretion of hormones by the ovaries, as a result of which menstruation may be absent or irregular. They stabilize after the withdrawal of lactation.
• Significant change in body weight. With dystrophy or obesity, menstrual bleeding may disappear altogether, this is a kind of “protest” of the body. After all, adipose tissue is also involved in the synthesis of hormones, its excess or deficiency leads to an imbalance.Sudden jumps in weight are also unnatural, they arise as a result of certain processes in the body.
• Exhausting workouts. With an increase in physical activity, the body’s forces are depleted, it does not have the opportunity to maintain menstrual function. The way out is to reduce the power load.
• Taking medications. Some drugs can change hormonal levels or have menstrual irregularities as a side effect.This is usually always indicated in the instructions for use.
• Psycho-emotional stress. Stress conditions, lack of sleep, chronic fatigue wear out the body. Because of this, a change in hormonal levels can occur. The culmination of this condition is cycle disturbances.
• Diseases of the pelvic organs. This reason appears in many case histories. This can combine infectious and inflammatory conditions and hormonal pathologies that cause changes in the uterus and appendages.
• Bad habits. Statistics show that women who lead an unhealthy lifestyle and have bad habits are more likely to suffer from menstrual irregularities. It is not at all necessary for this to suffer from alcoholism or drug addiction. Enough unhealthy diet, inactive lifestyle and other seemingly unimportant factors.

Distortion of menstrual function can cause even a common cold. However, such failures are rare, and the cycle recovers on its own.

Is it possible to get pregnant with irregular periods

It cannot be said that irregular cycle and pregnancy are mutually exclusive concepts. Conception can occur in case of failures quickly enough in some patients and be impossible for others. The main factor determining the prognosis of pregnancy planning with an irregular cycle is the cause of this condition.

Normally, during the monthly cycle, the follicle matures, ovulation occurs and the corpus luteum develops.

If bleeding occurs spontaneously or is absent for a long time due to the physiological reaction of the body to a certain life situation (stress, climate change, diet, sports), then the problem is solved in a short time. If the cycle is irregular due to pathological conditions (inflammation, ovarian dysfunction, hormonal diseases), then the probability of getting pregnant is low.

In order to increase the chances of a favorable planning outcome, go to your gynecologist. When the doctor finds out the cause provoking the violation, he will prescribe a correction.Often it is carried out with hormonal drugs and takes time.

In this case, the patient must be patient. After the restoration of the function of the reproductive system and the normalization of the cycle, it will be possible to become pregnant quickly only if there are no other obstacles.

It may happen that the cycle is regular, ovulation occurs every month, but conception still does not occur.

How to find out about the onset of ovulation

The calculation of favorable days will help to increase the chances of pregnancy with irregular periods.As you know, a woman is capable of conceiving for a short period during the cycle.

To get pregnant, sexual intercourse must take place 7 days before ovulation, on the day the egg is released or during the next day.

The rest of the days are not fertile and do not give a high chance of fertilization.

It will be possible to become pregnant with irregular periods only if there is ovulation. Modern diagnostic techniques allow you to find out about it yourself.

The most accurate method to calculate ovulation with an irregular cycle is ultrasound. You can do it yourself or as directed by your doctor. Folliculometry is performed several times a month.

At each examination, special attention is paid to the condition of the ovaries.

When the dominant follicle reaches 18 mm, the most favorable time for conception comes. If you have sexual intercourse on this and subsequent days, then the probability of success will be maximum.On ultrasound, you can additionally assess the state of the endometrium, which plays an important role in the process of conception.

Special ovulation tests will also help. And also a novelty – a home microscope for determining ovulation by saliva.

You can determine your fertile days at home. To do this, you need a thermometer, a notebook and a pen. To calculate the day of ovulation by temperature, you need to keep a daily schedule. Measurement is performed rectally in the morning without getting out of bed.All indicators are entered into a table, after which a curve is built.

About a day before the release of the egg from the ovary, LH in the body rises. On the graph, it looks like a slight drop in temperature. If ovulation has taken place, then the next day there will be a sharp jump in indicators. For example: the temperature for several weeks was at the level of 36.5, the day before the favorable day it dropped to 36.

3, and after 24 hours it rose to 37 degrees.

Other methods for determining ovulation are considered less reliable for irregular periods: calendar calculation, testing, tracking the position of the cervix and observation of cervical mucus.However, they can be used in combination with those proposed to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

How to find out about the delay

If a woman has tracked ovulation and knows exactly the day of conception, then it will not be difficult to determine the delay.

Despite the jumping periods, the second phase of the cycle (if any) always has the same duration, which varies from 12 to 14 days.

A test with an irregular cycle should be done only two weeks after sexual intercourse and not earlier.If, after two weeks from the moment of caught ovulation, menstruation has not begun, then pregnancy is quite likely.

Indirectly about conception with an irregular cycle, basal temperature indicators may indicate. If fertile days were tracked in this way, then measurements should be continued after calculating ovulation.

A temperature of 37 degrees and above for two weeks is a sign of pregnancy, although not accurate.

During the measurement, you can catch an implantation retraction, which is characterized by a one-day decrease in temperature and indicates the introduction of the ovum into the mucous membrane of the uterus.

Irregular Pregnancy – How to Catch Ovulation

An irregular cycle occurs as a result of a malfunction in the functioning of the reproductive system. The condition may be accompanied by a change in vaginal secretion, the appearance of soreness in the genitals, and a deterioration in well-being. It is difficult for women with unstable periods to identify the moment of ovulation, which causes problems with conception.

Factors leading to menstrual variability

A healthy menstrual cycle is 21-37 days.Periods that are shorter or longer than these values ​​are considered irregular. Unstable bleeding is also considered to be those that constantly change their duration.

The causes of irregular bleeding can be physiological or pathological. Physiological factors, as a rule, are eliminated on their own, but pathological ones require therapeutic measures.

Reasons for irregular cycle include:

1. Adolescence .Until the age of 17, girls develop hormonal balance, so their periods are unstable. If your period remains irregular for a year or more after menarche, see your gynecologist.
2. Malfunctioning of the thyroid gland , which synthesizes hormones involved in the work of the endocrine system. With diseases of this organ, amenorrhea can develop – the absence of menstruation for 6 months or more.
3. Lactation .When a woman breastfeeds, the synthesis of prolactin, a hormone that suppresses the production of hormones by the ovaries, increases in her body. This leads to the absence or variability of menstruation. The cycle is restored after the woman stops breastfeeding.
4. Unhealthy weight. Severe thinness or obesity leads to the absence of bleeding, as the body reacts to a sharp change in body weight. Overweight people have hormonal imbalances because adipose tissue also synthesizes hormones.
5. Excessive physical activity. Regular exhausting exercise depletes the body’s energy reserves and becomes unable to maintain menstrual function. The only way to improve your menstrual cycle if your periods are irregular is to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of your strength training.
6. Emotional instability. Constant stress, insufficient sleep duration, chronic fatigue lead to exhaustion of the body.These phenomena provoke hormonal imbalance, which is the cause of cyclic disturbance.
7. Unhealthy lifestyle. Improper diet, sedentary lifestyle along with alcohol and smoking disrupt the menstrual cycle.
8. Taking medications. Some drugs alter hormones and distort menstrual function.
9. Diseases of the pelvic organs. Inflammation, infectious processes, hormonal disruptions lead to changes in the appendages and in the genital organ.

Even trivial colds can affect the cycle of menstruation. But such violations are rare, in which case menstruation is restored on its own.

Ability to get pregnant with irregular periods

Irregular menstruation directly affects the ability to conceive. At the same time, women cannot determine a favorable period using standard calculations.

The best option in this case is to plan a pregnancy for a long time, which in most situations gives a positive outcome.

The menstrual cycle and pregnancy are interrelated. For women with rare bleeding, it is more difficult to conceive, they are interested in whether it is possible to become pregnant with irregular periods. Doctors give a positive answer: fertilization in case of failures can occur quickly or you have to wait.

The onset of pregnancy with an irregular cycle depends on the cause of the menstrual imbalance.

If menstruation is absent for a long time as a result of physiological factors (starvation, stress, overexertion), then pregnancy will occur after the elimination of these causes and the normalization of the body’s work.

If the cycle “jumps” due to pathological phenomena, then conception may not occur. To increase the chances of successfully getting pregnant with an irregular cycle, you need to be under the supervision of a gynecologist. Usually, the patient needs to take hormonal medications for an extended period of time.

How to understand that ovulation is coming

The possibility of getting pregnant against the background of a broken cycle is 20%, subject to conception on fertile days. In women with a healthy cycle, ovulation occurs 14 days after menstruation.

Correct determination of fertile days against the background of menstrual irregularities is difficult. You will not be able to use the traditional calendar method of calculation.

The most accurate way to determine ovulation with an irregular cycle is an ultrasound scan. You will have to carry out folliculometry several times in 30 days. If the parameters of the dominant follicle reach 18 mm, then the most favorable period for conception begins.

It is recommended to have intercourse on this day and in the next few days.

Special tests, which are implemented in pharmacies, will also help to catch ovulation. They must be dipped in a container of urine, just like pregnancy tests. This test helps to accurately determine ovulation.

The simplest method for identifying fertile days is to use a regular thermometer to determine basal temperature. A woman should measure the temperature in the vagina or in the anus every morning in the morning, and record the data obtained.

In the first days of menstruation, the temperature drops slightly. By the day of the onset of ovulation, the indicators exceed 36.6 degrees.

Values ​​within 37 degrees indicate the descent of the egg into the uterus, and its readiness for fertilization. The onset of ovulation is evidenced by a sharp jump in values.

When should a pregnancy test be done?

If you are constantly monitoring ovulation and know the possible day of conception, then it will be easy to identify the delay.

With unstable periods, pregnancy indicates the absence of bleeding after 14 days after ovulation.That is, the test should be done no earlier than 14 days after intercourse.

If ovulation has not been assessed, take a pregnancy test a few days before the expected start date of your period. If the result is negative and there is no period, repeat the test after a week. Also, to identify successful fertilization, you can take a blood test for hCG or do an ultrasound.

The basal temperature values ​​also indicate successful fertilization.If you tracked your fertile period with a thermometer, you can continue measuring further.

If the temperature readings correspond to 37 degrees for 14 days, then this may indicate the onset of pregnancy. You can even catch the moment of implantation of the ovum into the mucous epithelium of the uterus: within one day, the temperature will decrease.

Algorithm for planning pregnancy with a failed cycle

If you want to conceive a child against the background of irregular menstruation, then you are recommended:

• To be examined.Visit a gynecologist, perform an ultrasound scan, get tested for sex hormones and thyroid hormones. Perhaps dysfunction can be reversed with simple medication.
• Monitor fertile days regularly.
• Have sex 2-3 times a week. Regular intercourse increases the likelihood of getting pregnant and helps to normalize the monthly cycle.
• Normalize body weight.
• Give up bad habits for a while.
• Avoid emotional stress.

You should also improve the immune status of the body, eat right.

Conclusion

An irregular cycle does not always indicate pathology. With physiological reasons for menstrual irregularities, a woman can quickly become pregnant by eliminating negative factors.

Irregular periods caused by illness require medical attention. In this case, pregnancy can occur only after identifying the exact cause of the failure, and applying therapeutic techniques.

Is it possible to get pregnant with an irregular cycle

To resolve the issue of the onset of the desired pregnancy, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist, who, after a thorough study of the anamnesis and complaints, an examination and additional examination methods necessary (according to indications), will advise to reconsider the lifestyle and prescribe treatment if pathology is detected.

A normal menstrual cycle is a cycle that lasts 21 – 35 days, menstruation for 3 – 5 days.Moreover, menstrual flow should not be abundant or, on the contrary, scanty. The total blood loss during menstruation is normally 50 – 150 ml. Accordingly, an irregular cycle means a “floating” monthly schedule, for example, in one month menstruation began after 28 days, the next after 38 days, and after 3 months after 2 weeks. The irregularity of the “arrival” of menstruation leads to a change in their volume, they can be either abundant, up to the development of bleeding, and scanty, characterized by several blood drops.Therefore, an irregular cycle is one of the signs of its violation. Disruptions in the menstrual cycle lead to an ovulation disorder – the main sign indicating a woman’s ability to become pregnant. If, with a regular cycle, the probability of fertilization is 75% within a year, then in women with a cycle disorder, it is sharply reduced or absent altogether. In a healthy woman of reproductive age, not every menstrual cycle is accompanied by ovulation; anovulatory menstrual cycle occurs approximately 2-3 times a year.In women with cycle disorder, anovulation occurs in half or more cycles.

Irregular cycle may be associated with physiological and pathological factors. Physiological causes of cycle disorders include:

• Puberty. In girls, during puberty and the onset of menstruation, the menstrual cycle is in the formation phase and is irregular due to surges in sex hormones. This is considered normal and does not require treatment.
• Postpartum period. The restoration of the cycle does not occur immediately after childbirth, but after 1 – 3 months, which is associated with the return of the hormonal level to the “pre-pregnant” state. If a woman is breastfeeding, then menstruation is either absent or begins irregularly, at different intervals, from 30 to 90 days. After the cessation of lactation, the menstrual cycle becomes regular.
• Premenopause. At the age of 40 – 45 years, there is a decrease in the production of sex hormones. The female body prepares for menopause (the complete cessation of menstruation), and periodic peaks of an increase and decrease in sex hormones are manifested by irregular menstruation and a change in the volume of blood secretions.

Pathological triggers that cause menstrual irregularities include:

• Excessive body weight. In adipose tissue, androgens are transformed into estrogens, the excess of which leads to disruptions in the menstrual cycle and anovulation.
• Deficit of body weight. Underweight, exhaustion changes the work of all organs and systems, including those (pituitary gland, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovaries) that are involved in the menstrual and reproductive functions of the body.
• Excessive physical activity. Exhausting exercise not only depletes the body, but also leads to an imbalance of hormones, which affects the regularity of the cycle and ovulation.
• Taking medications. A number of drugs, especially hormonal ones, disrupt hormonal levels and cause irregular periods and anovulation. Inappropriate hormonal contraception can also affect the menstrual cycle.
• Stress. Constant psycho-emotional experiences, chronic stress, lack of sleep and so on disrupt the production of hormones, which is manifested by irregular periods until they disappear completely.
• Bad habits, physical inactivity. Excessive alcohol intake, drug use, and a sedentary lifestyle can also affect hormones and the regularity of the menstrual cycle.
• Abortions, curettage of the uterine cavity, gynecological operations. The listed conditions do not pass without leaving a trace for the hormonal background. In the best case, the cycle is disturbed for a short time (1 – 3 months), in the worst case, it requires examination and treatment.
• Gynecological diseases.An irregular cycle can be caused by inflammatory processes in the genitals (endometritis, adnexitis) and hormone-dependent diseases (uterine fibroids, scleropolycystosis, endometrial hyperplastic processes, ovarian neoplasms, and others).
• Endocrine pathology. Diseases of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders affect the regularity of the cycle and the abundance of menstruation.
• Change of time zones, change of activity (switching from day to night work).The body is regarded as a stressful situation and leads to disruptions in the cycle.

What to do for a successful conception

If you have an irregular cycle and unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, you should first visit a gynecologist.

The doctor will collect anamnesis and possible complaints, conduct a gynecological examination and send the woman for a gynecological ultrasound scan to exclude obvious pathology of the uterus and appendages.

Having carefully studied the patient’s lifestyle, her emotional state, the presence or absence of chronic general and gynecological diseases, the specialist will recommend compliance with simple rules:

• Maintaining a graph of basal temperature.Women with an irregular cycle should measure the temperature in the rectum, if they wish to become pregnant, at least 3, and preferably 6 – 9 months. From the rectal temperature chart, you can determine the date of ovulation and calculate favorable days for conception. If regular anovulation is confirmed, the examination is expanded (folliculometry, hormones: FSH, LH, prolactin, progesterone, estrogens, ketosteroids, latent genital infections as the cause of chronic oophoritis). The presence of ovulation, even if not in every cycle, confirms the patient’s ability to become pregnant, and to increase the chances of conception, the specialist recommends having an active sex life 5 days before the expected ovulation, on the day the egg is released from the ovary and the day after it.
• Use of ovulation tests. The method for determining ovulation is simpler than measuring rectal temperature on not all patients is available (in material terms). The tests are sold in a pharmacy and are based on determining the level of LH in the blood (at the peak of LH, the dominant follicle ruptures and the egg is released).
• Leading a healthy lifestyle. Expectant parents should give up bad habits, increase the time spent in the fresh air, moderately, without fanaticism, play sports (swimming, walking, jogging, exercise).Patients who play sports professionally will have to choose between the opportunity to become pregnant and professional activity. It is also recommended to change the place of work if the work activity has any hazards (chemical production, work in a hot and humid workshop, night work, constant business trips).
• Healthy food. Overweight women need to bring it back to normal, and not through strict and newfangled diets, but under the supervision of a nutritionist. The same applies to patients with underweight.It is important to give up snacks on the run, fast food and convenience foods, exclude foods with many chemical additives (sugary drinks, chips, crackers, etc.), limit the consumption of strong coffee and tea, replacing them with natural juices, fruit drinks and herbal decoctions. You should also limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates (pastries, pastries), increase the amount of nuts, fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits in the diet, lean meats and poultry, and fermented milk products.
• Eliminate stress.Whenever possible, patients wishing to become pregnant should minimize the amount of stress and stressful situations. If the work requires constant business trips, especially to regions with a different time zone, it is advisable to change it. For emotional stability, the doctor will advise taking light sedatives based on herbs (extract of valerian, motherwort, novo-passit, and others). It is important to normalize sleep. The duration of a night’s sleep should be 7 – 8 hours; in order to fall asleep quickly, be sure to ventilate the bedroom.

Compliance with the listed recommendations in 90% of cases ends with the desired pregnancy. Undoubtedly, when gynecological and endocrine pathology is detected, successful conception and subsequent pregnancy depend on adequate treatment, subsequent supportive therapy and supervision of a gynecologist together with an endocrinologist.

Number of reads: 884 02/18/2020

Irregular cycle and how to get pregnant

If you realize that you cannot get pregnant, then you may have experienced sadness and disappointment, but you should not give up.First of all, you need to determine the cause.

According to official statistics, one third of problems of conception are due to female infertility, another third is associated with problems of men, and the last is due to incompatibility in a couple or unknown reasons. Nevertheless, there are always solutions.

The purpose of this article is to show you different aspects of the problem and to help you identify the causes of irregular menstruation and a lack of pregnancy. The sooner you figure it out and take the necessary measures, the higher your chances of making the dream of having a baby come true.

Why is the menstrual cycle irregular?

An irregular menstrual cycle somehow limits the possibility of conception, although today it is not entirely clear how exactly. Women with regular periods have an 11-13 chance of getting pregnant during the year (at each ovulation).

Accordingly, women with irregular cycles are much less likely. This does not mean, however, that they should give up trying to get pregnant.

They just need to delve deeper into the problem, seek help from a specialist and try to find answers to questions.

Which cycle is considered irregular?

The duration of the regular cycle is 21 – 35 days. Accordingly, any cycle shorter than 21 days or greater than 35 days is considered irregular. Also, a cycle is considered irregular, the duration of which changes every month.

Causes of irregular cycle

This is sometimes due to stress, overwork, or some other external circumstance. On the other hand, chronic irregularity in the cycle most often occurs due to hormonal imbalances.

In some cases, it is associated with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Excessive exercise can also interfere with your period, especially if you are underweight.

Is it difficult to get pregnant with an irregular cycle?

While you are concerned about this disorder and the possibility of a future pregnancy, you need not worry too much. Irregular cycles do not negate the chances of getting pregnant, they just decrease them a little.

Remember that ovulation, not menstruation, is the key to conception.As long as you ovulate and have discharge, there is definitely a chance of getting pregnant.

The only problem is that if your cycles are long enough, for purely mathematical reasons, you are less likely to get pregnant.

How to improve the chances of pregnancy?

First of all, you must do everything possible to normalize your menstrual cycle. Changing your diet to improve hormonal balance is essential.But that’s not all you can do.

Here are some other helpful tips:

1. Calculate when you ovulate

If you have irregular cycles, it will be difficult for you to determine ovulation without special means.

The simplest and most used at home include test kits (available at the pharmacy), examining your cervical mucus, and measuring your basal body temperature. It is best to combine all three methods.

A doctor can also help determine the day of ovulation by performing an ultrasound scan called folliculometry.

3. Take a complete medical examination

If you have problems with conception, you need to consult a gynecologist. The specialist will do the necessary tests and determine why you have an irregular cycle. Thereafter, he can suggest various methods of conception, ranging from methods of alternative medicine to artificial insemination and in vitro procedures.

4. Eat healthy food

Eating healthily can greatly increase your chances of conceiving. If you are underweight, you just need to eat more high-calorie foods and gain weight.

In addition, foods rich in folic acid, protein, calcium, iron and vitamin E stimulate the production of female hormones.

You should also reduce your alcohol, tobacco and caffeine intake to achieve the desired result.

Learn about foods that increase fertility and interfere with conception.

5. Take medication

If food and alternative methods do not work, your doctor may prescribe medication to stimulate ovulation.

Clomid and Serophene are the most popular and have been known for several decades as powerful ovulation boosters. The active ingredient in them is clomiphene, which has proven to be effective.

Ten percent of women taking this medicine become pregnant with twins.

6. Maintain a healthy body weight

The second key factor is body weight. Being underweight or overweight can equally worsen the normal flow of your monthly cycle.

Optimal weight is critical for pregnancy. Every woman has a minimum body weight, and when it is below this value, pregnancy is impossible.

If you are too skinny, estrogen levels may be low, which can lead to cycle disruption.

You may need to put on a few pounds to increase your chances of getting pregnant and keep your baby healthy.

On the other hand, if you are overweight, your chances of getting pregnant are also greatly reduced.

Although estrogen is normally produced by the ovaries, fat cells can increase estrogen levels by converting androgens to estrogens, and can also be influenced in several other ways. Therefore, the more fat cells, the more estrogen.

As a result, obesity can cause both long and heavy menstruation and irregular cycles. You need to switch to a low-calorie diet and exercise. In the end it will work.

7. Pay regular attention to physical activity

When exercising, the keywords are “regular” and “moderate.”Be persistent, but don’t make yourself tired. This way, you will get in excellent physical shape without stress. You can try yoga to boost your fertility.

8. Additional tips for you

“Nobody is an island” – said the poet. We are social creatures and cannot live alone, so in your struggle, do not fence yourself off from other people, ask for support.

• Always talk to your partner – you are one and have a common goal.
• Consult a professional counselor, support groups, books or films to find your soul mate.
• Relieve stress with relaxation exercises such as yoga, long walks, swimming, etc.
• Avoid substances such as caffeine. Although it is more proven to be harmful during pregnancy, there are also suggestions that it may interfere with conception.
• Learn more about infertility and your options. You will see that you are not alone.There are many people in the world who have gone through this and won.

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Is it possible to get pregnant with irregular periods: how to conceive if the cycle is broken?

Sometimes women cannot get pregnant on their own due to an irregular menstrual cycle.

In this case, it is necessary to find a competent doctor who will find out the reasons for the interruptions in the cycle and prescribe the correct treatment. A woman should be patient, not worry and live a full life.

If there are no serious gynecological pathologies, after the normalization of the cycle, pregnancy will definitely occur.

Why is the cycle irregular?

The average menstrual cycle is 27-29 days, but variations from 22 to 35 days are also considered normal. The main thing is that from month to month the duration of the cycle is maintained and deviated by no more than 2-3 days.

The first menstruation occurs in girls at the age of 11-13 and are irregular – this is not a pathology.The child’s body develops, the reproductive system and hormones are formed, so cycle fluctuations in young girls should not cause alarm.

Stability of menstruation should appear by 18–20 years – by this time the body is already ready for the appearance of the first child. However, not all women can boast of a regular cycle, which significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy.

Possible causes of an irregular menstrual cycle include:

• Hormonal imbalance caused by pituitary gland pathologies or adrenal gland disorders;
• oral contraceptive abuse;
• gynecological diseases: ovarian cysts and tumors;
• drastic weight loss due to exhausting diets;
• physical and emotional overload, chronic stress;
• climate change;
• alcohol and cigarette abuse.

In some cases, the menstrual cycle is easy to correct – a woman should give up bad habits, establish a work and rest routine, and avoid stress. In other cases, long-term treatment is required, elimination of gynecological pathologies and adjustment of hormonal levels.

Can I get pregnant with irregular menstruation?

Is it possible to get pregnant and carry a baby with irregular periods? According to statistics, with such failures, only 20% of women become pregnant on their own within several months, because it is impossible to determine the exact date of ovulation, and in some cases, with pathologies of the pituitary gland, it is completely absent.

The doctor will propose to normalize night sleep, give up addictions. If the problem lies only in the wrong lifestyle, after adjusting it, the cycle is restored and pregnancy occurs within 4-6 months.

Lack of menstruation due to hormonal dysfunction and gynecological pathologies is a more serious problem that reduces the chances of pregnancy.

After passing the tests, the doctor will prescribe a treatment aimed at eliminating the underlying gynecological disease, and will correct the hormonal background.

Correction of the hormonal balance of the body takes several months, then the menstrual cycle is leveled, and the desired pregnancy, according to statistics, occurs at the end of the year from the start of treatment.

How to calculate the date of ovulation?

In order for conception to take place, sexual intercourse must take place at a certain period – on the eve of the release of the egg, on the day of ovulation, or within two days after it. On other days, there is virtually no chance of conception.

How to get pregnant with an irregular cycle and correctly determine the date of the next ovulation? It is not easy to do this when the cycle length changes every month, and it is not possible to calculate the exact day when a mature egg will leave the corpus luteum.

The most accurate method is folliculometry, that is, determining the size of ovarian follicles using ultrasound. You can track the maturation of the female reproductive cell using ultrasound examinations, which need to be done several times a month.When the follicle reaches the size of 18-19 mm, it is necessary to make sexual intercourse – these sizes are considered the most favorable for conception.

The second method, which is recommended to be used in addition to folliculometry, is rectal measurement of basal temperature.

The temperature should be measured every morning without getting out of bed, and the data should be recorded in a notebook. The day before ovulation, the temperature drops slightly, and after that it rises abruptly to 37–37.2 ° C.

Such a jump in temperature indicates that the egg has moved into the fallopian tube and is ripe for conception.

Algorithm for planning pregnancy

A woman who has decided to become pregnant must implement her idea in a planned way. In case of an irregular cycle, the following conception planning algorithm is recommended:

• Consultation with a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct a full examination, identify pathologies in the reproductive system, and prescribe tests to determine the level of hormones.
• Interpretation of test results – the doctor will see which hormones are lacking and which are present in excess. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe hormonal corrective treatment.
• Normalization of work and rest regime, rejection of bad habits. A woman should stop being constantly nervous. Night sleep and proper nutrition are important.
• Weight correction. Irregularity of the cycle can be caused by exhausting diets or, conversely, excessive overeating and a large excess of adipose tissue in the body.
• Calculation of ovulation. It is important to correctly determine the days of ovulation in all possible ways and, with this in mind, have sex with your spouse.
• In addition to medical treatment prescribed by a doctor, you can resort to traditional medicine. Oregano and linden have a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle. They can be boiled in a water bath and taken three times a day as herbal tea.

90,000 Menstrual irregularities – causes, first symptoms, recommendations

Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for 6 months.and more), it accounts for 0.6 – 1.2% of cases. It is divided into primary (absence of menstruation at the age of 16 years and older) and secondary (absence of menstruation for 6 months or more after a period of regular or irregular menstruation).

Oligomenorrhea (the interval between periods is more than 35 days).

Reasons

• Hormonal disorders.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions that can affect the function of female genital organs, and social factors – an unhealthy environment in the family.
• Hereditary factor.
• Stress factor. Strenuous study at school, problems in understanding with adults.
• Excessive physical activity.
• Incorrect power supply. In this aspect, two extremes are most often encountered – obesity and the desire for unhealthy thinness.
• Chronic non-gynecological diseases (cardiovascular, endocrinological, central nervous system and others).
• Congenital diseases of the female reproductive system.

Symptoms

• The girl is already 15 years old, but her first period has not begun.
• More than 3 months have passed since the last period.
• More than a year, the menstrual cycle is irregular.
• Menstrual flow lasts more than 7 days.
• Menstrual flow is suddenly more profuse and needs to be replaced more often than every two hours.
• Profuse bleeding appears between periods.
• Menses with severe pain.

A girl’s first menstruation is an important moment in her life. The future women’s health depends on at what age, how abundant, how long and after what period of time menstruation will become regular. Therefore, if you are not sure that everything is going right for your daughter, do not hesitate and contact a specialist. At this stage, you can identify minor changes in the formation of your child’s menstrual function and start preventive or therapeutic measures in conjunction with a competent pediatric gynecologist.

A complex of methods allows to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, establish a diagnosis, and prescribe timely treatment: a doctor’s consultation, laboratory and ultrasound diagnostics.

Prevention

• Organization of the correct daily routine with the obligatory good rest and nutrition.
• Limitation of excessive physical and intellectual exertion, protection from stress.
• Vitamin therapy (B vitamins, vitamin E are used).
• Physiotherapy (balneotherapy, etc.).

More about pediatric gynecology at the YugMed clinic

90,000 Menstrual irregularities in adolescent girls

Material provided by children’s gynecologist Bukinich Lyudmila Sergeevna

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PUBLIC MATURE IN GIRLS: CHANGES IN THE BODY

Most parents believe that a girl’s sexual development begins with the onset of adolescence, about 12-14 years old, this is a widespread misconception.In fact, sexual development begins much earlier.

Puberty is a process of changes in the body that affects their physical, psychological and emotional state and begins at about 8-9 years old. At this time, there is an increase in the level of sex hormones, which cause a number of changes in the body.

An increase in the growth rate is observed, the pelvic bones grow, an increase in the amount of adipose tissue occurs (the thighs become wider, fat is deposited in the chest, buttocks and pubis, giving the body of a young girl a feminine outline) and secondary sexual characteristics appear.

Secondary sexual characteristics appear in sequence. So from about 10 years old, the girl begins to mature and grow the mammary glands. The girl’s chest grows for a long time. The penultimate stage of breast development ends at the age of 14-16, and the final formation of the mammary glands is established only after breastfeeding. Soon after the breasts begin to grow, pubic hair begins to develop. Then, after several months, hair begins to grow in other parts of the body (armpits, legs, arms, etc.)e). And finally, on average – at 12 years old, the first menstruation appears.

Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is a series of hormonal and physical changes in the body that prepare the body for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the body returns to its original state, a new menstrual cycle begins.

The duration of the menstrual cycle is measured from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next, and on average lasts about 28 days.Cycle fluctuations from 21 to 35 days are also considered normal. Menstrual bleeding in adolescents lasts an average of 3-7 days.

During the first two years after the first menstrual period in adolescents, the menstrual cycle can be irregular and it can take up to two years to establish a normal menstrual cycle.

By age 18, puberty usually ends.

Pay attention to the age at which secondary sex characteristics begin to appear in your child and the sequence in which they appear.If you notice any deviations in development, please contact our center, we will definitely help you.

WHAT IS A DISRUPTION OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

The regularity and intensity of menstruation in adolescents are very vulnerable and sensitive to various factors.

Since adolescent menstruation is often irregular and normal, parents of adolescent girls often wonder when to start worrying?

The main causes of alarm should be highlighted:

• If the first menstruation in a teenager did not appear before the age of 15 or the mammary glands did not begin to develop at the age of 13.
• Menses suddenly stopped for more than three months.
• Menstrual cycle became irregular after establishment.
• The menstrual cycle lasts less than 21 days or more than 40 days.
• Menstrual bleeding lasts more than seven days.
• Menstrual bleeding is more intense than usual, or tampons or pads need to be changed more often than every two hours.
• There is bleeding between periods.
• Menses with severe pain.

Various factors can affect a girl’s hormonal balance.

In case of unstable menstruation, first of all, you should pay attention to:

• External factors. The function of the female genital organs can be affected by unfavorable environmental conditions. A girl’s unfavorable family atmosphere is also likely to negatively affect her puberty.
• Heredity.Problems with the reproductive organs in the mother are often transmitted to the daughter. The predisposition to delayed menstruation can be inherited.
• Constant stress. Frequent stress has a very negative effect on the work and condition of all organs. If a girl is often worried or nervous, then there is a high probability that she will have irregular periods.
• Increased physical activity. During puberty, it is very harmful to load the girl’s body with excessive physical exertion.
• Incorrect power supply. Excessive thinness or obesity can lead to menstrual irregularities. Both of these extremes are due to poor nutrition. It is very important that in adolescence the girl’s body receives the required amount of useful trace elements and vitamins. Otherwise, it will not work to avoid a delay in menstruation and other complications.

If a teenage girl is experiencing menstrual irregularities, do not postpone a doctor’s examination.

If you want to undergo an examination, take tests, do an ultrasound scan, get advice from a pediatric gynecologist, please contact our medical center.

STRESS AND DISORDERS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN ADOLESCENTS.

Stress in adolescents is a complex phenomenon and can proceed quite violently against the background of hormonal changes in the body. Anything can act as a stress factor, but stress can and should be dealt with.

The most common stress factors are:

• changes in the body associated with physiological maturation, especially if it begins a little earlier than in peers.It also happens that a guy or a girl begins to recover dramatically, which is why they become isolated and ashamed of their body. This can be a serious cause for concern.
• peer pressure, both mental and physical. Violence, cruelty, division into groups. This phenomenon is quite common nowadays;
• family problems. They can be of a different nature: misunderstanding on the part of parents, their rejection of the interests and tastes of a teenager; distance of parents from their child – many do not know what they love and what their children are interested in; divorce of parents;
• change of residence and, as a consequence, parting with friends.
• unrequited love. Often the first falling in love is perceived as a feeling for the rest of your life, and if something went wrong as you would like, then this can cause complete disappointment in love, in yourself and in life in general;
• problems at school. Control, exams, EGE. For some reason, the usual requirements of teachers and parents for academic performance begin to seem overstated and also provoke stress.

During adolescence, many problems can seem insurmountable.Knowing these factors and paying special attention to them will help prevent many stressful situations and find the best ways to resolve them.

Signs of stress in adolescents are quite different, here are some of them: fatigue, gloominess, uncontrollable appetite, addiction to sweets and fat, dissatisfaction with their appearance, passion for diets in girls, open aggression, anger, irritability, isolation, self-isolation, interest in alcohol and cigarettes, a sharp drop in self-esteem, self-doubt, etc.d.

Absolutely all organs are exposed to stress, but the female reproductive system is especially vulnerable. This is explained by hormonal changes in the body during stress.

During stress, an increased secretion of the hormone prolactin occurs in the body. Normally, prolactin levels in women increase during pregnancy and remain consistently high when breastfeeding.

The hormone prolactin has a direct effect on the female reproductive system.Under its influence, the secretion of progesterone, the main hormone of the second half of the menstrual cycle, occurs. Also, prolactin affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Under the influence of prolactin, the activity of the thyroid gland slows down, and its connection with the pituitary gland is also disrupted. The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, synthesized by the brain structure, increases. This often leads to menstrual irregularities. Outwardly, this manifests itself as a lengthening of the menstrual cycle. With a high concentration of prolactin, there may be a complete absence of menstruation – this phenomenon is called amenorrhea.

Stress is also always accompanied by the activation of the adrenal cortex. It is there that cortisol is synthesized – another hormone that can affect the menstrual cycle. Excess cortisol often leads to excess weight, deterioration of the skin, and the growth of male-pattern body hair. On the part of the reproductive system, there is a violation of the regularity of the cycle. The consequence of this condition can be infertility.

So do not underestimate the impact of stressful situations on the reproductive system and the girl’s body as a whole.

There are a number of ways a teenager can try to eliminate stress.

1. It is necessary to create an atmosphere of openness and trust in the house. The child should know that he can turn to his parents for help and advice at any time.

2. It’s good if the teenager has a hobby. Scientists have proven that adolescents who have hobbies are less likely to experience stress, they are less likely to pick up bad habits. But if the child is very tired, studying in two or three circles, then perhaps it makes sense to leave classes in any of them, because of the possible overload of the body, with the benefit of the most interesting and promising for later life.

3. It is necessary to control the time spent by the child at the computer. Compliance with the norm will help you get better sleep, go to bed on time, and get tired less. The sleep rate in adolescents is 8-10 hours. It is during this time that the body is able to fully recover. Chronic lack of sleep leads to decreased performance, fatigue, and from here irritability and weakened immunity. In addition, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep can also lead to increased prolactin levels and, as a consequence, menstrual irregularities.

4. It is important that optimal physical activity is present in the life of a teenager. In combination with a change of environment, movement harmonizes the psyche, neutralizes the effects of stress, and helps to calm down. Out-of-town trips, picnics, excursions, outdoor games, sports clubs will not only relieve stress, but also help you find new friends.

5. Parents need to be a personal example of optimism and calmness for the child. If you yourself perceive life’s problems without unnecessary excitement and panic, then your child will copy the same attitude to problems.Teach children from childhood to maintain a positive attitude and see positive moments in every difficult situation.

6. It is necessary to celebrate the child’s successes, to praise him in new achievements.

7. If you make a remark to a child, then scold his act, and not himself.

8. It is not necessary to sort things out in front of children. They take even the slightest conflict in the family to heart. Due to hypersensitivity and increased suspiciousness, many adolescents, without any reason, begin to blame themselves for all family troubles.It seems to them that something is wrong with them, therefore, there are only troubles around. Adolescents suffer painfully when their parents do not understand them, when mother and father constantly quarrel, when a family member becomes seriously ill.

Most of these preventive measures are quite effective. But if the teenager is already experiencing stress and the proposed options do not help, then the help of specialists is needed.

In our center, you can also be examined by a pediatric gynecologist and consult a psychologist.Remember, only through joint efforts on the part of the family, psychologists and doctors can a lasting positive result be achieved.

Keywords 90,000 Menstrual cycle and ovulation – Nikamed Clinic

If your period is painful, there is no reason to suffer in silence. By contacting our clinic, women with dysmenorrhea, irregular or painful periods will be able to receive qualified specialist assistance and access to a range of treatment options.

In case of problems with ovulation, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition to identify the cause of infertility.He will prescribe the appropriate treatment to help the family conceive. Female infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including ovarian dysfunction.

The menstrual cycle is a series of monthly changes that take place in the female body in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries forms a follicle from which an egg is released – a process called ovulation. At the same time, cyclical hormonal changes prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy.If ovulation occurs, but the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus is rejected and menstruation occurs.

What is the norm?

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the beginning of one menstruation until the first day of the next. It is different for every woman. Menses can normally occur between 21 and 35 days and last from two to seven days. During the first few years after your period starts, long periods are normal. However, the menstrual cycle tends to shorten and become more regular within 1 year of the onset of your period.

Your menstrual cycle is considered regular if the intervals between periods are approximately the same length each month or differ by 1-2 days. Normally, menstruation should be painless, not abundant and complete within 3-5 days.

Be aware that using certain types of contraception, such as the continuous contraceptive pill, will change your menstrual cycle. Talk with your doctor about what to expect while taking the drug and how this might affect your future fertility.This is an important aspect to consider when planning a pregnancy and managing a pregnancy.

How can I track my menstrual cycle?

To find out what is normal for you, start keeping track of your menstrual cycle on the calendar or using the mobile app. Start by tracking the start date of each month for several months in a row to determine if your period is regular.

• If you have a worry about your period, pay attention to the following factors every month:
• End date.How long does your period usually last? Are they longer or shorter than usual?
• Intensity of menstruation. Record the intensity of your period. Does it seem lighter or heavier than usual? How often do you need new personal care products?
• Abnormal bleeding. Have you seen bleeding between periods?
• Pain. Describe any pain associated with your period. Does the pain get worse over time?
• Other changes. Have you felt a change in mood or behavior?

What causes menstrual irregularities?

Menstrual irregularities can be caused by a number of reasons, including:

Pregnancy or breastfeeding.A delayed or missed cycle can be an early sign of pregnancy. In addition, breastfeeding up to a certain time often blocks the return of menstruation after pregnancy.

Eating disorders, severe weight loss or excessive exercise. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, sudden weight loss, and severe increases in physical activity can lead to menstrual problems.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This common hormonal disorder can cause small cysts to form on the ovaries and cause irregular periods.

Premature depletion of ovarian function. Premature ovarian failure refers to the loss of normal ovarian function by the age of 40. Women who experience premature ovarian failure (also known as primary ovarian failure) have irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles for many years.

Pelvic inflammatory disease. These genital infections also cause irregular menstrual bleeding.

Myoma of the uterus. A uterine fibroid is a benign growth of the uterus that can cause heavy periods and bleeding between cycles.

What can I do to prevent menstrual irregularities?

For some women, using the contraceptive pill prescribed by a doctor helps in regulating the menstrual cycle. However, some menstrual irregularities cannot be resolved with medication alone.

Regular check-ups are the best guarantee that women’s health problems will be diagnosed as soon as possible.

In addition, consult a doctor if:

• Your periods suddenly stopped for more than 90 days and you are not pregnant
• Your periods become irregular
• Bleeding continues for more than seven days
• Bleeding has changed towards profuse, forcing more frequent changes in personal hygiene products.
• Your period occurs in less than 21 days or more than 35 days
• You are experiencing bleeding between your periods
• You are experiencing severe pain during your period
• Fever and nausea after using tampons

Remember: Monitoring your menstrual cycle helps you know what is normal and what is not normal for you. If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, check with your doctor.

90,000 Menstrual irregularities – causes and treatment of menstruation failure

Delayed menstruation is one of the most common reasons for girls and women to visit a gynecologist. For many, this visit ends with the news of pregnancy. However, menstrual irregularities can also indicate serious health problems for women.

In a healthy woman, the cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days, while a delay in menstruation is not a cause for concern if it is no more than 7 days.Each girl is characterized by individual characteristics: duration, abundance of menstruation, etc. If you notice that menstruation has become irregular, their duration and nature have changed, this is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

Reasons for delayed periods

The most common causes of cycle failure can be divided into three groups:

• physiological – associated with climate change, chronic stress, adherence to various strict diets;
• pathological – these include various inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genital organs, hormonal problems, other diseases that negatively affect the functioning of the reproductive system;
• medication – associated with the intake of various drugs, in particular, hormonal drugs, glucocorticosteroids, anticoagulants and others.

Problems with periods are not always associated with illness. So, a violation of the menstrual cycle after 40 years may indicate the onset of menopause. During this period, the frequency of anovulatory cycles increases – those during which ovulation did not occur. It is caused by natural depletion of ovarian follicular reserves. But menstruation problems at this age can also mean serious reproductive health problems. Talk to your doctor to find out why you are experiencing delays or abnormal periods.

A delay in menstruation in a teenager is also a common occurrence. First of all, it should be understood that the first 1-2 years after the onset of menstruation, hormonal changes in the whole body occur, and menstruation does not always occur regularly, or even disappear altogether for several months. In addition, problems with menstruation in some cases are caused by congenital abnormalities. Modern adolescents can also start having sex at a fairly early age. Then an unplanned pregnancy can become the cause of delays.Other reasons leading to the failure of the regular cycle are not excluded. Be sure to take your teenager to a pediatric gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Having established the cause of the problem, the specialist will prescribe a treatment protocol for you. Remember: it is the disease that must be treated that causes the failure of menstruation, because in itself it is only a consequence, and not an independent disease.

Only a specialist can determine exactly what caused the cycle failure. To do this, he will need to conduct not only a visual examination, but also to study the results of additional studies, including analyzes.

Classification and symptoms of menstrual irregularities

Violation of the cycle in women is divided into:

• dysmenorrhea – when menstruation is accompanied by pulling pains in the lower abdomen, often quite strong;
• hypermenorrhea – this is the name for abundant menstruation, which are repeated at regular intervals and last for approximately the same number of days;
• menorrhagia is prolonged (more than 7 days) and heavy menstruation, which is accompanied by pain;
• polymenorrhea – the cycle lasts shorter, less than 21 days, menstruation is prolonged;
• oligomenorrhea – menstruation lasts 1-2 days;
• opsomenorrhea – rare menstruation, once every few months;
• hypomenorrhea – scanty periods, a small amount of bloody discharge.

Among the most common symptoms that occur against the background of irregular periods:

• pulling pain in the lower abdomen and / or lower back;
• Constant irritability and fatigue;
• weight gain or loss for no apparent reason;
• severe headaches, up to migraines.

Often women are worried about the delay in menstruation in the spring, which is why many even single them out as a separate category of violations. However, doctors are sure that a combination of factors leads to delays, including reduced immunity and a lack of vitamins, which is typical for early spring, when there is not enough fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet.To protect yourself from serious consequences, having found a failure of the menstrual cycle in the spring, it is best to undergo a full examination by a gynecologist.

Diagnostics and treatment

If you notice a disrupted menstrual cycle for a long period of time, be sure to sign up for a consultation with a gynecologist. The specialist will conduct a full examination to identify the cause of the failure, which, in addition to the initial examination, may also include:

• analysis of urogenital smears for flora;
• blood test for genital infections;
• biochemical blood test;
• blood test to determine the level of hormones;
• colposcopy;
• hysteroscopy;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and mammary glands.

You may also need to consult an endocrinologist. Based on the data obtained, the doctor will be able to establish the true cause of the pathology and prescribe competent treatment.

Treatment methods

Diseases that cause disruption of the cycle in women are treated in the following ways:

1. Medication. They are used to treat sexually transmitted infections, as well as inflammatory foci.
2. Hormone therapy. It is used to correct hormonal imbalances.
3. Surgery. The decision to carry out the operation is applied in case of the presence of neoplasms.
4. Vitamin complexes, physiotherapy exercises, diet correction in case of general weakening of the body.

You can find many tips on the Internet for treating irregular menstruation with folk remedies. Remember, self-medication can have serious consequences. You will not be able to independently determine the cause of the appearance of such a pathology, and, as a result, prescribe the correct treatment for yourself.This can only be done by a gynecologist. In our medical center Daily Medical, patients are received by a pediatric and adult gynecologist with extensive experience Slobodyan Natalya Sergeevna.

Period Cycle Failure Prevention

In order to prevent the development of dangerous gynecological diseases that lead to problems with menstruation, it is important to monitor your health. For prevention, doctors recommend:

• give up bad habits;
• to play sports without overvoltage;
• Eat a healthy and varied diet;
• avoid stress;
• prevent hypothermia;
• use barrier contraception;
• avoid casual sexual intercourse;
• get enough sleep.

Keep a menstrual calendar so you can see any changes. Today, this can be done in a smartphone using special applications, where you can also record the intensity of menstruation by day and note accompanying symptoms.

Do not forget to visit your gynecologist once a year for preventive purposes. Pathologies detected in time can be successfully treated without the risk of complications. In our clinic, you will receive professional advice from an experienced specialist at a convenient time for you.

Be healthy!

Menstrual irregularities: 10 factors that can cause menstrual irregularities

Wouldn’t it be great if you could circle the date on which you plan to start your period on your calendar? This would allow you to safely organize a trip to the sea and take tampons with you only on certain days. Unfortunately, this is not possible, because the length of the menstrual cycle can vary slightly. On average, it is 28 days.This refers to the period from the first day of menstruation to the beginning of the next menstruation. The period from 24 to 31 days is considered the norm. An irregular cycle, as a rule, indicates the presence of any pathology. Check out the following 10 factors that can negatively affect your menstrual cycle, and be sure to see your doctor if you notice anything amiss.

1. Excessive physical activity

Did you know that women who run marathon distances often have their cycle disordered? And this is not a myth: intense exercise combined with a small amount of adipose tissue negatively affects health.This is stress for the body, due to which the brain stops producing sex hormones. Studies have shown that in 50% of cases, the menstrual cycle of women involved in sports is slightly disturbed. If your period starts a few days before your scheduled date, don’t worry. But if your cycle is severely irregular (for example, no menstruation for 3 months), you should see your doctor. This condition is called amenorrhea, and it can negatively affect bone density over time, which contributes to the development of other pathologies.

2. Overweight

Unfortunately, extra pounds are reflected not only in the figure. Excess adipose tissue leads to an increase in estrogen levels, which causes a violation of ovulation (ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary). Meanwhile, the endometrial layer continues to thicken. In obese women, menstruation, as a rule, is difficult, menstruation is irregular, longer and more intense. If you are overweight and experience the symptoms described, you will not only have to stock up on highly absorbent tampons (for example, o.b. ^® ProComfort ™ or o.b. ^® ProComfortTM NIGHT), but also constantly monitor your health. Increased estrogen levels over an extended period of time increase the risk of developing cancer of the uterine body. If you are unable to lose weight, talk to your gynecologist about the need for medication. Perhaps he will suggest taking oral contraceptives, which can make the endometrial layer thinner and reduce the risk of developing cancer of the uterine body.

3. Weight too low

If you are underweight, you can expect a reverse reaction of the body. In this case, he stops producing enough estrogen. To maintain the thickness of your endometrium and maintain regular menstruation, you need to maintain your weight within acceptable limits. However, if it has always been below average, this may not pose any problem. You are more likely to notice changes in your menstrual cycle if you have lost a lot of weight in a short period of time.If you have lost a lot of kilograms, but the weight is within the normal range, then the body will adapt to it within a few months.

4. Taking prescription drugs

Any medication that contains hormones can affect the menstrual cycle. These include, for example, drugs for the treatment of thyroid diseases, steroids and antipsychotics (which promote the release of dopamine). It must be remembered that the action of hormones is always interrelated.All of them are found in the blood, so even though they are secreted by different glands, the level of some depends on the amount of others. In addition, in some cases, the receptors for different hormones are similar, and the active substances of the drug taken can easily “confuse” them, for example, by influencing the fertility hormone, not the thyroid gland. Therefore, do not panic if your cycle is out of order for a couple of days. Moreover, if the difference is a week or more, then it is better to see a doctor.

5.The effect of pesticides

Pesticides have a negative effect on endocrine processes. They can lead to their decrease and even completely block the secretion of hormones, which negatively affects the work of the glands. Studies have shown that women who work on pesticide farms have longer menstrual periods. At the same time, they often complained of spotting or even the absence of menstruation. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the effect of pesticides on the body and give preference to environmentally friendly food.

6. Feeling tired

Severe stress also negatively affects the regularity of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, women who often feel overworked and stressed may face fertility problems. So try to stay calm and just enjoy life as it is.

7. Oral contraceptives

Many women start taking birth control pills to help regulate their menstrual cycle.But for this the body will need several months. Violations often occur due to the fact that the lining of the uterus gradually becomes thinner, and in the middle of the cycle you will find spotting. Improvement can be seen after 2-3 months of taking birth control pills. If after this spotting still bothers you, make sure to take the tablets at the same time every day. If the interval between doses is more than 24 hours (for example, you usually take the pills at 10:00, and today you remember about them only at 13:00), you may suddenly find spotting.Oral contraceptives allow you to control the thickness of the lining of the uterus, but to keep it at the same level, it needs a constant supply of hormones. This is why your period starts when you take a break from taking the contraceptive pill.

8. Age

You may think that as menopause approaches, the number of periods will gradually decrease. But surprises can await you. Due to changes in the level of hormones in the body, the menstrual cycle can, on the contrary, become shorter.As the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases, periods are less and less frequent. But before they completely stop bothering you, you will have to come to terms with more frequent menstruation. Therefore, stock up on chocolate and put some tampons in your purse just in case (eg o.b. ^® Compact Applicator with hygienic applicator).

9. Poor sleep

Insufficient amount of time allotted for sleep negatively affects the state of health.In addition, such a habit can lead to a disruption in the menstrual cycle. Women who have irregular working hours (such as nurses and flight attendants) often suffer from irregular periods. Failure to comply with the sleep schedule negatively affects the production of hormones responsible for reproductive function, ovulation and the menstrual cycle. In addition, irregular sleep leads to permanent changes in melatonin levels, which also negatively affect the functioning of the reproductive system. Therefore, hang blackout curtains in your bedroom and go to bed on time to avoid unnecessary problems.

10. Long distance travel

The human brain produces melatonin, which warns the body that it is time for sleep.