Causes of irregular periods

You may have irregular periods if you:

• See changes in the time between each period
• Notice less or more blood flow during a period than normal
• See a lot of variations in the number of days your period lasts.

Causes of Irregular Periods

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The most common sign of PCOS is irregular periods. This is an endocrine system disorder. The ovaries also enlarge with the accumulation of fluid in the follicles. When androgen (male sex hormone) levels increase in women, as seen in this condition, ovulation stops, resulting in irregular periods.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are nowadays a common finding in many women of reproductive age. These are noncancerous growths in the uterus. The size of fibroids varies. Fibroids can cause painful, heavy, and prolonged menstrual periods.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you have missed your period, it is a sign of pregnancy. If you breastfeed, the return of menstruation after pregnancy may typically be delayed. The other signs of pregnancy include morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, breast tingling, sensitivity to smells, and fatigue.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

It is an infection of the female reproductive organs caused by sexually transmitted infections. It can cause irregular menstrual bleeding in women.

Premature ovarian failure

It is a loss of ovarian function in women before the age of 40 years. This condition is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency. It can cause irregular or occasional periods for several years. In a majority of cases, being one of the prominent causes of irregular periods, it may lead to premature menopause. In women, one of the major causes of infertility is premature ovarian failure.

Endometriosis

Irregular menses with significant pain is the most prominent sign of endometriosis. Nearly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age may develop this condition. The other symptoms of endometriosis include bleeding between periods, long periods, heavy bleeding, and pain during and after sexual intercourse.

Stress

Sex hormones regulate menstruation in women. Excess stress releases cortisol and adrenaline – the stress hormones. These stress hormones interact with sex hormones that regulate menstruation.

Eating disorders

Restricted eating habits and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa can also cause menstrual abnormalities and irregular menses in women.

 Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid hormones influence the menstrual cycle. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. The condition is known as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). A woman with this condition can have heavier or longer periods. Other signs and symptoms may include weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and tiredness. When the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones. The condition is known as hyperthyroidism. A woman with this condition can have shorter, lighter periods. Anxiety, unexplained weight loss, and heart palpitations are the other symptoms.

Excessive Exercise

Many women nowadays want to have drastic weight loss and therefore prefer intense activities and workouts. They may also combine this program with a restrictive diet. Intense exercise can interfere with female sex hormones and affect menstruation in women.

Bottom Line

In some cases, lifestyle factors such as extreme weight loss and sudden weight loss (may be due to anorexia nervosa) and excessive physical activity can cause menstrual abnormalities. Therefore, the underlying cause of menstrual irregularities must be identified accurately for the most effective treatment. If you have any other issues about your menstrual cycle, do write to us.