Irregular Periods

About the Symptom

Irregular periods mean that the timing of them is irregular and unpredictable. The normal length of the menstrual cycle is typically between 21 and 35 days. A normal menstrual period generally lasts up to 7 days. If the time between periods varies significantly, then it is considered abnormal.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• sweating
• Recent weight loss
• Edema
• Altered mental status (delirium)
• Muscle weakness in the limbs

Possible Causes

Generally, Irregular periods can be related to:

• Primary Amenorrhea

  A condition where menarche (first period for a girl) does not occur on time. Typically absence of first period by age 15 is considered abnormal, but this does vary by ethnicity and location. Causes include problems with malnutrition, genetic disorders, formation of the reproductive system and hormonal imbalances. Primary amenorrhea typically needs evaluation with a specialist to find the correct diagnosis and treatment.

• Anovulatory Menstruation

  A condition where menstruation does not occur regularly due to the failure of an egg to be released from the ovaries. This causes irregular menstruation with skipped months, and can be heavy in nature. The failure of ovulation (egg release) can be caused by hormonal imbalances, being overweight or extremely underweight, thyroid disorders and uncontrolled diabetes to name a few examples.

• Menopause

  A normal condition where menstrual periods stop due to decreasing levels of hormones from the ovaries. Menopause marks the end of the reproductive age for the women. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years. Menopause is abnormal if it occurs too early (under 40 years old). While menopause is normal, many women suffer from hot flashes, sleep disturbances and other symptoms that can be disruptive to their enjoyment of life when entering menopause.

• Turner Syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Uterine Hypoplasia
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine Cancer
• Luteal Insufficiency
• Asherman Syndrome

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are your periods irregular?
• When did you first notice your irregular periods?
• Is your menstrual cycle infrequent?
• Have you previously experienced irregular menstrual cycles?
• Which of the following best describes your irregular menstrual periods?

FAQs

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign

  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign

• ACOG Patient FAQ - AUB

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding

• ACOG Patient FAQ - Heavy and abnormal periods

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heavy-and-abnormal-periods

• Diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive-Aged Women

  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2012/07/diagnosis-of-abnormal-uterine-bleeding-in-reproductive-aged-women