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.

• Pregnancy

  Pregnancy is the term used for the period when a fetus (baby) is developing inside the mother's uterus (womb). It typically lasts about 40 weeks (just over 9 months), measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. It occurs as a result of sexual intercourse, when the egg released by the female ovary is fertilized by a sperm. Pregnancy is medically divided into three parts (trimesters). The first sign of pregnancy is typically a missed period. Morning sickness (nausea/vomiting) may accompany it.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Menopause
• Uterine Cancer
• Turner Syndrome
• Peri-/Post-Menopausal Symptoms
• Hydatidiform Mole
• Uterine Hypoplasia

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

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

• Do you have irregular periods?
• How long have you had abnormal menstrual cycles?
• Is your menstrual cycle infrequent?
• Have you experienced irregular menstrual cycles before?
• How has your menstrual cycle condition changed over time?

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