Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
A regular period (menstruation) is an important part of reproductive health.Irregular periods occur when an individual’s menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than the average length. About 14% to 25% of people experience irregular menstrual cycles.
This article discusses common causes of irregular periods and how to treat them.
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Adolescents who have recently begun menstruating may have irregular periods for the first few years. Individuals going through perimenopause also commonly experience irregular periods.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
Symptoms of irregular periods include:
Types of Irregular PeriodsCommon types of irregular periods include:Amenorrhea: Periods stop completelyOligomenorrhea: Period occurs infrequentlyDysmenorrhea: Painful periodsHeavy menstrual bleeding: Excessive period bleedingAbnormal uterine bleeding: Bleeding between periodsPolymenorrhea: Frequent periods
Types of Irregular Periods
Common types of irregular periods include:Amenorrhea: Periods stop completelyOligomenorrhea: Period occurs infrequentlyDysmenorrhea: Painful periodsHeavy menstrual bleeding: Excessive period bleedingAbnormal uterine bleeding: Bleeding between periodsPolymenorrhea: Frequent periods
Common types of irregular periods include:
Listening to the Signs Your Period Is on the Way
Causes of Irregular Periods
Several possible causes of irregular periods include pregnancy, stress, uncontrolled diabetes, uterine cancer, and more. The most common causes of irregular periods are:
Less common causes of irregular periods include:Uterine cancerCervical cancerBleeding conditionsThyroid problemsHyperprolactinemia
Less common causes of irregular periods include:
What Medications Can Cause Irregular Periods?
Some medications can cause irregular periods. Long-term use of steroids may cause heavy or irregular periods. Anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinning medications) may cause heavy period bleeding.
How to Treat Irregular Periods
Treatment of irregular periods depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP): What You Should Know
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Irregular Periods?
To determine what might be causing your irregular periods, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these tests:
Regular menstruation is an important factor in reproductive health and fertility. For this reason, you should speak with your healthcare provider any time you experience a significant change in your period.
See your healthcare provider if you could be pregnant or if you develop any of the following symptoms:
No Period Because of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PreventionThe following lifestyle factors can help keep your periods regular:Healthy dietModerate exercise scheduleStress-management practicesAdequate restRegular visits with your healthcare provider
Prevention
The following lifestyle factors can help keep your periods regular:Healthy dietModerate exercise scheduleStress-management practicesAdequate restRegular visits with your healthcare provider
The following lifestyle factors can help keep your periods regular:
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Having an irregular period can affect your well-being and quality of life. You should talk with your healthcare provider whenever you experience a significant change in your menstrual cycle. Many causes of irregular periods can be treated or even prevented. In addition to talking with your healthcare provider, consider making any needed lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or starting a moderate exercise program.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSeveral possible causes of irregular periods include stress, smoking, weight changes, and chronic health conditions.Yes, a high level of stress is strongly linked with irregular periods. A high level of cortisol (known as the stress hormone) can alter the menstrual cycle and lead to irregular periods.The treatment for irregular periods depends on the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include hormonal birth control, intrauterine device, and pain management.
Several possible causes of irregular periods include stress, smoking, weight changes, and chronic health conditions.
Yes, a high level of stress is strongly linked with irregular periods. A high level of cortisol (known as the stress hormone) can alter the menstrual cycle and lead to irregular periods.
The treatment for irregular periods depends on the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include hormonal birth control, intrauterine device, and pain management.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bae J, Park S, Kwon JW.Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause.BMC Womens Health. 2018;18(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0528-xNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Office on Women’s Health.Period problems.Miyamoto M, Hanatani Y, Shibuya K.Relationship among nutritional intake, anxiety, and menstrual irregularity in elite rowers.Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3436. doi:10.3390/nu13103436American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.Harvard Health.When you visit your doctor: Irregular menstrual periods.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bae J, Park S, Kwon JW.Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause.BMC Womens Health. 2018;18(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0528-xNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Office on Women’s Health.Period problems.Miyamoto M, Hanatani Y, Shibuya K.Relationship among nutritional intake, anxiety, and menstrual irregularity in elite rowers.Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3436. doi:10.3390/nu13103436American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.Harvard Health.When you visit your doctor: Irregular menstrual periods.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bae J, Park S, Kwon JW.Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause.BMC Womens Health. 2018;18(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0528-xNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Office on Women’s Health.Period problems.Miyamoto M, Hanatani Y, Shibuya K.Relationship among nutritional intake, anxiety, and menstrual irregularity in elite rowers.Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3436. doi:10.3390/nu13103436American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.Harvard Health.When you visit your doctor: Irregular menstrual periods.
Bae J, Park S, Kwon JW.Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause.BMC Womens Health. 2018;18(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0528-x
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?
Office on Women’s Health.Period problems.
Miyamoto M, Hanatani Y, Shibuya K.Relationship among nutritional intake, anxiety, and menstrual irregularity in elite rowers.Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3436. doi:10.3390/nu13103436
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Harvard Health.When you visit your doctor: Irregular menstrual periods.
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