Women typically have menstrual cycles every 28 (anywhere between 21 and 35 days), and their periods usually last four to seven days. Several things may cause an irregular menstrual cycle, like certain shifts in hormone levels, specific medications, health conditions, stress, and more. 

On that note, most experts will consider a period regular, even if there are slight inconsistencies from one cycle to the next.

In the following article, the expert team at the OB-GYN Specialists of South Miami will aim to uncover the most common causes of abnormal menstruation and discuss when women should be concerned about their periods. 

Examples of Abnormal Menstruation

Woman Hand Holding Calendar With Question Mark Waiting for Late Blood Period, Amenorrhea, Irregular Periods Concept

The most prevalent examples of irregular periods are when: 

  • Your periods occur fewer than three weeks or more than five weeks apart.
  • You have missed three or more periods, one after the other.
  • The bleeding is much lighter or heavier than regularly.
  • Your periods last longer than a week.
  • The time between your cycles varies by more than eight or nine days.
  • You experience nausea, cramping, and vomiting during painful periods.
  • You get spotting between periods, after sexual intercourse, or even after menopause.
  • You deal with heavy bleeding and go through several sanitary pads or tampons in less than an hour.

The Conditions Related to Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Most women know that their cycles may not always be entirely predictable, which is perfectly normal. Slight variations in length and flow intensity from period to period are acceptable and shouldn’t usually be a cause for concern. Some minor irregularities are relatively common, and women aren’t expected to predict their cycle to be considered entirely normal. 

Still, the following irregularities are conditions that will most probably need to be medically addressed. 

Amenorrhea

This is a condition when the patient has completely stopped having their periods for more than 90 days when there’s no pregnancy, and the patient isn’t breastfeeding or going through menopause. Amenorrhea may also be present if the patient is around 15 or 16 years old and has begone breast development but hasn’t started menstruating yet. 

Dysmenorrhea

While some discomfort during a menstrual cycle is normal, in the case of dysmenorrhea, the cramping and pain are usually pretty severe during each period.

Oligomenorrhea

In this condition, menstrual cycles are infrequent, with patients often having only six or eight periods a year or usually going more than 35 days between every period. 

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a condition in which there’s bleeding between monthly periods, extremely heavy periods, or prolonged bleeding. 

Symptoms and Causes of Abnormal Menstruation

When exploring the causes of irregular menstrual cycles, experts usually state that there are several factors, from stress to more complex medical conditions. 

On that end, the most common medical conditions will usually include the following issues:

  • Endometriosis, in which endometrial tissue develops and grows outside the uterus, attaching itself to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing cramps, abnormal bleeding, and painful periods.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection caused by an STI. The bacteria spread from the vagina to the upper genital tract and uterus, causing heavy vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and irregular periods. 
  • PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, in which the ovaries produce more androgens than needed. This can lead to ovulation delays and irregular periods. In some cases, it may bring menstruation to a complete halt. 
  • Primary ovarian insufficiency occurs in women under 40 years of age. Their ovaries don’t function as they should, causing irregular and missed periods.  
  • Pituitary gland and thyroid problems like underactive or overactive thyroids and other pituitary gland and thyroid disorders can affect hormones, causing abnormalities in women’s menstrual cycles. 
  • Bleeding disorders can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Cancer, such as ovarian and uterine malignancies, can affect menstrual periods. 

Lifestyle factors may also contribute to abnormalities in your periods: 

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Significant weight loss
  • Significant weight gain
  • Rigorous exercise that results in very low bodyfat levels
  • Viruses

Lastly, certain medications, breastfeeding, and pregnancy complications may also contribute to irregular periods. These “other” causes may include: 

  • Going on and off birth control pills as these can alter the hormonal balance in the female body.
  • Medications like blood thinners and steroids.
  • Scarring, blockages, or surgery in the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. 

Diagnosing an Irregular Menstrual Cycle 

Women are often advised to track every change to their menstrual cycle, especially when this becomes more prevalent. Symptoms like bleeding between periods, clamping, and passing large clots should all be shared with your healthcare provider.

Diagnosing menstrual abnormalities involves an appointment where you and your healthcare expert discuss your medical history and menstrual cycle. You might also get a physical examination along with a pelvic exam. Specific tests may also be ordered, such as: 

  • Pelvic ultrasound
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Endometrial biopsy

Treatment Options

A Model of the Female Reproductive System in the Background Is a Girl in a Doctor S Office With Irregular Periods.

Typically, the most suitable treatment for menstrual abnormalities will depend on the underlying causes.

That said, medications are usually the first option, which may include the following:

  • Hormonal birth control can manage PCOS, endometriosis, or fibroids. These drugs can help regulate the menstrual cycle. 
  • Pain relievers can help with pain and cramping symptoms.
  • Tranexamic acid can help with heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Antibiotics can help if the irregularities are caused by infection. 
  • Homoney therapy may also be helpful if the irregularities are due to perimenopause. HRT can also help with menopausal problems, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
  • Gonadotrpin-releasing hormone agonists that shrink the size of uterine fibroids and help control heavy bleeding. On the other hand, they also temporarily stop your cycles. 

In other cases, depending on your condition, surgical treatment may be needed. These include the following procedures: 

  • Myomectomy removes uterine fibroids, which leads to irregular bleeding.
  • Endometrial ablation uses cold or heat to destroy the tissue lining the uterus, decreasing the menstrual flow during your period. 
  • Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus as a last resort if the excess endometrial tissue has caused severe damage.
  • Uterine artery embolization cuts off the uterus’ blood supply and stops uterine fibroids from growing. 

Aiming For Prevention and Expert Care 

For the most part, women can implement healthy lifestyle changes such as eating well and exercising moderately to help avoid any problems that may lead to menstrual abnormalities. Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential. However, too rigorous, low-calorie diets can be harmful. Stress management is also pivotal, along with using birth control methods as directed. Good vaginal hygiene and adequate rest are also crucial to keeping your periods regular. Lastly, visiting your healthcare provider for regular checkups is also vital.

On that end, if you are experiencing severe cramping, unusually heavy bleeding, or prolonged or irregular periods, feel free to contact our experts in obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, today.

Together, we can discover the underlying causes that concern you and find the appropriate treatment plan that suits your needs and preferences.