Irregular Periods: Causes, Treatments, and Monitoring Your Cycle

Many women will experience irregular periods at various stages of life. Understanding what might be causing changes in your menstrual cycle – and how to manage these changes and seek help – can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing. Here, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind irregular periods, what treatments are available, and how monitoring your cycle can help you stay aware of the changes going on in your body.

What Are Some Common Causes of Irregular Periods?

Menstrual cycles can vary in length and flow, but irregular periods are often defined as cycles that fall outside the typical range of 21–35 days or that differ significantly from month to month. Here are some common causes:

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. If you conceive during a cycle, changes in hormones stop your monthly bleed to support your growing pregnancy. If your period is more than a few days late and there’s a chance you could be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test can clear up any doubt.

• Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle. Any disruption to their balance can lead to irregular periods. Conditions such as thyroid disorders or elevated prolactin levels can also interfere with hormone production.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common condition that affects how ovaries function, often leading to irregular or absent periods. It’s caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can also result in symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty conceiving.

• Diet

Undereating or eating an unbalanced diet can sometimes disrupt your menstrual cycle. If your body doesn’t receive enough nutrients or you lose significant weight, it may suppress ovulation as a way of preserving energy in your body. This often leads to missed or irregular periods.

• Perimenopause and Menopause

As you approach menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can cause changes in your cycle. During perimenopause you might notice that your periods become irregular, heavier, lighter, or less frequent before they stop altogether.

• Medications

Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants, and treatments for chronic illnesses, can affect your menstrual cycle. If you suspect your medication is affecting your periods, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for advice.

Sometimes, you might be experiencing irregular periods without a clear cause. Factors such as stress, changes in exercise or diet, or even changes in your body may play a role. When this is the case, cycles often return to normal on their own.

Is It Normal to Start Getting Irregular Periods as You Approach Menopause?

Yes, it’s common for menstrual cycles to become irregular during perimenopause — the transitional phase before menopause. Changes in hormones can lead to longer or shorter cycles, skipped periods, or changes in flow. While these changes are typically normal, speak to your doctor if you experience extremely heavy bleeding or other symptoms that are not normal for you.

Why Might Your Periods Be Irregular After Having a Baby?

After giving birth, it can take several months for your menstrual cycle to settle. Breastfeeding often delays ovulation and menstruation due to increased prolactin levels. Even if you’re not breastfeeding, hormonal adjustments and the physical recovery from childbirth can lead to irregular cycles.

Can Periods Be Irregular After Having a Miscarriage?

Yes, it’s common for periods to be irregular following a miscarriage. Your body needs time to regulate its hormones and return to a normal cycle. If your periods remain irregular for several months or you notice worrying symptoms such as extremely heavy bleeding or pain, it’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Can Fertility Be Affected by Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods can sometimes indicate underlying issues that affect ovulation, such as PCOS or hormonal imbalances, which can impact fertility. However, many people with irregular cycles are still able to conceive. If you’re trying to get pregnant and have irregular periods, speaking to a fertility specialist at our clinic can help to identify any challenges, and offer treatment paths that can prove very effective in helping you to get pregnant.

Is Monitoring Your Periods Useful?

Tracking your menstrual cycle can be a valuable way of understanding your body. Using apps, calendars, or a notebook to log the timing, flow, and any associated symptoms can help you to see patterns and irregularities. This information can also help your doctor to better understand what’s going on for you

What Are the Treatments That Can Help to Regulate Periods?

Treatment for irregular periods depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and managing stress, can help. For others, medical treatments may be recommended, including:

• Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills or other hormonal medications can regulate cycles.
• Addressing Underlying Conditions: Treating conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or excessive weight loss can often help to regulate your cycle.
• Monitoring Symptoms: Taking note of any heavy or prolonged bleeding, spotting between periods, or pain, can help your doctor to understand what’s going on.

If your periods are occasionally irregular but don’t cause discomfort or interfere with your life, treatment may not be necessary. However, you should always see your doctor about significant changes or unusual symptoms.

If You’re Trying for a Baby, Can Ovulation Induction Help?

Ovulation induction is a fertility treatment that stimulates the ovaries to release eggs. This can be particularly helpful if irregular periods are caused by infrequent ovulation. At our clinic, we have fertility experts on hand to offer you a thorough consultation. Often, medication such as Clomiphene or Letrozole can be effective in triggering ovulation, and therefore increasing your chances of conceiving.

Visit The Medical Chambers Kensington for Help With Irregular Periods

There can be many reasons why your periods become irregular. At our clinic, we have a women’s health team consisting of GPs, consultant gynaecologists, fertility experts and more, ready to offer their expertise, care and guidance. To find out more, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.