What’s Causing Your Irregular Period?

In a perfect world, your period arrives predictably on time every month without throwing you any unexpected changes in duration, intensity, or symptoms. But in reality, it seems like we’re constantly learning the ins-and-outs of what “normal” is supposed to look like as far as our cycles are concerned.

Disruptions in your cycle are often explained by things like diet, stress, or a recent illness, though sometimes they signal underlying issues that require attention. Let’s look at the causes of irregular periods from a holistic angle, and understand if it’s necessary to reach out to a doctor for more insight.

Menstrual Cycle Basics

First, let’s start with a basic understanding of the menstrual cycle. The cycle is typically around 28 days long, though a “normal” cycle can range from 21 to 35 days (1).

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles in regulating when your period comes, when you ovulate, and your cycle as a whole. Variations in the length of your cycle depend mainly on the timing of ovulation, which usually happens 2 weeks prior to the start of your period.

If you’re taking hormonal birth control, this suppresses ovulation, so the “period” you have is actually more like a withdrawal bleed instead of a response to ovulation.

Listen: 7 Hormones Every Woman Should Know

What’s Considered an Irregular Period?

There are several variations in menstrual cycles that can be considered irregular. Here are a few examples (1):

• Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Bleeding between periods (called intermenstrual bleeding)
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding (called menorrhagia)
• Absent periods for more than three months (called amenorrhea)

Causes of Irregular Periods

Now, let’s look at some potential underlying causes of irregular periods.

Hormonal Imbalance

As mentioned before, hormones play a crucial role in regulating your menstrual cycle. Any imbalance in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can lead to disruptions in your period.

Common hormonal imbalances can result from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and even stress.

Read: 10 Most Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance

Weight Changes

Significant weight changes, either weight gain or weight loss, can also cause irregular periods. This is because fat cells produce estrogen, so an increase or decrease in body fat can affect hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle (2).

Medications

Certain medications, including some types of birth control and anti-inflammatory drugs, may also cause irregular periods as a side effect.

Medical Conditions

Irregular periods can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If your period has become irregular recently, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss whether treatment is necessary.

What Causes a Period to Arrive Early?

If you’re tracking your period and notice that it’s arrived earlier than expected, there could be a few potential reasons.

• Stress: High levels of stress can affect hormone production and lead to an early period (2).
• Birth control: Some types of birth control, such as hormonal IUDs or the pill, can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting, resulting in an earlier period.
• Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, hormone levels fluctuate, which can result in periods arriving earlier than usual.
• Thyroid Imbalance: An overactive thyroid gland can cause irregular periods and could potentially cause them to arrive early (3).
• Drastic changes in sleep: Women who work night shifts, or switch between daytime and nighttime shifts— like nurses—often experience irregular periods (4). These changes are most likely due to the impact on circadian rhythm and melatonin production (5). 

What Causes A Late Period?

Like early periods, late periods can also have various causes, including:

• Pregnancy: If you’re sexually active and your period is late, it’s essential to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy as the cause.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This metabolic & hormonal disorder can cause irregular or skipped periods due to imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Excessive Exercise: Intense or excessive exercise can affect hormone production and lead to delayed or missed periods.
• Weight Changes: Significant changes in weight, whether gain or loss, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and result in a late period.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, may also cause a delay in periods.
• Stress: High levels of stress can affect the hormones that control the menstrual cycle, leading to late periods.
• Perimenopause or Menopause: Approaching menopause, periods may become irregular or stop altogether due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Read: Top 5 Causes of Female Infertility, Explained

Managing Irregular Periods

Although irregular periods can be frustrating, there are ways to manage them and maintain some control over your menstrual cycle. Here are a few tips:

• Keep track of your period: Use a calendar or period-tracking app to monitor the length and frequency of your menstrual cycles. This can help identify patterns or irregularities.
• Reduce stress: High levels of stress can affect hormone levels and cause irregular periods. Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques or therapy, can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
• Treat underlying medical conditions: If an underlying medical condition is causing irregular periods, treating the condition may also help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Remember, every woman’s body is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns or experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle.

When to Call Your Doctor

While irregular periods are often manageable, certain red flags indicate the need for medical attention. If periods are excessively heavy or prolonged, it could signify underlying health problems. 

Severe pain during menstruation, known as dysmenorrhea, also warrants investigation. Sudden changes in period patterns, such as extremely short or long cycles, should also prompt consultation with a healthcare provider. These signs may indicate conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which require professional evaluation and treatment.

Healing Your Cycle

If you experience irregular periods, know that there is hope for healing and finding balance in your menstrual cycle. By addressing any underlying health issues and making lifestyle changes, you can work towards achieving a regular period.Remember to be patient with your body and listen to its needs. Some women may find relief through holistic therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies, while others may benefit from dietary changes or exercise. Ultimately, it’s important to prioritize self-care and seek professional guidance if needed in order to maintain healthy menstrual cycles.