Irregular menstruation

What is irregular menstruation?

A period is considered irregular if the cycle is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or if your period is sometimes completely absent.

Characteristics of irregular menstruation

• Highly variable cycle length.
• Sometimes no periods for months, then heavy bleeding again.
• Unpredictable ovulation, which can affect fertility.

Causes of irregular menstruation

• Hormonal imbalance (for example, due to PCOS or thyroid problems).
• Stress, weight loss or obesity.
• Perimenopause, the transition to menopause.
• Use or discontinuation of contraception.
• Extreme sports or eating disorders.

When should you see a doctor?

• If your period is delayed for more than 3 months for no apparent reason.
• If you suddenly have much more intense or painful periods.
• If you are trying to get pregnant but are having trouble ovulating.