You won’t surprise anyone with an irregular cycle: almost all women have encountered this, and for 25% it’s a normal part of life.
However, sometimes periods occur when they want to indicate that you have serious health problems. How do you know when it’s time to see a doctor? Let’s talk about everything in order.
What is a “normal” menstrual cycle?
A regular cycle lasts 21 to 35 days, including two to seven bleeding days. Not all menstrual discomfort is cause for concern: it is normal to feel pain or nausea. Does this sound like your case? You can’t read any further. Sounds like your dream period? Then you should know something.
Which cycle is considered abnormal?
It can be accompanied by debilitating pain, drag on for weeks, or be accompanied by heavy bleeding requiring a tampon change every hour instead of every four to eight. Such problems can occur for the following reasons:
- Due to age: Irregular periods can occur in teenage girls and women during perimenopause.
- Because of stress. An excess of cortisol can delay the start of the cycle or even “cancel” the bleeding.
- Due to drastic weight gain.
- Due to illness or new medications.
- Due to increased physical activity: Intense exercise can affect the regularity of menstruation.
- Due to a hormonal imbalance caused, in particular, by thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Due to a bleeding disorder that can cause abnormally heavy bleeding.
- Due to violations of the functions of the reproductive system – in particular, polyps, cysts and fibroids.
Yes
