Ladies, please tell me, is this at all normal??
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Answers:
To begin with, let me reassure you that most irregular periods are benign. Missed periods, too frequent periods, spotting, or bouts of heavy clotting and bleeding are usually caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance that is easily treated.
Most of us have missed a period at one point or another — some with anticipation of a pregnancy, others because of anxiety or tension. At the clinic, we see women who menstruate like clockwork, while others report never having had a regular cycle. One thing is a given, however: shifts in hormonal balance will alter whatever pattern a woman has experienced in the past. Such shifts are especially common in perimenopause.
What is an irregular period?
A textbook period happens every 24-29 days, but in truth what is “regular” covers a wide range. Cycles between 23-35 days are very common. A woman may get her period only one to four times a year. Or she might have periods that occur 2-3 times in a month and involve spotting or extremely heavy flow. Alternatively, she may have heavy episodes of bleeding every 2-3 months. Irregular periods are simply what is irregular for you.
For the most part, we don’t worry about a missed period or two over the course of a year. More variation than that may indicate to us the beginning of perimenopause or a disruption of the natural chain of hormonal events that controls menstruation. A wide variety of factors can be responsible for irregular periods, among them:
Significant weight gain or loss
Overexercise
Poor nutrition (or a diet too high in carbohydrates)
Smoking
Drug use
Caffeine
Excessive alcohol use (interfering with how the liver metabolizes estrogen and progesterone)
Eating disorders
Increased stress
Polycystic ovarian syndrome/Estrogen dominance
Uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endomet...
Hormonal imbalances related to perimenopause
Medications
Chemotherapy
As you can see, there are many different ways a woman can be irregular for as many different reasons, and it can be very confusing when it happens.
Why does being stressed cause irregular periods?
When we are stressed, regardless of the source (danger, personal relationships, work, environment) our adrenal glands are designed to secrete the hormone cortisol (see our article on adrenal fatigue). Cortisol has a direct impact on the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA. Eating disorders, dieting, drug use, and reliance on stimulants like caffeine and alcohol are also interpreted by the body as kinds of stress. Poor nutrition seems to physically change the proteins in the brain so they can no longer send the proper signals for normal ovulation.
Am I in menopause if I have irregular periods?
No — irregular periods are generally an indication of hormonal imbalance, not necessarily related to menopause. Strictly speaking, women aren’t considered menopausal until they have gone for one year without a menstrual period.
If you have not had a menstrual period for a full year and then experience bleeding, this is different from irregular periods and you should consult a physician.
By the way, it is a myth that a woman goes into menopause because her body runs out of eggs. If this were true, then women who experienced menarche (the first period in a woman’s life) earlier would enter menopause earlier. In fact, the opposite is true — early menarche is associated with late menopause. In the same vein, women who had more pregnancies and thereby fewer periods, would have menopause later, and that doesn’t happen, either. If you are experiencing increasing irregularity, you may be suffering from hormonal imbalance or entering perimenopause, and should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner.
Am I in perimenopause if I have irregular periods?
Not necessarily, but irregular periods are one of the most common signals of perimenopause. That’s why it’s best to check in with a healthcare practitioner. Women entering perimenopause often have irregular periods due to an imbalance of progesterone that upsets their cycle. Because progesterone regulates the amount and length of bleeding, periods can last longer and be accompanied by very heavy bleeding (also called menorrhagia or hypermenorrhagia). However, shorter or spottier periods can also indicate perimenopause. Please click here to learn more about irregular periods in perimenopause.
What does it mean if I miss a period or two?
The most common type of irregular period we see at the clinic is anovulation, or a cycle in which a woman does not ovulate (i.e., does not release an egg). This is frequently the cause of a missed period (an anovulatory cycle) and is considered normal if it occurs only once or twice a year. Clotting is also considered normal if it is cyclic.
Sporadic episodes of poor diet, high stress, emotional trauma, illness, or strenuous physical exercise are the usual suspects behind occasional anovulatory cycles. Sometimes something as simple as a family holiday or a week with the in-laws will play havoc with a menstrual cycle. Monthly periods are quite susceptible to dips and spikes in our emotions and our health. For the most part, once our lives return to normal, so do our periods.
On the other hand, a woman will sometimes skip her period for a few months and then start a heavy period that lasts for days or even weeks. This can be a sign that a woman is entering perimenopause (see above).
More and more we are seeing patients of all ages come into the clinic who have irregular periods due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an easily recognizable and treatable diagnosis that often occurs with insulin resistance. In this condition, the ovaries produce a quantity of follicles that generate high levels of estrogen but never release an egg. The high estrogens stimulate the uterine lining to thicken to a point where it must slough off. Women with PCOS are not having what are considered “real” menstrual periods because they do not regularly ovulate. For more information, we recommend you start with our article on insulin resistance, where you will find other helpful links about this topic.
What if I’m just spotting or not getting a period at all?
We’ve all heard stories from friends who’ve suddenly lost a lot of weight or begun a strenuous exercise regimen, then stopped getting their period. Anorexic women or those who exercise two to three hours a day can find their menstrual cycles diminish or stop due to a decrease in body fat. These women have low estrogen and are not ovulating. This is called stress-type hypothalamic amenorrhea, and it occurs when poor nutrition and stress alter the brain proteins and hormones. The brain can’t trigger the right hormones for follicle development, which make the necessary estrogens. Women with this irregularity tend to be at higher risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) and should be evaluated. Please click here for more information about amenorrhea.
Why does my period come twice a month?
In addition to missed periods, there are women who get more than one period in the span of a month. The causes for this are relatively unknown, but stress and lifestyle seem once again to play a major role. Ingesting medication or other substances that disrupt the luteal phase may be a factor, too.
I bleed really heavily when I get my period. What does this mean?
Low progesterone, PCOS, or other hormonal imbalances may be the culprit. If a woman has two or more successive months of heavy bleeding, a check-up is called for. Any kind of heavy bleeding can contribute to anemia. In this scenario, we often suggest a synthetic progestin such as Aygestin or Provera along with diet and exercise modifications to bring the bleeding back under control. We will also often suggest acupuncture for relief. If a patient has anemia, we try to stop the heavy menstrual flow and prescribe an iron supplement. Please click here for more information about menorrhagia (heavy periods).
What can I do about my irregular periods?
The first step is to talk to a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above. It’s a good idea to do the following:
Have a complete physical, including evaluations of thyroid function and blood pressure. Also, a complete blood count (CBC) test is quite important for the diagnosis of anemia.
A pelvic exam is critical to rule out any uterine abnormality, a cervical polyp or fibroid, or a uterine infection. These are less common causes but should be considered. Often an ultrasound will be required to evaluate the uterus, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Ultrasound of the uterus is useful and painless — you may already be familiar with this technique from pregnancy. If infection is a concern, antibiotics will be prescribed.
If you are trying to become pregnant, consult with a fertility specialist or a qualified OB/GYN practitioner for further testing.
What is the treatment for irregular periods?
Most of the time, simply decreasing our stress, improving nutrition and adding adequate nutritional supplements can provide a natural way to restore regular menstrual cycles. These steps alone give the body a much needed boost and will support the natural hormonal balance and monthly cycles we are meant to enjoy… and appreciate!
You can see big improvements with the following steps:
healthy dietary modifications, especially decreased intake of refined carbohydrates
supplementing nutritional gaps with a medical grade multivitamin, including calcium, magnesium, and a fish oil supplement
moderate exercise (this may require increasing or decreasing your current level of exercise)
stress relief through exercise or other relaxation techniques
For the majority of women who make these changes, a normal menstrual cycle returns without a hitch.
If the issue stems from an anovulatory or perimenopausal condition, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to normalize the cycle. This is often successful. Keep in mind however, that birth control pills are powerful hormones and often cause side effects. We recommend you start first with these more natural steps, including bioidentical progesterone cream, and only resort to birth control pills if your symptoms persist. If you do decide to take BCP’s for your irregular periods, you should still make sure to support your body in other ways.
Other Answers:
this is about as normal as a moose humping a telephone pole
I would get checked out. could just be hormonal imbalance, or it could be something more serious. Also, if you are on birth control that could affect it as well.
The same thing is happening to me. I went to the Dr. and she did all the usual annual exam stuff and then also ordered a thyroid blood test. Apparently a changing cycle could be a sign that there are thyroid issues. I suggest going to the Dr. (I am awaiting my results from my exam)
It happened to me, so I started the pill. See a gyno.
ive gone as long as 8 months w/ out it you just have an irregular period...it makes it harder to get pregnant but my doctor says im just irregular and no problems
This is considered abnormal. You definitely need to be check to determine the cause. It's possible you may be put on the pill for regulation.
At least go talk to the doctor. The pill should help regulate. Its probably just that... The doctor will make sure though, just to be safe.
There could be a number of reasons for this, but your Doctor could help you better. It isnt normal for this happening and he may put you on the pill to help regulate you. Talk to a professional, its not something to mess with.
This is very common, I sugguest you make an appointment with your physcian. They will give you a pill that will regulate your periods and also lessen more serious problems later
have you been sexually active at all during these past months?
the same thing started happening to my friend! and she went to the gyno and they couldnt find out what was wrong. but the pill is good for regulating a period
im on the pill because i get it too often (every 14 days.. and it lasts 8 days), i dont know what i'd do without it. probably bleed to death :(
It would be a good idea to go see a Dr. have you put on any weight? under alot of stess? exercise alot? these are just a few things that can change a period. Could you be pregnant? see a Dr. if it keeps up.
If you are sick of your unregular period, then go on the pill... my period is unregular and it's a pain in the bum which is why I'm on the pill. Having your period every 2 months is also common, again, I'm like that, because my periods are unregular, sometimes it can be 5-6 weeks before I have my period again... if you have any doubt or you need more information then contact your local Family Planning Clinic. You will have to give address and name and phone number details, but do't owrry, ALL information is kept confidential and cannot be leaked to your family. I hope this helps...
See a doctor. that isn't normal. It could indicate a hormone embalance and the doctor can give you something to regulate up to and including the pill and of course you shouldn't be going on the pill until the doctor tells you it's okay. You normally have to have a pelvic before starting on the pill
Dr. is the best bet. Could be hormones, stress,diet, intense exercise,etc.
Your cycle may still be adapting here and there. I've noticed that at times in my life, I only had a period every other month, other times, I had one every month. Have you been pregnant lately? Is there a possibility that you may be pregnant? Have you been eating right? Exercising A LOT? An insufficient diet can cause amenorrhea (lack of a period), as can extreme exercising. It's not unheard of for female athletes to go without a period. Also, stress can also make you skip.
I like being on the pill because I know exactly what day I'm going to get my period (I've fluctuated on occasion, but I usually get it on Wednesday during the green reminder pills). Plus, Ortho Tri-Cyclen has been proven to improve the condition of your skin too.
Not having a period for 3 months though is not normal. (They do have Seasonale, which gives you 4 periods a year...but you're not on that obviously LOL.) I would take a home pregnancy test and then see your gynecologist no matter what the result. If you are pregnant, you need obstetrical care asap and if you aren't, they should do a full pelvic exam and possibly blood work to see if there's another underlying cause.
no its not "normal" but it might not be anything at all to worry about, i have had mine for 9 years and i have went for 14 months straight without having a single period... and i am fine.. with 3 kids... the best thing is to make a check up appointment and tell ur doctor whats happening that way if anything is wrong they can find it.. and if your like me then there's nothing wrong then it will ease your mind to know.. i havent had one in 4 months and counting
yeah i would say go on the pill, but if that doesnt work ask your doctor
Maybe just a hormonal imbalance, you could get muscle tested that might find the problem, or you could be underweight. Have you recently lost weight?
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