Why is periods irregular

Bleeding during or after intercourse and unusual discharge are other signs and symptoms of these cancers. Remember that these symptoms are more commonly caused by other issues. There are several possible causes of irregular periods, many of which require medical treatment.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:. Tracking your period is a good idea even when your period is regular. You can track your period on a calendar or in a notebook, or use one of the many period tracking apps available. Begin tracking your period by marking the first day of your period on a calendar. Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track.

Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help. Read the article in Spanish. Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes.

Diagnosis depends on the consistency, smell, and color of the discharge. It may…. Vaginal bleeding between periods is a common experience with many possible causes. When this occurs, a person may notice light brown spotting in their….

While occasional changes in the menstrual cycle are not unusual, frequently experiencing two periods in a month may indicate an underlying medical…. Hormonal birth control. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. Thyroid problems. Share on Pinterest An underactive thyroid may cause longer, heavier periods. Uterine fibroids. Being overweight. Extreme weight loss and eating disorders. Excessive exercise. Kwak Y, Kim Y.

Irregular Menstruation According to Occupational Status. August Period Problems. Department of Health and Human Services. March 16, December 16, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology India. January 20, Multiple Sclerosis Related Disorders. April April 12, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

April 1, Perimenopause: Overview. Mayo Clinic. May 7, Statistics About Irregular Periods in Women. Menopause Now. May 30, Early Pregnancy Loss. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometrial cells are the cells that shed every month during menstruation, so endometriosis is most likely to affect women during their childbearing years.

The cellular growth involved in endometriosis is not cancerous. There may be no symptoms, but it can be painful, and it can lead to other problems. If released blood gets stuck in surrounding tissue, it can damage the tissue, causing severe pain, irregular periods, and infertility.

Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. If detected early it can be treated with antibiotics , but if it spreads, it can damage the fallopian tubes and the uterus, resulting in chronic, or long-term, pain. There are many symptoms, and they including bleeding between periods and after sex. Maintaining a healthful lifestyle can help reduce the risk of some of the causes of irregular periods.

Some herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, chasteberry, licorice root, and turmeric are all said to help , but research has not confirmed their effectiveness, and they may have adverse effects. It is better to speak to a doctor first. Puberty and menopause : Irregular periods that occur during puberty or as the woman approaches menopause do not usually need treatment.

Birth control : If irregular bleeding is due to contraception, and it continues for several months, the woman should talk to a health care professional about other options. A lower weight means the body does not need to produce so much insulin. This leads to lower testosterone levels and a better chance of ovulating. Thyroid problems : Treatment for the underlying problem is likely to be prescribed.

This may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Stress and eating disorders : Psychological therapy may help if emotional stress, an eating disorder, or sudden weight loss have triggered irregular periods. This may include relaxation techniques, stress management, and talking to a therapist. The doctor may prescribe metformin, an insulin-lowering oral drug for type 2 diabetes , which can help ensure ovulation and regular periods. A low-dose birth control pill that containing a combination of estrogen and progesterone may help.

This will decrease androgen production and will help to correct abnormal bleeding. Alternatively, taking progesterone for 10 to 14 days each month is likely to regulate the periods. Irregular periods can indicate a problem with fertility, but this is not always so. Ovulation can occur, even while menstruation is irregular. Here are some things you can do to track ovulation :. If irregular periods are linked to fertility problems, these records will help a doctor reach a diagnosis.

Many people experience symptoms, such as cramps, acne, or tender breasts, when a period is on its way. Learn the signs a period is coming.