The average adult menstrual cycle ranges from 24 to 38 days, while preteens and teens may experience more irregularity. However, even for average adults, cycles can vary based on a variety of different factors. Below we’ll explore some possible causes of irregular cycles.
General Hormonal Shifts
Hormones have the most impact on the menstrual cycle. When we experience a change that affects our hormone output, then our bodies are left to adapt which can take some trial and error. This can cause irregular periods as the body learns how to adapt to these changes. Not to worry though! Trust your body and give it the time it needs to adjust. These irregularities can be a natural reaction for your body. Here are a few quick examples of simple things that commonly cause hormone shifts:
- Stress
- Extreme weight change
- Illness
- Puberty
Anovulation
Anovulation is a lack of ovulation during the menstrual cycle. While this is not a period, it will still cause bleeding. It looks and feels like a period but is actually what’s referred to as an anovulatory cycle. These cycles are caused by hormonal shifts leading them to be common for girls who have recently begun menstruating and for women who are approaching menopause.
Hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland is overproducing (hyper) or underproducing (hypo) hormones. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help balance energy throughout your body. When thyroid hormones are out of balance it causes our body functions to feel all out of whack. Aside from affecting the menstrual cycle–hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can have a multitude of other symptoms so it’s best to consult with your doctor if you think you may be suffering from either of these.
Perimenopause
This is the time leading up to menopause. On average perimenopause is about a 4-year process. It is a period of transition for the body that puts your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels in flux. Perimenopause can affect a lot of bodily functions but most notably affects the menstrual cycle causing abnormal cycles and bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids
Another name for a uterine cyst–uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that appear in or on the uterus. Fibroids are fairly common with between 75% to 80% of women having them at some point in their lives. Not to worry, they are typically benign, meaning noncancerous. Doctors believe they are caused by hormone changes or hereditary factors. Fibroids cause physical changes in the uterus and therefore can cause changes to the menstrual cycle.
Experiencing abnormal period symptoms can be both unnerving and challenging. It’s important to remember that a variety of factors can cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle, most of which are not cause for alarm. But be sure to have open communication with your healthcare provider, sharing details about what you’re feeling and experiencing. This dialogue can help you understand your body better and ensure that you receive the appropriate care. Remember, you are never alone in navigating this aspect of your health.
What is Spotting?
Oftentimes, what we may think is an irregular period could just be spotting. Spotting is what’s commonly referred to when we experience bleeding or other period symptoms outside of our usual menstrual cycle. Most of the time when women experience irregular symptoms it falls under spotting rather than something like a light period.
If you have any questions or concerns because of your irregular periods, or any other issue with your menstrual cycle, reach out to one of Franciscan’s Gynecologists and schedule a consultation today!
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