Menstrual cycles are dynamic. They can vary for many reasons and in many ways. The length of your cycle, the heaviness of your period, and the symptoms you experience can all fluctuate. These variations are usually normal and healthy. In some cases though, they can point to something more serious, like a medical condition that needs your attention.
Clinically speaking, cycles are described in two ways: regular and irregular. This refers to a cycle's length, and how much cycle length varies, cycle-to-cycle. There are also regular and irregular ranges for menstrual bleeding, and regular and irregular ranges for pain. A period that comes every cycle at exactly the same time is not the norm. But even outside of those times, slight variations in timing and symptoms are common. If you are stressed out during the first half of your cycle, for example, your ovulation may happen a couple of days later than usual.
This will cause certain symptoms such as sore breasts to happen later as well. Your period will also then be a couple of days late 1. They can be caused by changes in your environment, behavior, or health, including things like diet and exercise, sleep changes and jetlag and smoking 3,4. Slight changes in your cycle length, period length, and period volume are also normal over time 1. Menstrual cycles are caused by the rhythmic ups and downs of your reproductive hormones, and the physical changes those ups and downs cause.
They trigger the growth of follicles in the ovaries, the release of an egg ovulation and the growth and shedding of the uterine lining the period. The reproductive hormones include estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and others. In a way, hormones in the menstrual cycle act a bit like they are in a relay race.
As the cycle moves forward, one hormone often triggers the next, which then triggers the next, moving the cycle through its different phases. Having more or less of certain hormones will create changes in the pace and timing of the cycle. Endometriosis causes very painful, even debilitating menstrual cramps.
Endometriosis also causes heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods. Exploratory surgery is the only way to diagnose endometriosis. Obesity is known to cause menstrual irregularity.
Research shows that being overweight impacts hormone and insulin levels, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle. Rapid weight gain can also cause menstrual irregularities.
Weight gain and irregular periods are common signs of PCOS and hypothyroidism , and should be evaluated by your doctor.
Excessive or rapid weight loss can cause your period to stop. Not consuming enough calories can interfere with the production of the hormones needed for ovulation.
Along with stopped periods, you may also experience fatigue, headaches , and hair loss. Intense or excessive exercise has been shown to interfere with the hormones responsible for menstruation. Female athletes and women who participate in intensive training and physical activities, such as ballet dancers, often develop amenorrhea , which is missed or stopped periods. Research shows that stress can interfere with your menstrual cycle by temporarily interfering with the part of the brain that controls the hormones that regulate your cycle.
Your periods should return to normal after your stress decreases. Try these 16 techniques to relieve your stress. Cervical and endometrial cancers can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, along with bleeding between periods or heavy periods. 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. They may also have intermittent menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. During this time, you can also expect some variation in the number of days of bleeding or the amount of flow.
Some cycles may be skipped and then followed by a heavy cycle. Remember, you know your body best. If something doesn't feel right to you, contact your provider to determine the right course of action. Seeing your provider for an annual physical is a great opportunity for you to talk about any changes to your menstrual cycle and body.
Articles for your health. CARE Is this normal? Your period in your 20s, 30s and 40s Healthy Set Go team. A typical period cycle is 28 days. Menstruation typically lasts two to seven days.
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