When a woman experiences irregular menstruation, their period occurs less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. The condition is known as oligomenorrhea. How to determine irregular menstruation is the bigger question for many women. But, it's simple! They need to count their last period date and stop counting till the first day of the next period.
Let’s sneak peek at some of the significant causes of irregular menstruation!
Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, they will not have period. A missed period is the best indicator of pregnancy. Other signs and symptoms of pregnancy include:
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Fatigue
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Nausea
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Morning sickness
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Tender breasts
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Birth control pills
Birth control pills hinder period as they can contain progestin and estrogen. These hormones prevent the body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation.
It is learned that some women have irregular period for up to six months after using birth control pills for a longer time. Furthermore, progestin-based pills can cause bleeding between period.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
It is a hormonal disorder that causes high testosterone levels, which can prevent period. PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones).
Other symptoms of PCOS may include:
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Acne
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Depression
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Excessive hair growth
According to studies, 87 percent of women with irregular menstrual cycles experience PCOS.
Uterine polyps or fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours in the wall of the uterus, and uterine polyps are non-cancerous growths in the lining of the uterus. Fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and pain.
Eating disorder
An eating disorder can cause irregular menstruation. Some of the common eating disorders include
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Anorexia nervosa
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Bulimia nervosa
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Binge eating disorder
The eating disorder occurs mostly by someone who has experienced severe weight loss.
What are the signs of an eating disorder?
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Fasting and binge eating
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Excessive eating even when the stomach is full
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Calories restrictions during meals
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Using the bathroom immediately after meals
Endometriosis
It is a condition where the endometrial tissue starts to grow outside the uterus. It can cause
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Abnormal bleeding
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Cramps or pain before and during periods
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Painful intercourse.
Stress
According to studies, a person with higher stress levels experiences irregular periods. The adrenaline and cortisol level spikes during stress and interact with the sex hormones that regulate menstruation.
Excessive workouts
Too much exercising can hinder the period cycle of a woman and sometimes end the period.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive system in women. The bacteria may enter the vagina through fluids during sex. It can also enter the reproductive tract through childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
Common symptoms of PID include:
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Heavy vaginal discharge
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Irregular periods
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Pelvic pain
Medications
Some medications can also affect periods. The common medications are
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Aspirin
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NSAIDs
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Chemotherapy drugs
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Thyroid medications
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Antidepressants
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Epilepsy drugs
There are many factors associated with irregular menstruation. It's best to consult a doctor for diagnoses and treatment.