Irregular Periods: Causes and When to See a Doctor
ஒழுங்கற்ற மாதவிடாய் · மாதவிடாய் பிரச்சனைIrregular periods are very common, and many causes are easy to treat. Here is what is normal, what can cause a change, and the signs that mean you should see a gynecologist.
What is a normal period?
Count the days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. In most adult women this is between 21 and 35 days, and bleeding lasts about 2 to 7 days. In the first few years after periods begin, and in the years before menopause, cycles are often less regular.
Common causes of irregular periods
Many things can change your cycle. Some are temporary and some need treatment:
- PCOS / PCOD (polycystic ovaries): irregular ovulation, often with acne, extra hair growth or weight gain
- Thyroid problems, an underactive or overactive thyroid
- Stress, sudden weight loss or gain, very heavy exercise
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Birth control pills, injections or a hormonal IUD
- Raised prolactin, a hormone that can stop ovulation
- Perimenopause, the years before menopause
- Fibroids or polyps in the womb, usually with heavy or long bleeding
Read more about PCOS treatment and gynaecology care.
When should I see a gynecologist?
See a doctor if you have:
- no period for 3 months and you are not pregnant
- cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, again and again
- bleeding for more than 7 days
- bleeding so heavy that you soak a pad every hour or two, or pass large clots
- bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
- severe period pain that stops your daily life
- acne, extra facial hair and weight gain together (signs of PCOS)
- no pregnancy after 12 months of trying (6 months if you are 35 or older)
What tests and treatment can I expect?
Your doctor will ask about your cycles and may suggest a pregnancy test, blood tests (for example thyroid and hormones, and haemoglobin if bleeding is heavy) and an ultrasound scan of the pelvis. Treatment depends on the cause. It can be lifestyle changes, medicines to regulate the cycle or treat the underlying problem, or, for fibroids and polyps, a procedure. Please do not take hormone tablets on your own.
Care at Abishek Hospital
Dr. Jayanthi Prabakaran, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Abishek Hospital, Erode Fort, sees women for irregular, heavy and painful periods. Message us on WhatsApp or call 97505 11225 to book. Clinic hours are Mon – Sat, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM, and emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. About the doctor.
This guide is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Related videos from our YouTube channel
Videos are general health education, not a replacement for a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Are irregular periods always PCOS?
Can stress delay my period?
When should I take a pregnancy test if my period is late?
Can irregular periods affect getting pregnant?
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Lady doctor consultations for periods, fibroids, cysts, discharge, pelvic pain, menopause and family planning.
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