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Menstrual Disorders 101: Common Causes of Irregular Periods and When to Seek Help

Are your periods unpredictable? You’re not alone. Many women experience irregular cycles caused by menstrual disorders. Understanding your menstrual health is important — and it’s time to clear up some of the confusion around irregular periods.

Imagine knowing when your period is coming or understanding why your cycle feels off. Whether it’s spotting, heavy bleeding, or periods that don’t show up when expected, understanding what’s happening (or not happening) empowers you to take charge of your menstrual health. 

Ready to figure out what your body is telling you? Let’s discuss menstrual disorders: what causes period irregularities, common reasons behind cycle changes, and when it’s time to seek help. 

What Is a Menstrual Disorder?

Simply put, a menstrual disorder occurs when your monthly cycle isn’t “normal” for you. This could mean your periods come too often, not often enough, last too long, are especially heavy, or sometimes disappear altogether. If you’re noticing frequent changes, you don’t have to live with the unpredictability. Help is available to get your cycle back on track.

Different Ways Periods Can Be Irregular

There are a few common types of menstrual cycle issues. You might hear terms like:

  • Amenorrhea: When your periods stop altogether for an extended time.
  • Oligomenorrhea: When periods are infrequent.
  • Polymenorrhea: When periods happen more frequently than usual.
  • Dysmenorrhea: When periods are extremely painful.
  • Menorrhagia: When periods are unusually heavy or long-lasting.

Any of these menstrual disorders can seriously disrupt your daily life. It’s best to seek evaluation by a healthcare provider.

How Menstrual Disorders Can Affect Your Life

Irregular periods caused by menstrual disorders can impact much more than your calendar. They may cause physical discomfort, emotional stress, and even interfere with daily plans. For those thinking about starting a family, menstrual irregularities can make tracking ovulation and getting pregnant more difficult.

Understanding how these issues affect your well-being is the first step toward finding solutions. Here at Empire OBGYN in Western NY, our compassionate providers are here to listen and help you find the answers you deserve.

Decoding Your Cycle: What’s “Regular” and What’s Not?

A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 21 to 35 days, and periods usually last between 2 and 7 days. If your cycle consistently falls outside this range, it may be considered irregular. Here’s what to watch for:

Periods That Come Too Soon or Too Late

If the time between your periods is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or if your periods have no predictable pattern, your cycle may be irregular.

Changes in How Long Your Period Lasts

If your period lasts less than 2 days or more than 7 days consistently, or if its length varies significantly from month to month, that could be a sign of a menstrual disorder.

Noticeable Shifts in Your Flow

Sudden changes in how heavy or light your period is can signal a problem. Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and hypomenorrhea (light bleeding) are both types of irregular bleeding.

Periods That Disappear

Missing three or more periods in a row (and not being pregnant) is definitely a sign that you should check in with your healthcare provider.Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by a number of things, so it’s best to seek professional evaluation to find the root cause of your irregular periods.

5 Common Causes For Menstrual Disorders

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones — particularly estrogen and progesterone. If these hormones fall out of balance, it can make your cycle unpredictable.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones), leading to infrequent, prolonged, or missed periods. Other signs may include acne or increased hair growth.

3. Thyroid Conditions

An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can disrupt your cycle. If you’re also noticing weight changes, fatigue, or mood swings, your thyroid may be involved.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Stress, major weight changes, excessive exercise, or poor nutrition can all influence your menstrual cycle. Recent life changes or unhealthy habits may be to blame.

5. Certain Medications

Medications like birth control pills, some antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can affect your period. If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed changes, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

Remember: everybody is different. If you’re worried about your menstrual cycle, consulting with a women’s health specialist in Western NY or an OBGYN in Buffalo can help you find answers.

Understanding How Hormones Affect Your Period

The Estrogen-Progesterone Balance

Estrogen and progesterone control most of the menstrual cycle. When they are in balance, periods are regular. Too much or too little of either can cause irregular flow or timing.

The Pituitary Gland’s Role

Your pituitary gland, located in the brain, produces FSH and LH — hormones that signal your ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone. Problems with the pituitary, including elevated prolactin levels, can disrupt your menstrual cycle.

How Birth Control Can Influence Your Cycle

Hormonal birth control often regulates periods but can sometimes cause irregular bleeding, especially when starting a new method or missing doses. Even non-hormonal methods can sometimes cause changes.

Noticing changes to your period and wondering what’s going on? Contact one of our providers at Empire OBGYN today to get a thorough evaluation.

Your Daily Habits & Your Period

  • Weight Changes: Large weight fluctuations can disrupt hormones.
  • Too Much Exercise: Overexercising can sometimes stop periods (athletic amenorrhea).
  • Poor Eating Habits: Malnutrition or eating disorders can lead to irregular periods.
  • Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can affect your hormones and cycle.

Lifestyle has a major impact on menstrual health. If things feel off, small changes — or professional support — can make a big difference.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Irregular Periods

Endometriosis: When Tissue Grows Where It Shouldn’t

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing painful, heavy, or irregular periods. Severe pelvic pain throughout your cycle may be a sign.

Uterine Fibroids: Non-Cancerous Growths

Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding. Their impact varies depending on size and location.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An Infection to Watch For

PID is an infection of the reproductive organs. Symptoms include irregular periods, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, or fever. Prompt treatment is critical to avoid long-term complications.

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait — our team at Empire OBGYN is ready to help. Call us today to set up an appointment.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Your Period?

  • Missing Periods: If you haven’t had a period for three months (and aren’t pregnant).
  • Heavy Bleeding or Severe Pain: Soaking through pads/tampons every hour for several hours or debilitating pain.
  • Sudden Cycle Changes: Noticeably shorter, longer, or different periods without a clear reason.
  • Bleeding Between Periods: Spotting between cycles could indicate polyps, fibroids, infections, or rarely, cervical cancer.

While occasional changes are normal, persistent or sudden irregularities should be evaluated. Empire OBGYN is here to provide compassionate, expert care to give you peace of mind and regain control of your reproductive health.

How Empire OBGYN Can Help You With Menstrual Disorders

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: We review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a full exam.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We offer ultrasounds, hormone testing, and other diagnostics to find the cause of irregular periods.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: From hormone therapy to minimally invasive surgery, we tailor treatments to your needs.

Ongoing Support: We partner with you throughout your journey to improve your menstrual health and overall health for the long term.

Keeping Your Menstrual Cycle In Check with Empire OBGYN

Understanding menstrual disorders and irregular periods empowers you to take charge of your health. Many factors — from hormones to lifestyle — can influence your cycle. Knowing the signs and when to seek help puts you in control.

Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign of your reproductive and overall health. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Empire OBGYN offers the compassionate, personalized care you deserve.Are you concerned about your menstrual cycle? Contact our team today at (716) 877-1221 or visit www.empireobgyn.com to make an appointment.