Miller, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Are Irregular Periods? Irregular periods are very common, especially in a girl's first few years of getting her period. What Are Regular Periods? These may include: back cramps or stiffness heavier breasts or breast soreness headaches acne breakouts disturbed sleep patterns mood swings bloating loose stools How Can I Be Prepared?
Girls who are pregnant also will not get their periods. Also let the doctor know if: You were having regular periods that then become irregular. You stop getting your period. You have extra hair growth on the face, chin, chest, or abdomen. You start having periods that last longer than 7 days, are heavy, or are coming more often than every 21 days.
Your period comes less often than every 45 days. You have severe cramping or abdominal pain. Symptoms include irregular or no periods, obesity , acne , and excess hair growth. Women with PCOS have unusually high levels of the male sex hormone, androgen, or testosterone. Girls as young as 11 years old have been diagnosed with PCOS. A thyroid disorder can cause irregular periods. Cervical or uterine cancer , or cancer of the womb, may, in rare cases, cause bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse.
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that are normally found inside the uterus, called endometrial cells, grow outside it. In other words, the lining of the inside of the uterus is found outside of it.
Endometrial cells are the cells that shed every month during menstruation, so endometriosis is most likely to affect women during their childbearing years.
The cellular growth involved in endometriosis is not cancerous. There may be no symptoms, but it can be painful, and it can lead to other problems. If released blood gets stuck in surrounding tissue, it can damage the tissue, causing severe pain, irregular periods, and infertility.
Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. If detected early it can be treated with antibiotics , but if it spreads, it can damage the fallopian tubes and the uterus, resulting in chronic, or long-term, pain.
There are many symptoms, and they including bleeding between periods and after sex. Maintaining a healthful lifestyle can help reduce the risk of some of the causes of irregular periods. Some herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, chasteberry, licorice root, and turmeric are all said to help , but research has not confirmed their effectiveness, and they may have adverse effects.
It is better to speak to a doctor first. Puberty and menopause : Irregular periods that occur during puberty or as the woman approaches menopause do not usually need treatment. Birth control : If irregular bleeding is due to contraception, and it continues for several months, the woman should talk to a health care professional about other options. A lower weight means the body does not need to produce so much insulin.
This leads to lower testosterone levels and a better chance of ovulating. It has also been shown to significantly reduce menstrual pain and bleeding, and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Cinnamon is generally regarded as a safe and effective natural treatment for young women with primary dysmenorrhea. A study published in linked low levels of vitamin D to irregular periods and suggested that taking vitamin D may help regulate menstruation.
A study also found it effective in treating menstrual irregularity in people with PCOS. Vitamin D is often added to some foods, including milk and other dairy products and cereal. You can also get vitamin D from sun exposure or through supplementation. B vitamins are often prescribed to those who are trying to conceive. They may help regulate your period , but more research is needed to confirm these claims. B vitamins may also lower the risk of premenstrual symptoms.
A study found that participants who consumed food sources of vitamin B had a significantly lower risk for PMS, and another study indicated that vitamin B-6 can alleviate premenstrual depression. A study showed that women who took 40 mg of vitamin B-6 and mg of calcium daily experienced a reduction in PMS symptoms. When using a supplement, follow the instructions on the packaging, and only buy supplements from reputable sources. You should also talk with your doctor to get the go-ahead before adding any new vitamins or supplements into your diet.
Research from showed that drinking 0. More research is needed to validate these results, as this study involved only seven participants.
Apple cider has a bitter taste, which may be difficult for some people to consume. If you want to try taking it but have a hard time with the flavor, you can try diluting it with water and adding a tablespoon of honey. Pineapple is a popular home remedy for menstrual issues. Your doctor may also recommend medication or some other type of treatment depending on the cause of your irregular periods. Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track.
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help. Read the article in Spanish. Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes.
Diagnosis depends on the consistency, smell, and color of the discharge. It may…. Vaginal bleeding between periods is a common experience with many possible causes. When this occurs, a person may notice light brown spotting in their…. While occasional changes in the menstrual cycle are not unusual, frequently experiencing two periods in a month may indicate an underlying medical…. Hormonal birth control. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. Thyroid problems. Share on Pinterest An underactive thyroid may cause longer, heavier periods.
Uterine fibroids. Being overweight. Extreme weight loss and eating disorders. Excessive exercise. Cervical and endometrial cancer.
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