An irregular cycle can refer to a disruption in the number of days in a menstrual cycle or the type of period a woman has. Causes include dietary changes, excessive exercise, hormonal changes, pregnancy, birth control, and medications. It’s common, but if it continues, it’s best to visit a doctor.
An irregular cycle can refer to a few different things, but generally refers to a disruption in the number of days in a menstrual cycle. The norm for one menstrual cycle is 28 days; this means that the first day of menstruation is counted as the first day, and a woman can therefore logically expect to start menstruating again on day 28, which will then start again as the first day. In an irregular period, therefore, the menstrual cycle may be longer or shorter than 28 days, and some women may miss a month or more and not menstruate at all.
Also, an irregular period can refer to the type of period a woman has. A period of one month could be very heavy, while the following month could be very light. The causes of irregular periods can vary and include dietary changes, excessive exercise, hormonal changes, pregnancy, irregular ovulation, birth control, or other types of medications. Some types of cold or cough medicines, for example, can cause an irregular period for up to a month.
Excessive dieting, weight loss, or extreme exercise are a common cause of an irregular cycle or complete cessation of a period. This is known as amenorrhea and is common in people with eating disorders. Birth control pills can also cause a period to stop, as can some other medications. Hormonal irregularities can also cause irregular periods. One of the most common causes of a missed period is pregnancy, however, and it is often a woman’s first indication that she is pregnant.
Some women also miss periods, or have irregular periods, while breastfeeding. During menopause, many women will experience irregular menstrual cycles before they stop menstruating altogether. A number of other factors can cause an irregular cycle, such as high stress levels, an illness like the flu, or even travel. It’s best to track your cycle for at least a few months before worrying; Irregular periods are quite common among many women.
If irregular periods continue, however, it might be a good idea to visit a doctor. It’s still important to visit a doctor once a year for a gynecological exam, so this is a good time to mention irregular menstrual cycles. This is especially true if you are trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty; a doctor will be able to run tests to check for fertility.
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