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Irregular Periods: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Are you experiencing a prolonged or a short gap between your periods? If so, chances are that you are dealing with irregular periods. Generally, the average [menstrual cycle](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/your-menstrual-cycle-phases-a-basic-guide) of a woman occurs within a span of 28 days and lasts for two to seven days, every month. This monthly cycle brings an equal or a little fluctuated amount of blood flow from month to month. But as every woman's body is different there can be irregular menstrual bleeding accompanied by a shift in the length of the period.

-	[What Is An Irregular Period?](#link1)
-	[What Causes Irregular Periods?](#link2)
-	[What Are The Side Effects Of Irregular Periods?](#link3)
-	[When To Visit A Doctor?](#link4)

To understand what [causes irregular periods](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/what-causes-irregular-periods), first, we need to know what is an irregular period. Likewise, spotting the signs of irregular periods and knowing what happens if periods are irregular is quite essential. Thus, to answer all your questions, we've got a complete guide on irregular periods. Let's have a closer look at it.


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What Is An Irregular Period?

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2">What Is An Irregular Period?</h2>

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Typically, irregular periods refer to the length or the number of days that last between your two monthly cycles. Usually, it's considered that a gap of 21 to 35 days between periods is normal. However, the signs or symptoms of irregular periods are as follows:<br><br>
1.	Your period arrives more frequently than 21 days (You experience periods twice a month)<br>
2.	There's irregular menstrual bleeding (You shed more or less blood than usual)<br>
3.	Your periods arrive later than 35 days (You go months without experiencing periods)
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What Causes Irregular Periods?

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There are several potential reasons for irregular periods such as:<br><br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">1. Hormonal Imbalance</div>
One of the common reasons for irregular periods is hormonal imbalance. It's because hormones are the major contributors that help in regulating your reproductive system. The shift in these hormonal levels easily disrupts your cycle and may even cause irregular menstrual bleeding. In case, you experience irregular menstrual bleeding, it's best to have premium <a href="/en-za/sanitary-pads">sanitary pads</a> at your disposal like the <a href="/en-za/sanitary-pads/always-maxi-thick-pads-with-wings">Always Maxi Thick Pads</a>. These pads are designed with an extra-absorbent core that keeps you protected for hours. These are also equipped with clean and dry topsheet which can help you feel dry even on the days of heavy flow.<br><br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">2. Endometriosis</div>
This is a condition wherein the cells residing in the uterus start growing outside the uterine walls. Endometriosis typically causes quite a discomfort and hinders your monthly cycle.<br><br> 
<div style="font-weight: bold;">3. Uterine Fibroids</div>
Fibroids are non-cancerous growth of muscle cells that occur within the uterus. Depending on the size and number, they can affect the shape and size of your uterus and cervix, thereby impacting your cycle.<br><br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">4.	Birth Control Pills</div>
Experiencing irregular periods after stopping birth control is another common reason for this irregularity. As birth control pills are fueled with hormones, they may cause an imbalance in your cycle and thus, irregular periods. On the other hand, changing your birth control pills can also have a similar effect on your body.<br><br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">5.	Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding</div>
If you experience a missed period, the reason behind it could be pregnancy. Likewise, if you are breastfeeding your baby, it can also delay your menstruation cycle after childbirth. This delay is caused by prolactin, the hormone which produces milk in your body. It restricts you from ovulating or having a period.<br><br>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)</div>
Today, this is one of the common conditions found in women around the world. In this endocrine system disorder, you may experience irregular periods and enlarged ovaries containing follicles.<br><br>
Other causes of irregular periods include:<br>
1. Excessive exercising<br>
2. Eating disorders<br>
3. Extreme weight gain or weight loss<br>
4. Emotional and mental stress
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What Are The Side Effects Of Irregular Periods?

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The effects of irregular periods on the body can differ from person to person. However, there are some of the common irregular periods effects experienced by women as follows:<br><br>
1.	Intense Pain Or Cramping<br>
2.	Spotting Or Bleeding Between Periods<br>
3.	Spotting Or Bleeding After Intercourse<br>
4.	Nausea Or Vomiting<br>
5.	Headaches<br>
6.	Heavy Or Light Bleeding<br>
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When To Visit A Doctor?

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You must consult with your doctor as soon as you notice a change in your period pattern. This includes the length of your menstrual cycle, the quantity of your menstrual bleeding, and the intensity of your period cramps.  In case you missed a period, you can examine the possibility of pregnancy with your doctor's guidance and tests. 

At first, this might look alarming but worry not. With the right irregular period treatments, professional guidance, and lifestyle modifications, you can easily regulate your menstrual cycle. Just remember to spot your irregular period symptoms and signs earlier and discuss them with your doctor.

Read more about [period symptoms](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/period-symptoms-signs-you-are-getting-your-period) and [what causes period pains](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/why-you-may-be-getting-heavy-painful-periods).


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Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

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Irregular Periods: Want to know what is an irregular period? Click here and learn what are the causes of irregular periods along with their effects on the body.