In many cases, irregular periods aren’t a warning sign of a more serious problem with your menstrual health.  However, it’s good to know what they are and how to spot them so that you know what to expect from your own cycle.

What is an irregular period cycle?

Periods can vary from person to person and from month to month. 

Generally speaking, irregular periods are those that change significantly from month to month. This could include: 

• The length of time between periods becoming shorter or longer
• The pattern or heaviness of flow fluctuating between periods
• Your period lasting   longer or shorter than expected.

Minor changes in these aspects might not have much of an impact on your day-to-day life, but the more irregular your period is, the more difficult it can be to manage effectively. If your periods are causing problems for you or preventing you from going about your routine as normal, that’s a good sign you should consult a pharmacist or GP for advice. 

What is considered an irregular cycle?

Because periods can vary quite a bit, healthcare professionals look for certain signs to classify irregularity. You might have an irregular cycle and should see your GP if: 

• The gap between your periods is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days 
• You have very heavy periods - you need to change your tampon or pad every one to two hours, or you need to wear a pad and a tampon together
• Your periods last longer than seven days.

You should also consult your pharmacist or GP if you notice any significant change to your menstrual cycle - including period pain - even if it’s not listed above. Changes to your menstrual cycle could be a sign of an underlying health condition, or they might mean you need to switch to a different form of contraception.   

What causes irregular periods?

Irregular periods can be caused by a number of factors. In short, these are:

• Pregnancy
• Puberty or menopause
• Hormonal imbalances
• Underlying conditions
• Lifestyle factors.

Let’s take a look at these potential causes in a little more detail. 

For many, the first thought following a missed period is that you might be pregnant. This can be alarming if you’re not ready to have children or don’t want them, but it’s important to consider the possibility and not just ignore it, even if you’ve been using contraception. The best way to determine whether or not pregnancy is causing your irregular periods is to take a pregnancy test. 

It’s also the case that irregular periods can become more likely during certain times of your life. For example, it’s common for girls to have irregular periods for a few years after starting puberty. Usually, the cycle evens out with time and their periods become regular. It’s also common for irregular periods to occur as you approach menopause however treatment is not always needed for irregular periods.   

In both examples, this irregularity is believed to be caused by a hormonal imbalance, as this occurs naturally during puberty and perimenopause (the time around your menopause). Other causes of hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid problems or starting a new form of hormonal contraception, could also result in irregular periods. 

Sometimes, irregular periods can stem from a health condition relating to your reproductive system.  One notable example of such a condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects how ovaries work within the body.  PCOS can make your periods irregular, lighter than usual, or even cause them to stop altogether. 

Finally, it’s also important to be aware that certain lifestyle factors can affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle. Things such as excessive exercise, significant weight changes and stress and anxiety can all have an impact.  

Are irregular periods normal?

Menstrual health isn’t always an easy subject to talk about with friends and family members, so it can be difficult to gauge whether your experiences are perfectly normal or if there’s something amiss. As we’ve discussed, irregular periods can sometimes have an innocuous cause, but they can also stem from underlying health conditions that may require treatment. So if you think you might have irregular periods, what should you do?

If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, it’s best to consult a pharmacist or your GP for advice. They’ll be able to assess your specific situation and help to determine a cause for your irregular periods. If necessary, they can also recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to help manage your condition. 

 One key way irregular periods can affect your life is if you’re trying to conceive. Irregular periods can make this more difficult. Although your period is usually the most noticeable part of your menstrual cycle, it’s worth remembering that your whole cycle can be irregular - so if your periods are irregular it’s likely that you’re ovulating irregularly as well.  It’s also a good idea to remember that, without a regular period to rely on, you may be less likely to spot a missed period as an early sign of pregnancy. 

Many people who have irregular periods are able to manage them well with medical assistance. It’s not something to be embarrassed or ashamed about, and often the symptoms can be reduced to let you get on with your day-to-day life.  As many as 14% of women of a childbearing age experience irregular, heavy or painful periods, so it may well be more common than you think. 

Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/  
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/irregular-periods/  
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/irregular-periods  
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/  
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/  
https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/what-causes-heavy-or-irregular-periods-a-doctors-guide/