What you need to know about irregular periods
The normal length of a woman's menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it varies between individuals. Irregular menstruation occurs when the length of the cycle is more than 35 days, or if the duration changes.
Periods usually begin during puberty, between the ages of 10-16, and continue until menopause when a woman is 45-55 years old.
Treatment for irregular periods during puberty and during menopause is usually not necessary, but if irregular periods occur during reproductive years, you may need medical help.
How do I know?
The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days, but may vary from 24 days to 35 days depending on the individual.
Most women have between 11 and 13 units each year. Bleeding usually lasts 5 days, but this can vary from 2 to 7 days.
When menstruation first begins, it can take up to 2 years to form a regular cycle. After puberty, most women are menstruating. The length of time between each period is similar.
However, for some women, periods are. The duration varies considerably. This is known as irregular menstruation.
The main symptom of irregular menstruation is that the cycle is longer than 35 days or changes according to length.
This is considered irregular if there are changes in blood flow or if clots appearing more than 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
A number of factors increase the likelihood of irregular menstruation. Most are related to hormone production. The two hormones that affect menstruation are estrogen and progesterone.
What are the treatments?
If necessary, treatment will depend on the cause.
Adolescence and menopause: Irregular periods during puberty or when a woman enters menopause usually do not need treatment.
Birth control: Irregular bleeding can be regulated with birth control pills.
Stress and eating habits: Emotional stress, eating disorder or sudden weight loss triggers irregular periods can help psychological therapy.
Is there a connection with pregnancy?
Irregular periods may indicate a problem with fertility, but this is not always the case. Even if menstruation is irregular, ovulation may occur.
Here are some things you can do to track ovulation:
Mark all periods in the calendar.
Measure your fever every day and note when it rises. This may indicate that ovulation has occurred.
If irregular periods are associated with fertility problems, these records will help the physician diagnose.
Anyone who is concerned about irregular menstruation should seek medical advice.
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