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Why Do I Have Irregular Periods?

Menstrual cycles can be anywhere between 24 and 34 days apart, the average being 28 days apart. Each month your period may vary by an entire week; this is normal. If your cycle becomes more irregular than that, it could indicate a hormonal change is occurring in your body.

  1. Keep A Calendar

    • Keep a calendar of your periods so that you know what is normal for your menstrual cycle. Every woman's cycle is different, and just as long as you are consistent with what is normal for you, then you are considered as having regular periods. If something changes drastically, go see a doctor.

    Hormones

    • The amount of hormones released in your body each month is what regulates your periods. If this changes, then your menstrual cycle can change as well.

    Beginning and Ending of Menstruation

    • If you just recently started having your periods, then it is very normal to be irregular for a while. Beginning menopause can also fluctuate your period.

      If you are pregnant, you can have a couple of irregular periods at the beginning of the pregnancy. Breastfeeding can cause irregular periods.

    Exercise and Stress

    • Exercising too much and having very little body fat can make your periods irregular.

      Stress can cause hormones to fluctuate causing your periods to become irregular.

    Lifestyle

    • Any excessive change in weight, either up or down, can change your menstrual cycle. A poor diet, especially if you are anorexic or bulimic can cause irregular periods. Drinking too much alcohol, doing drugs and smoking can change your periods.

    Uterine Abnormalities

    • Uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or cysts can change your periods causing them to become irregular.

      Taking medications can change your periods, causing them to become irregular.

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