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Reasons for Irregular Periods

The average menstrual cycle for a healthy woman can last anywhere from 25 to 42 days. With this in mind, a healthy woman is likely to have 9 to 14 menstrual periods each year. Some women have more and some have less and the final number is ultimately decided by each woman's body.
A number of different factors may influence the number of periods a woman has each year. Some young women get their first period and then have irregular periods until their hormones stabilize and they begin having regular monthly periods instead. Other women find that the number of periods they have is influenced by the type of birth control they take.
There are, however, some medical reasons that might cause a woman to have irregular periods. Some are minor and some may require she seek medical attention.

  1. Weight Fluctuations

    • Women who rapidly lose weight tend to have irregular menstrual periods as will women who gain an excessive amount of weight. Both, but especially women who have lost a lot of weight, should seek the advice of a health care provider as excessive weight loss can have a negative impact on the rest of the body as well, including the heart.

    Eating Disorders

    • Individuals who suffer from eating disorders often have irregular periods. The side effects of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulemia can have damaging effects on the ovaries and other reproductive organs. Women who are anorexic or bulemic will not only have irregular periods but may have problems becoming pregnant later in life as well.

    Birth Control Pills

    • Every woman reacts to birth control differently. Some methods of birth control are designed to control a woman's periods so that she only has 4 per year. With other forms of birth control the change is caused by the hormones within the pill, causing women to have lighter, less painful and sometimes less frequent periods.

    Stress

    • Stress can take an amazing emotional and physical toll on the body. Not only can it make you feel tired and depressed but it can alter the way your entire body functions. Women who are under extreme amounts of stress may find that they do not have regular periods. If this is the case you should seek the advice of a health care provider--you may need to take measures to control the amount of stress and tension in your life.

    Pregnancy and Childbirth

    • Women who become pregnant will stop having menstrual periods during the duration of their pregnancy. What most women do not realize, however, is that women who breastfeed may not get a regular period again until after they stop. You may have an irregular period or no period at all until your hormones shift back to the levels they were at before you became pregnant.

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