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Signs of Irregular Menstruation

Irregular menstruation may cause you to experience difficulty with getting pregnant and anxiety about bleeding unexpectedly. The causes of irregular menstruation include hormone disorders and the use of certain types of birth control. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the National Library of Medicine, signs of irregular menstruation include large variations in the length of your menstrual cycle and heavy bleeding.

  1. Time Frame

    • If your menstrual bleeding lasts more than 7 days, or your blood saturates more than one pad or tampon per hour, these are signs of irregular menstruation.

    Cycle Length

    • The range of normal for menstrual cycles is from 17 to 35 days from the start of one period to the start of the next, and menstruation that occurs more or less frequently may be considered irregular.

    Symptoms

    • Irregular menstruation may cause a worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramps, headaches, acne and sudden and severe mood changes.

    Causes

    • Causes of irregular menstruation include uterine problems such as fibroids and polyps; use of hormonal birth control or the IUD; gynecological surgery; stress; and hormone imbalances.

    Considerations

    • If you only began menstruating within the past few years, are experiencing symptoms of menopause or recently gave birth, you may experience irregular menstruation for an extended period of time.

    Warning

    • If your signs of irregular menstruation are accompanied by severe cramping, abdominal swelling, breast changes, bleeding between periods or an abnormal vaginal discharge, you may need medical evaluation.

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