Irregular periods, as the name suggests, is when a woman experiences an imbalanced menstrual cycle as:
The condition is medically called- ‘Oligomenorrhea’ and is usually rooted in imbalanced hormones. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports an average of nine to 14 percent of women to record irregular periods between their first period and menopause. This irregularity is marked especially higher during certain life events such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and premenopausal times.
While the above is a result of natural body processes and usually gets resolved on its own, Irregular periods at any other time suggest imbalanced hormones and are linked to a variety of other associated hormonal disorders. This is why immediate and specialized treatment is suggested.
Irregular periods are best marked by the patient herself.
Note down the start and end date of your cycles. Then try and look for patterns. If three consecutive cycles show irregularities, approach an OBGYN specialist at the earliest.
Also, note if you experience any change in blood flow or cervical mucus. The changes may mark a link with irregular ovulation and demand medical intervention.
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder linked to imbalanced hormones, that is, when a woman has higher levels of testosterone instead of progesterone and estrogen. This disbalance marks irregular ovulation, and thus- irregular menses.
PCOS is one of the most common reasons in cases of irregular periods and is most often sourced in obesity/ genetics or unhealthy lifestyle. The condition marks serious symptoms, risks, and complications in cases of delayed treatment, and medical intervention is suggested at the earliest.
An irregular period is a direct indication of imbalanced hormones. Any delay in diagnosis or treatment then leads to worsening of the underlying disorders and risks infertility along with:
We recommend you consult an OBGYN as soon as you see an irregularity in your period cycle. It could indicate an unwanted pregnancy, a reaction to contraceptives, or hormonal disbalance. Immediate medical assistance is suggested in all instances.
Irregularities are marked by:
For example, intrauterine devices such as IUDs are known to cause slightly heavier bleeding than usual. Similarly, regular birth control at times induces spotting and mid-cycle bleeding. Generally, your body adapts to these changes within 3-6 months and your menses regulate automatically. However, a change in birth control may be suggested if the body doesn’t adapt and the irregularities severe with time.
Based on your case’s peculiarity, the treatment may range from INR 500- INR 5000 in India.
Abortion my medicine may be suggested for weeks 0-5. A surgical procedure may be recommended hence after. Based on your health, severity, and the method of abortion, the procedure may cost anywhere between INR 2000 to INR 25,000 in India.
An average cost for treatment may vary anywhere between INR 2000- INR 6000 in India.
Ms H (aged 31, Chandigarh) approached us with complaints of irregular periods in September 2020.
Her symptoms included:
We connected Ms. H with Dr. Ragini Ghosh (MBBS, MD Gynecologist and Obstetrics) same day through an online consultation. After understanding Ms. H’s last 3 months menstruation cycle, symptoms, and prior medical history, Dr. Ghosh deemed it best she underwent an abdominal ultrasound and complete blood tests.
The ultrasound diagnosed Ms. H with endometriosis. As a treatment for same, we suggested Ms. H – hormonal medications. Monthly follow-ups suggested relief in pain, and comparatively regular menses.
Cities Where We Treat Irregular-periods
I have irregular periods but suspect I may be pregnant. What should I do?
If you suspect you may be pregnant, you should stop taking any medication which could be harmful to your and the baby’s health and consult the best OB-GYN. You can also take a home pregnancy test before visiting your doctor.
Can stress cause irregular periods?
Yes, chronic stress or even short-term anxiety can lead to hormonal imbalance, causing a missed periods or irregular period cycle.
What are the common lifestyle causes of irregular periods?
Lifestyle causes of irregular periods include:
Such factors can lead to hormonal imbalance and cause irregular periods. However, note that such factors majorly increase the risk factor and not solely cause such problems.
Facts about Irregular Periods
More than 14 % of women worldwide experience irregular periods at some point in life. While irregular periods do indicate bad health and imbalanced hormones, they are not always a matter of grave concern. Especially during-
However, irregular periods even after 2 years of puberty indicate hormonal disorders and require detailed investigation and medication.
Though rare, the condition is serious, may cause frequent nausea, severe cramping, anemia, and also endanger the pregnancy. Immediate and constant follow-up is suggested.
This is absolutely normal and should subside with time.
Menopause is marked by more than 12 consecutive months of no menses.
*Consult a doctor immediately if you see the irregularity taking a pattern after any of such events. It could indicate a deep-seated anxiety/ hormonal imbalance and demand formal treatment.
Else, this dependence could lead to serious health concerns including nausea, intensive cramping, and risk to fertility.
Pristyn Care is a holistic end-to-end health care provider that centers on patient care. We are committed to adding care to your health services. Some of the USPs that make us one of the best choices in Indian health care are:
You can speak to us directly by calling us on the number provided on our website. You could also book your appointment by clicking on the ‘Book Appointment’ tab right next to our number. It will take you to a small form with your four basic details-’your names’, ‘contact number’, ‘disease’, and ‘city’. Fill in these details and press ‘submit’. Now, just relax, and let our medical coordinators call you back and answer all your queries in detail.