What happens if you have irregular periods

There are many variables that can affect the length and timing of your menstrual cycle. Some are correctable, but others can signal significant medical issues. Learn more before you use this method; many experts recommend new moms pair this approach with an additional birth control method , such as condoms, to increase effectiveness.

Also referred to as a spontaneous abortion , a miscarriage happens when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, pregnancy loss is considered a stillbirth. A couple of irregular periods per year are usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes, a period is late for a very good reason. Before you schedule an appointment with your doctor, you might want to rule out pregnancy.

If stress is a possible culprit in your irregular cycle, try stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga , tai chi , visualization, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback.

Avoid over-exercising, and try not to diet excessively. For all medical issues, consult your healthcare professional. Absolutely yes, says Lynn. If you're not ovulating, you're not going to get pregnant , but if you are ovulating with irregular cycles, you can.

You can have bleeding without ovulating but it's a real period only if you ovulate. You should use contraception if not desiring pregnancy and to protect against STDs. If you are interested in ovulation timing for family planning or any reason, but you have irregular menstrual periods, see your doctor first.

A low-dose birth control pill that containing a combination of estrogen and progesterone may help. This will decrease androgen production and will help to correct abnormal bleeding. Alternatively, taking progesterone for 10 to 14 days each month is likely to regulate the periods.

Irregular periods can indicate a problem with fertility, but this is not always so. Ovulation can occur, even while menstruation is irregular. Here are some things you can do to track ovulation :. If irregular periods are linked to fertility problems, these records will help a doctor reach a diagnosis. Many people experience symptoms, such as cramps, acne, or tender breasts, when a period is on its way.

Learn the signs a period is coming. When a period comes early, it is often no cause for concern. Learn about some potential causes of an early period and when to see a doctor. Some menstrual problems, such as painful, heavy, or absent periods, are common, but treatments and self-care techniques can help. Learn more here. DivaCups are environmentally sustainable, reusable menstrual products. Learn about how to use them and how they compare with other menstrual products.

What you need to know about irregular periods. Share on Pinterest Cancer of the uterus or the cervix can cause unusual bleeding. Home remedies. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Irregular periods. What are irregular periods? Your periods may come early or late. Causes of irregular periods There are many possible causes of irregular periods. Common causes include: puberty — your periods might be irregular for the first year or two the start of the menopause usually between the ages of 45 and 55 early pregnancy — take a pregnancy test to rule this out some types of hormonal contraception — such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system IUS extreme weight loss or weight gain, excessive exercise or stress medical conditions — such as polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS or a problem with your thyroid When to see a GP You don't need to get medical advice if you have always had slightly irregular periods or you're still going through puberty.

But see a GP if: your periods suddenly become irregular and you're under 45 you have periods more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days your periods last longer than 7 days there's a big difference at least 20 days between your shortest and longest menstrual cycle you have irregular periods and you're struggling to get pregnant There might not be anything wrong, but it's a good idea to get checked out to see what the cause might be.

Irregular periods can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Your doctor can help you determine the cause and help you get your cycle back on track.

Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress can also help. Read the article in Spanish. Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. Diagnosis depends on the consistency, smell, and color of the discharge. It may…. Vaginal bleeding between periods is a common experience with many possible causes.

When this occurs, a person may notice light brown spotting in their…. While occasional changes in the menstrual cycle are not unusual, frequently experiencing two periods in a month may indicate an underlying medical…. Hormonal birth control. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. Thyroid problems. Share on Pinterest An underactive thyroid may cause longer, heavier periods.

Uterine fibroids. Being overweight. Extreme weight loss and eating disorders. Excessive exercise. Cervical and endometrial cancer.