Irregular Periods: Why Is Yours Late?

If you have had a consistent menstrual cycle for years, if not decades, a rapid, unwarranted change could not only cause worry and anxiety but also be simply frustrating. When you recognize you are not expectant and are not close to menopause, you do not expect your menses to skip or be late unless something is amiss. Nevertheless, this is not always the case. This post goes over some of the various forms of irregular periods McDonough that women encounter, as well as when you should see a doctor. Continue reading to learn more.

A Quick Insight into Periods

The typical menstrual cycle starts during ovulation once either ovary releases the ovum. Your uterus then recognizes this signal and starts accumulating tissue and blood in preparation for the possible fertilization of the egg by a sperm. After fertilization fails, the body sends a signal to the brain via fluctuating hormone levels, resulting in bleeding that lasts several days. This entire cycle takes about 28 days.

Unfortunately, various factors could disrupt this cycle, including lifestyle choices and legitimate health issues; thus, resulting in irregular uterine bleeding.

What Are The Different Types Of Irregular Periods?

Generally, periods are regular after puberty in terms of duration, length, and heaviness of the bleeding. However, up to 15% of women have irregular periods before menopause. It could be evident what your irregularity is, or it could be unusual bleeding that you are not aware of. The following are examples of unusual bleeding that signifies irregular periods, which in turn shows you should visit your OBGYN:

§  Bleeding in-between menses

§  Bleeding that lasts longer

§  Intense bleeding throughout your period

§  Bleeding past menopause

§  Bleeding following intercourse

Among the words used to describe aberrant cycles include:

§  Menorrhagia: heavy bleeding that persists for over a week

§  Amenorrhea: the absence of not less than three menses

§  Oligomenorrhea: periods that are more than 35 days apart

Common Reasons for a Missed or Inconsistent Period

A late cycle does not always necessitate a visit to the doctor, as the reason may be transitory. Nonetheless, if your symptoms persist, do not put off contacting the OBGYN specialists at Ideal Gynecology, LLC. Typical reasons for irregular or late bleeding include:

·         Using particular medications

·         Chronic stress

·         Unmanaged diabetes- Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, the increased blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can interfere with your cycle

·         Binge eating- if you have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia, your hormones may fluctuate; thus, interrupting your cycle

·         Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)- a condition that occurs when your body generates excess androgen hormones, causing irregular cycles

·         Premature ovarian failure- a health disorder that affects women below 40 years whose ovaries are not functional

·         Hyperprolactinemia- a condition wherein an individual has excessive prolactin (a particular protein) that can cause disrupted menses

Even though most persons’ periods become regular immediately following puberty, young people’s menses may keep fluctuating for some time. It also often becomes irregular about eight years before menopause.

An irregular period is often only a random thing that goes away by itself, but if you have particular symptoms, you should see a gynecologist. At Ideal Gynecology, LLC, your doctor will perform an extensive diagnosis to determine what is triggering your irregular periods and assist you in determining the right therapy. Arrange an appointment today through mobile or book online to explore your treatment options.