Irregular Periods Are Normal Until They’re Not
Irregular periods make up a large percentage of infertility cases. In most cases, however, irregular periods can be a regular part of a menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Irregularities can occur due to stress, heavy exercise, and other small lifestyle changes. In cases of severe abnormal bleeding, women should be checked for medical conditions that could interfere with fertility.
Symptoms of irregular periods
Irregular periods can make tracking menstrual cycles difficult. Tracking the first day of a cycle can be the first step toward identifying irregular periods. Keeping track of menstrual cycles can help patients and doctors determine whether further treatment is necessary. Severe ovulation conditions, however, can lead to infertility, which requires immediate care to prevent.
The absence of menstruation
Amenorrhea, or the lack of menstruation, occurs when a woman misses three or more of their periods in a row. A lack of blood during periods can be a symptom of the condition. The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, or uterine scarring. Complications of amenorrhea can lead to infertility.
Infrequent menstruation
Oligomenorrhea, also known as infrequent menstruation, occurs when menstrual periods occur more than 35 days apart. Hormonal birth control, heavy exercise, eating disorders, and other medical conditions can cause oligomenorrhea. Women with oligomenorrhea may have trouble conceiving.
Heavy bleeding
Menorrhagia, or heavy and prolonged bleeding, isn’t common but can be caused by hormonal imbalances, dysfunction of the ovaries, structural damage to reproductive organs, cancer, and other conditions. Regardless of the cause, menorrhagia may lead to infertility, if the condition is severe enough.
Regulating the flow
Abnormal bleeding and irregular periods can be treated using a variety of methods depending on the specific cause. Hormone medication may be taken in order to regulate heavy bleeding. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to relieve cramps. Serious conditions such as uterine fibroids may require surgical care to remove the fibroid. A hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus, can be used for severe cases.
Self-care and regular check-ups
Irregular periods and abnormal bleeding don’t have to mean patients can’t have children. Some cases can be alleviated with early medical intervention and healthy lifestyle choices. From eating a healthy diet to losing weight to sleeping enough, a healthy lifestyle can improve a woman’s condition. Finally, regular doctor check-ups can keep patients aware of any health changes.
