Occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are not unusual and can be due to lifestyle factors and hormones fluctuations. In some cases, irregular periods can be a sign of hormone imbalances or an underlying health condition.
A period typically lasts for 5 days but can range from 2—7 days. Read on to find out more about irregular periods , what can cause them, and when to see a doctor. The menstrual cycle is typically 28 days but can vary between 21—35 days.
An irregular menstrual cycle is one that is shorter or longer than usual or involves a lighter or heavier flow. They may also experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as menstrual cramps.
Each person will have a slightly different menstrual cycle and period. Mild variations in flow, duration, and symptoms are usually nothing to worry about.
Menstrual blood consists of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus. This lining is the endometrium. The role of the endometrium is to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. If an egg is not fertilized, the endometrium sheds away. The menstrual blood and tissue then pass through the cervix and out of the vagina. Sometimes, menstrual tissue can block the cervix, preventing or limiting blood and tissue from leaving the body.
Once the blockage clears, the period will resume as normal. At the beginning of a period, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop. This provides a signal for the endometrium to begin shedding, and for the period to start. Towards the end of the period, estrogen levels begin to rise again. Increasing estrogen levels cause the menstrual tissue to thicken. This hormonal change can affect the menstrual flow. Certain medical conditions can cause hormone imbalances that may interrupt or interfere with menstruation.
The following conditions may result in irregular periods:. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS is an imbalance of hormones that affects the ovaries and ovulation. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.
However, high levels of male hormones such as androgens and testosterone may play a role. She has hair under her arms and in her private parts. She has some clear, stringy liquid called discharge coming from her vagina. Why Do Girls Get Periods? How Long Do Periods Last? Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer. How Often Does a Period Happen?
Most girls use a pad when they first get their period. Pads are made of cotton and come in lots of different sizes and shapes. They have sticky strips that attach to the underwear. Many girls prefer to use tampons instead of pads, especially when playing sports or swimming.
A tampon is a cotton plug that a girl puts into her vagina. Most tampons come with an applicator that guides the tampon into place. The tampon absorbs the blood. Don't leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours because this can increase your risk of a serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Some girls prefer a menstrual cup. To use a menstrual cup, a girl inserts it into her vagina.
The cup holds the blood until she empties it. How Much Blood Comes Out? Primary and secondary amenorrhea can occur for numerous reasons. Some causes are natural, while others are medical conditions that need to be treated.
These changes would include the following in numbered order of appearance:. Menstruating women and teens should see their doctor if they have missed three or more periods in a row. When you see your doctor about amenorrhea, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you a series of questions.
If that condition is ruled out, you may need more tests to determine the underlying cause of your missed periods. These diagnostic tests may include:. Treatment for amenorrhea varies depending on the underlying cause.
Hormonal imbalances can be treated with supplemental or synthetic hormones, which can help normalize hormone levels. Your doctor may also want to remove ovarian cysts, scar tissue, or uterine lesions that are causing you to miss your menstrual periods. Your doctor may also recommend making simple lifestyle changes if your weight or exercise routine is contributing to your condition. Ask your doctor to refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian, if necessary.
These specialists can teach you how to manage your weight and physical activity in a healthy way. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can determine the cause of your amenorrhea.
Make sure you stick with your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Read this article in Spanish. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when you miss your period for six months or longer.
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