Irregular Periods
By Patrice

I can definitely relate with issues about irregular periods. I started my period when I was 11 years old. My period became regular as I got older. However at the age of 22, my periods became irregular. I had to wear both a pad and tampon for the excessive bleeding and I had two periods in one month. I started to record my symptoms and paid a visit to my gynecologist. I was nervous and worried about what could have caused my period to all of a sudden change. My gynecologist was very helpful and she eased my fears. All of the possible tests listed in this article were given to me. So what caused my irregular period? It was determined that I had a hormonal imbalance and that everyday stress might also play a role. I am currently taking birth control and practicing stress management tips for my irregular periods. Remember, we are all different women and my story may not be the same as yours. Please do not use my story to diagnose your irregular periods. The only way to know for sure is to visit a gynecologist or a doctor who is familiar with women’s health.

You should visit a gynecologist or a care practitioner who is knowledgeable about women’s health when[1,2]:

• your period lasts longer than a week
• you have to change your pad very often (soaking more than one pad every 1–2 hours)
• you go longer than 3 months between periods
• you have bleeding in between periods
• you have an unusual amount of pain before or during your period
• your periods were regular, then became irregular
• if you are 15 or older and you have not started your period

Visiting a doctor can be a scary or nerve-wracking experience. Knowing what to expect ahead of time may help to ease anxiety. The doctor may ask you a series of questions related to your sexual and reproductive health. These questions may seem too personal. However, they are asked so that the doctor can identify the causes behind your irregular periods. It is important to be as honest as you can. Remember that your answers are confidential. Here are sample questions you may be asked[3]:

• What was the date of your last menstrual period?
• When was your previous period? Was it normal?
• Do you have regular cycles, such as a period every 25 to 35 days?
• How heavy is your usual menstrual flow?
• What is the average length of each period, and how many pads or tampons do you use per day during your period?
• Are you sexually active?
• Have you been under increased physical or emotional stress?
• Have you recently changed your diet or exercise habits?
• Have you recently gained or lost weight?
• Do you engage in high-risk sexual behaviors?
• Are you currently using any type of hormonal birth control method?
• Have you missed any birth control pills or failed to have your Depo-Provera injection according to schedule?
• Have you done a home pregnancy test? If so, when did you do the test and what was the result?

As a part of your visit, some tests may be performed. Here are some examples of possible tests[4]:

• Pap smear
• Pregnancy test
• Pelvic exam
• Ultrasound
• Red blood count (RBC)
• Thyroid test

So what could possibly be wrong? Here are several possible causes for irregular periods[5]. Please do not self-diagnose your symptoms. Only a visit to the doctor can provide you with insight about your irregular periods.

• Excessive weight loss or gain
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
• Increased exercise. Missed periods are common in endurance athletes.
• Emotional stress
• Illness
• Travel
• Medicines such as hormonal birth control methods
• Hormone problems
• Illegal drug use
• Problems with the pelvic organs which includes your vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and uterus
• Breast-feeding. Many women do not resume regular periods until they have completed breast-feeding.

For more information about irregular periods, explanations of the tests for irregular periods, or about women’s health in general, check out these resources. You can also email a MySistahs peer educator for specific questions.

• http://www.teenwire.com
• http://www.4women.gov
• http://www.always.com
• http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html

References

1. All about menstruation May 2007 Review by Mary L. Galvin M.D
   http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html
2. Normal Menstruation Cycle-When to call a doctor April 3, 2007
   http://women.webmd.com/tc/normal-menstrual-cycle-when-to-call-a-doctor
3. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding July 11, 2007
   http://women.webmd.com/tc/abnormal-vaginal-bleeding-preparing-for-your-appointment
4. Menstrual Periods, Heavy, prolong or irregular Melanie N. Smith, M.D., PhD August 17, 2007
   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003263.
   htm#What%20to%20expect%20at%20your%20health%20care%20
   provider's%20office
5. Missed or Irregular Periods July 5, 2007
   http://women.webmd.com/tc/missed-or-irregular-periods-topic-overview