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Menstrual irregularities These include variations in the length, intensity, or regularity of your period, and they can also affect your fertility. Here, you’ll find clear explanations of the different types and causes, the typical symptoms, and when it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Note: This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
Every woman has her own natural rhythm associated with her menstrual cycle. However, this rhythm can be disrupted by internal or external factors such as stress, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.
From a Menstrual irregularity This term is used when there are significant deviations from the normal cycle (21–35 days). This can manifest as a longer or shorter cycle, an unusually heavy or light period, or the absence of bleeding. The cause is often a hormonal imbalance, but other factors may also be involved.
Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of causes. What stands out most are the complicated medical terms: Amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, and hypomenorrhea – but what does that actually mean? What they have in common is that menstruation no longer occurs in the usual way. These changes usually involve the length of the cycles as well as the heaviness or duration of menstrual bleeding. Gynecologists distinguish between different types of these conditions.
By the way: Many of these technical terms end in –menorrhagia (or –menorrhoea). The term comes from Greek, where “menorrhoea” simply means “menstrual bleeding.”
In this article, we’ll explain to you, what types of menstrual cycle disorders exist, what symptoms are typical, and what underlying causes may be involvedBelow, we provide a clear overview of the most common disorders, their symptoms, and the relevant medical terms.
Would you like to learn more about what makes for a healthy menstrual cycle? Understanding and Improving Menstrual Health.
If the cycle becomes longer or shorter, doctors also refer to Arrhythmias. The medical terms for this are:
The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, very few women have a cycle that is exactly 28 days long. To distinguish this typical cycle length from significant deviations, medical professionals consider a cycle to be abnormal if it is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. It’s important to note whether this applies to a single cycle or to most of your cycles. It’s also possible that the length of your cycles changes from time to time. In this case, we refer to a irregular cycle. We also have additional information on the typical short cycle and the cycle type long cycle compiled.
If the intensity or duration of your period changes, this is known as Type-related issues.
We also have some other articles for you on the topic of menstruation:
Intermenstrual or spotting is also considered a type of menstrual irregularity. This can occur before or after the actual period. A special form of this is the Implantation bleeding This is a type of bleeding that occurs in some women shortly after ovulation. It can be caused by the fertilized egg implanting itself in the uterus. If you experience heavy, unexpected bleeding, please see your gynecologist. You should not attempt to self-diagnose based on information found online. Please take care of yourself and your health.
If a woman’s period stops completely, doctors refer to this as amenorrhea. This can be natural and harmless. For example, the absence of a period is completely normal during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as well as after menopause. However, there are also forms of amenorrhea that may indicate disorders or medical conditions:
Primary amenorrhea: This condition occurs when a girl has not started her period by the age of 16. By the way: Gynecologists refer to a young girl’s first period as menarche.
Secondary amenorrhea: A woman has been having her period, but then it suddenly stops for three months or more.
Oligomenorrhea (long intervals between periods) often progresses to amenorrhea (absence of periods). This means that the intervals between periods become increasingly longer until they eventually stop altogether. Conversely, however, oligomenorrhea can also be a sign that the cycle is resuming after a prolonged pause.
Very long intervals between periods may be a sign of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). This is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. You can find out more about it here:
A woman should see a doctor if…
There are many factors that can disrupt hormonal balance. Mental and physical stress, poor diet, delayed follicular maturation, Luteal insufficiency, fibroids, Endometriosis, estrogen deficiency, serious illness, and other factors. All of these can be potential causes of menstrual irregularities. That’s why it’s very important to have your doctor determine the specific cause of your menstrual irregularity and treat it.
With OvulaRing, your cycle is tracked and “measured” completely and discreetly. This allows you to determine whether your cycles are healthy, regardless of your menstrual period. You can also compare individual cycles at a glance and record any special details in your cycle diary.
You also have the option to request a free cycle consultation. Our cycle experts will review the cycles you’ve tracked so far and provide you with an assessment of your cycle health. This can also assist your doctor with diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re currently thinking about starting a family, you might also be interested in this post:
Take control of your fertility now and get to know your cycle better. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, looking for natural birth control, or simply want to understand how your cycle works.
from €44 per month
Yes. A cycle ranging from 21 to 35 days is considered normal. It becomes a cause for concern when cycles are consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
If you miss a period and are not pregnant or breastfeeding; if you experience very heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days; if you have severe pain; if there are persistent changes in the intervals between periods; or if you experience bleeding after menopause.
Hormonal imbalances are often present. Contributing factors may include, among others, Stress, significant weight fluctuations, Thyroid disorders, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Endometriosis, fibroids, or certain medications.
Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation. Oligomenorrhea: Cycles longer than 35 days. Hypermenorrhea: Very heavy bleeding. Hypomenorrhea: Very light bleeding.
You may experience brief episodes of spotting. If you have frequent or heavy bleeding, you should see a doctor, especially if you have other symptoms.
Longer intervals between periods may be due to Polycystic ovary syndrome may indicate this, but they don’t necessarily have to. A medical evaluation (medical history, hormone levels, ultrasound) will provide clarity.
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