Irregular Periods: Why you should pay attention to your cycle.
Do you know when your last period started or how long it lasted? If not, it might be time to start paying attention.
Monthly periods, also known as menstrual periods, provide insight into your body's health. If you are experiencing an irregular cycle, it is time for a conversation with your health provider.
What is an abnormal period?
Normal period cycles last between two and seven days and return every 21-35 days. Sometimes, periods happen outside this date range, which might mean you are experiencing stress or illness that needs attention.
Reasons for an irregular period:
There are several causes for irregular menstrual bleeding, they can range from medical conditions to changes in your lifestyle, including:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Eating disorders and/or excessive exercising.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is caused by an imbalance in sex hormones.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs.
Medications, including birth control.
Stress, which affects your hormones, can result in several missed periods.
Keeping tabs on your period matters.
Tracking your period is a great start to finding what is normal for you, so you can identify important changes in your body. You can track your cycles by making notes on your calendar or with one of many phone apps that offer journals for recording your periods.
Keep track of how long your period lasts, the heaviness in flow and any bleeding between your periods. Also, be sure to describe any pain or mood changes associated with your period.
Variety Care’s women’s health team is dedicated to providing patient centered care. We offer women’s health services at ten of our locations, including the OKC Metro, Norman and Southwestern Oklahoma.
Treatment for irregular periods looks different for everyone; fortunately, Variety Care offers well rounded services to meet your health needs.
For some women, treatment for irregular periods will include behavioral/mental health services as well as an appointment with a women’s health provider because the issues may go hand in hand.
Variety Care’s Teen Clinic program offers medically accurate sexual health education to empower youth. They also provide accessible support services that are perfect for those who do not feel comfortable speaking with adults or having this conversation alone.
Give us a call and we can help you find a provider that suits you.