Is Your Menstrual Cycle Normal?

If your menstrual cycles are irregular, your body could be trying to tell you something. Find out what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to menstrual cycle.

Some women’s menstrual cycles run like clockwork, predictably starting every four weeks and lasting around five days or so. If your period does not follow this pattern, should you be concerned? Not necessarily. “Normal” menstrual cycles can range from as little as 21 days to as long as 35 days, with menstrual flow at about 2 to 3 teaspoons per cycle, But if your periods are way off that mark, your body could be trying to tell you something.
“An irregular cycle is never really considered normal”.

The exceptions are in the few years after a girl’s first period and in the years leading up to menopause. Periods can be unpredictable at those times.
An occasional irregular cycle can be normal and does not necessarily warrant evaluation in a healthy woman unless it persists. For instance, missing one period because of stress may be okay, but not having a period for three to six months is abnormal and needs medical attention. Of course, if you are sexually active, pregnancy could be the reason for your irregular cycle.
What Causes Irregular Menstrual Cycles?
There are multiple reasons why your cycle may be irregular, but the most common cause is the ovaries’ failure to release an egg every month. However, changes in diet, weight, exercise, stress, travel, and work (like going from a day shift to a night shift) can also mess with your periods.
In some cases, irregular periods may be a symptom of a bigger health issue, including:
• Thyroid or bleeding problems
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts or polycystic ovarian syndrome
Other health problems that may trigger changes in your menstrual cycle include diabetes, cancer, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV infection.
Irregular Periods: When to see your Doctor
Watch out for cycles that have been fairly predictable and then become unpredictable. “Having excessive bleeding, bleeding in between periods, or any other abnormality of the cycle that was not present before could be the beginning of a problem.
You should see your doctor if:
• You bleed for more than seven days in two consecutive months
• The bleeding is heavy enough to make you feel weak or have a rapid heartbeat
• The bleeding is so heavy that you soak through a pad every hour
• You bleed heavily between your normal cycles
• You have excessive pain or cramps while you are bleeding
• You think you may be pregnant and bleeding
Also seek medical attention if you have any bleeding after menopause. “Postmenopausal bleeding is not normal and should always be evaluated by a doctor.
How Are Irregular Periods Treated?
Hormonal contraception is the first-line treatment for irregular bleeding. Options include pills, vaginal rings, patches, devices that are implanted under the skin, and IUDs (intrauterine devices) containing hormones.
If medication does not work, a procedure called endometrial ablation can be performed in women who no longer want to become pregnant. The operation removes a thin layer of the lining of the uterus and can stop menstruation completely or reduce blood flow significantly. As a last resort, hysterectomy may be necessary to solve the problem.
“Do not be afraid to share your concerns with your doctor. I guarantee we have heard it all before — no need to be embarrassed!”