Women typically experience their menstrual period as a regular part of their monthly cycle. However, some periods can mark the beginning of discomfort, disruption, and concern. Understanding the causes of “abnormal” periods and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial in order to maintain your health and well-being. 

A woman's typical menstrual period lasts between four to seven days. The menstrual cycle would usually occur every 28 days, though a normal cycle can span from 21 days to 35 days. The initial signs of irregular menstruation can be the result of imbalance in hormone levels, stress, health conditions, changes in prescription, or other causes. 

Irregular cycles include periods that are consistently shorter than 21 days or last longer than 35 days. In some cases there are menstrual periods that occur in great lengths at a time and during a span of months. Some examples of period abnormalities include amenorrhea, menorrhagia, and dysmenorrhea. Amenorrhea is the absence of a period for 90 days or more. This period of time does not include periods of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. Menorrhagia is the excessive bleeding that often persists longer than 7 days. One suffering from menorrhagia may experience having to change pads or tampons regularly. Dysmenorrhea is the condition where one may experience painful menstrual cramps. Often these cramps are debilitating and cannot be relieved by pain medications. It is important to note that these are not the only conditions of menstrual abnormalities and there are others to consider as well.

When to Be Concerned

While some period abnormalities could possibly be benign, there are other underlying health issues that would require immediate attention. Some cases when these irregularities would be a concern include anemia, infertility, and undiagnosed underlying conditions. Anemia is the heavy or prolonged bleeding that leads to iron-deficiency. Following this condition can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Infertility can follow from conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, which poses a risk of infertility during the course of these abnormal periods. One’s period can also be an underlying indicator that there are other undiagnosed underlying conditions happening within the body. For example, thyroid disorders, fibroids, polyps, or a bleeding disorder, all in which would require appropriate medical attention and diagnosis.

There is not a direct set of definitions of abnormalities however, there are some symptoms to be aware of. This includes excessive bleeding, large blood clots, periods that last longer than seven days, severe abdominal pain, nausea, bleeding after sexual intercourse, periods that become irregular after years of regular courses and signs of anemia. 

Irregular menstrual cycles occur in 14-25% of women. Indicating that these periods could range from heavy or lighter cycles and could extend past than 35 days or shorter than 21 days. Other symptoms this population of women face include severe abdominal cramps often hinder daily activities and leave many in severe pain. 

Seeking Professional Help 

The most crucial takeaway from this is being aware when to seek treatment options or confide in a healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your period, you should consult a healthcare provider if you observe significant changes in your menstrual cycle, immense pain not managed by over-the-counter medications, severe bleeding, and bleeding after intercourse or menopause. Everyone’s menstrual period experience is unique, so you should seek help if you have a concern your period may be abnormal or pose any discomfort to you. 

References

Attia, Ghalia M., et al. “The Impact of Irregular Menstruation on Health: A Review of the Literature.” Cureus, vol. 15, no. 11, Nov. 2023, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.49146.

Cleveland Clinic. “Abnormal Menstruation (Periods) .” Cleveland Clinic, 2019, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods.

“What You Need to Know about Irregular Periods.” Uclahealth.org, UCLA Health, 13 Feb. 2024, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/what-you-need-know-about-irregular-periods.