How Do I Know If My Period Is Irregular?

Most women grow up hearing that a “normal” period comes every 28 days. However, healthy cycles come in a wider range. Many experts consider a regular cycle to be anywhere from about 24 to 38 days, with bleeding that lasts roughly two to seven days and follows a fairly predictable pattern for you. So if you don’t land exactly on day 28, that doesn’t mean something is wrong.

What really matters is consistency. If your cycle length swings widely month to month, your flow is much heavier or much lighter than usual, you skip periods, or you’re dealing with bleeding between periods, those are signs worth checking out. Sometimes irregular cycles are harmless and temporary (stressful month, travel, new workout routine). Sometimes they are a sign of an underlying condition like a thyroid imbalance, PCOS, fibroids, or perimenopause.

If you’re concerned, come see a specialist. At Rose Women’s Medical Center, our providers have extensive experience helping women understand changes in their cycle and treating the causes behind them. In this blog, you’ll learn what counts as regular, common signs of an irregular cycle, possible causes, when to seek care, and the kinds of treatments that can help.

What counts as a regular period?

A regular cycle should be consistent for you. It means your period typically shows up within a similar window each month, your flow is comparable from cycle to cycle, and the cramps or PMS symptoms feel familiar, not extremely different.

Small shifts can happen. Stress, travel, illness, and sleep changes can cause your period to show up a little earlier or later than usual. In the first few years after your first period, and again as you approach menopause, more variation is also common as hormones fluctuate. However, it’s a red flag when there’s a break in the pattern.

Here are a few signs your period may be irregular:

• Your cycle length jumps around a lot from month to month, not just by a few days
• You miss periods for several months and you’re not pregnant, breastfeeding, or on a birth control method that typically lightens or pauses bleeding
• Your flow is unusually heavy or includes large clots, or you feel washed out and short of breath (possible anemia)
• You have bleeding between periods or after sex
• Your cramps are severe, keep you from everyday activities, or are worse than they used to be
• You notice new symptoms like acne and excess hair growth, sudden weight changes, or milky nipple discharge when not breastfeeding

It’s important to remember that one unusual cycle isn’t always cause for alarm. Your body can have an “off” month and bounce back the next.

Why periods become irregular

It often comes down to how your body’s hormones interact, and how outside factors influence that balance. Stress, for example, plays a considerable role. When your body is under constant pressure, whether from work, personal life, or even over-exercising, it can interrupt the signals between your brain and ovaries, leading to missed or late periods.

Hormonal conditions are another common reason. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt ovulation and cause cycles to be unpredictable. Thyroid disorders, whether the gland is overactive or underactive, can also throw off timing.

Medications sometimes play a part, too. Hormonal birth control, especially when you first start or stop it, may change the timing or flow of your periods. Certain blood thinners or psychiatric medications can also affect bleeding.

Treatment options for irregular periods

Treatment depends on the cause, but most cases can be managed. For women dealing with stress-related changes, getting better sleep, relaxation techniques, or diet changes can help. If hormonal imbalances are the problem, birth control or other medications can regulate your cycle and reduce heavy bleeding.

For women with conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, more specialized treatments may be necessary, ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures. And if you’re hoping to get pregnant, there are specific strategies that can help improve fertility.

Having a cycle that doesn’t fit the standard 28-day model doesn’t mean your period is irregular. But if your bleeding patterns have changed, your flow feels heavier than usual, or your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to see one of our providers at Rose Women’s Medical Center. Call us at 331-233-1350 today or request an online appointment.