While your period is known as part of your menstrual cycle, the actual cycle itself can vary greatly from month to month due to several factors, whether it be diet and exercise, change in hormone levels, or a new and different birth control method. Some cycles can last about 20 days with only a 3 day period, others might last up to 40 days and you might experience a 7 day period. And while irregular periods aren’t always a cause for concern, it can be beneficial and informative to know what might be the cause of your irregular menstrual cycle, and what signs you should look out for when it comes to figuring out when you should seek medical care.
Causes For Irregular Periods
A prevalent cause of irregular periods for young women is diet and exercise. If you’re not eating enough and doing high intensity exercise every day without rest, it can cause your periods to become shorter and lighter, as well as muscle strain, weakness, and fatigue. So in order to get your periods and your body healthy, be sure to be eating more nutrient dense foods and prioritize rest, especially when you’re on your period. Other common causes of irregular periods are a change in hormone levels due to birth control, or for older women, the early stages of menopause. With your hormone levels changing considerably, your periods might be heavier for longer, or your period might be absent entirely.
When You Should Seek Medical Care
In general, if you have skipped one or more periods entirely and are sexually active, it’s important to rule out pregnancy as an option before seeking care from your doctor. And for when to know when you should seek medical care, look out for the following symptoms:
- Periods have recently changed in regularity
- Periods are considerably weaker or heavier than normal
- You have recently lost or gained a significant amount of weight
- Periods last longer than 7 days or occur more frequently than every 21 days
- Experiencing severe abdominal pain and cramping
When you notice those things on your period, it’s important to seek medical care from a trusted primary care physician or OB/GYN.
For Women’s Healthcare and More, Come See The Experts at Revive Medical Center Today
When you need help with irregular menstrual cycles or other women’s health concerns, be sure to see the trusted staff at Revive Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA. Call to make your appointment today!
