Menstrual cycle disorders: irregular periods, explanations and solutions
Is your menstrual cycle full of surprises? No matter how much you track or what your period app says, your period shows up out of nowhere? Or maybe your cycles are all over the place—sometimes super long, then short, with a light flow then suddenly really heavy? In short, it’s total chaos! This means you have irregular periods or irregular menstrual cycles.
With unpredictable periods, it’s tough to plan. You always need to have emergency period underwear on hand, and it’s also harder to get pregnant if you’re trying! Disordered female cycles can lead to several important issues in a woman’s life.
No shame here—many women struggle with this! For all kinds of reasons, they deal with disrupted periods—short, long, missing, or multiple times in one cycle. It’s a mess we’d all like to avoid!
So today, Louloucup is here to give you some explanations and possible reasons for irregular periods, menstrual cycle disorders, as well as some tips and solutions to help address the problem.
Let’s define exactly what irregular periods mean, and talk about the reasons (birth control, stress, infections, etc.)
In this article
🌻 First of all, what do we mean by irregular periods?
The term "irregular periods" covers a lot of different situations. Here’s a definition:
Periods are considered irregular when they come at unexpected times—earlier or later than your usual schedule. You may notice several days’ delay or several days early compared to what you expected. The first day of your period is therefore a surprise that you discover when you go to the bathroom. It’s neither convenient nor pleasant. It can cause stress and catch you off guard. You might stain your underwear. It’s uncomfortable.
A cycle is irregular when it’s too short and lasts less than 25 days. This is called polymenorrhea. A menstrual cycle is also irregular when it’s much longer than average. This is known as oligomenorrhea and lasts more than 35 days. Just a reminder: a regular menstrual cycle that’s considered normal averages 28 days. Of course, no woman has perfect, regular 28-day cycles all her life. Cycles will change, shift, and vary between puberty and menopause. It’s nothing to worry about—it’s completely normal and natural. However, cycles are considered irregular if short or long cycles persist over time.
You have irregular periods if your periods don’t last about the same length from one cycle to the next. For example, your period might last 5 days one cycle, only 2 days the next, then 7 days the cycle after that, and so on. As a reminder, regular periods usually last between 3 and 6 days.
The same goes for the intensity of your menstrual flow and bleeding. Your period is considered irregular if you notice light bleeding (oligomenorrhea) followed by especially heavy bleeding the next cycle (menorrhagia).
The main thing to remember is that we talk about irregularity when your periods are not the same from one cycle to the next (volume, intensity, duration, frequency, etc.).
🌻 What can cause irregular periods?
It’s important to know your menstrual cycle, your body, and to pay attention to the signs. A regular and well-functioning cycle is a sign of good health. On the other hand, if you notice several abnormalities or irregularities, you might want to ask yourself some questions—but don’t worry too much. Many very different factors can affect your period, its timing, intensity, or frequency.
Contraception
Contraception is one of the main reasons. Hormonal contraception disrupts your cycle by stopping ovulation. The pill, hormonal IUD, or subcutaneous implant can change your periods. This may suit some women who prefer not to have periods. Others prefer to keep having them for reassurance.
Stress
A significant psychological event, an emotional shock, major stress, or even intense fatigue can affect your period. Jet lag, depression, exam stress, grief, trauma from an accident, or high-level athletic activity can all disrupt your cycle or even cause you to miss your period (amenorrhea).
A dietary issue
Significant weight loss (thinness) or gain (overweight), obesity, anorexia, or eating disorders (bulimia) can disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle.
Postpartum
After giving birth, postpartum bleeding (the return of your period) can take time to regulate. Irregular periods are normal and nothing to worry about. It takes several cycles for things to get back to normal. The postpartum period usually starts about two months after giving birth if you’re not breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, the return of your period is delayed as long as you nurse. Prolactin (the hormone released during breastfeeding) delays ovulation and therefore your period.
Puberty
Irregular periods are often seen during adolescence in the first cycles, and that’s completely normal at puberty.
Perimenopause
It’s also normal to experience irregularity after age 45. Women in perimenopause shouldn’t worry about this. An irregular menstrual cycle is one of the symptoms of menopause.
Certain medications and treatments
Medications can affect your period. Intense treatments (like chemotherapy, etc.) as well as certain specific medications can impact your menstrual cycle and make it irregular.
Certain illnesses
Certain health conditions can disrupt your period (endometriosis, PCOS—Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, thyroid, pituitary, or hypothalamic dysfunction, as well as polyps, fibroids, or benign tumors). Irregular periods can be a symptom and may indicate an underlying issue. Once again, we strongly encourage you to see a qualified healthcare professional who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and perform any necessary tests.
🌻 Irregular periods: when should you worry?
As mentioned earlier, you might want to be concerned if you notice other symptoms along with irregular periods: pain, acne, excess hair growth, very heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods.
Pay attention to these issues and don’t hesitate to talk to a qualified healthcare professional who can reassure you and/or run further tests to rule out any possible conditions. Your primary care doctor, gynecologist, or midwife should be available to answer all your questions. When should you see a doctor?
In case of sharp pain
When your irregular periods are accompanied by sharp, intense pain that’s hard to handle day-to-day (known as dysmenorrhea).
If you notice a sudden change
When you’ve always had a regular cycle and suddenly everything is off—much heavier or lighter, much longer or shorter than before.
If you experience multiple types of pain at the same time
When you’re dealing with multiple issues: pain during sex, lower back pain, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, etc.
🌻 Is it possible to get your period back on track?
So, are there solutions for a regular menstrual cycle? Natural treatments? Home remedies? Or does it always require a doctor’s supervision? It’s hard to say. First, you need to know the cause of these issues and treat them accordingly.
Review your birth control
Some estrogen-progestin contraceptives (see our dedicated article Contraception & Periods) that use hormones (estrogen and progesterone) allow you to have your period right on schedule.
The low-dose or 21-day combined pill + 7 days of placebo pills leads to well-regulated, fixed “periods.” These artificial periods are there to reassure women and can even be skipped. The same goes for the vaginal ring or contraceptive patch. Withdrawal bleeding happens during the fourth week. Hormonal treatment can often be a good solution for women with very irregular periods.
Self-care
If the imbalance is emotional or psychological (stress, fatigue, etc.), you can address it by working on it with the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist. If you tend to be anxious or stressed, practices like sophrology sessions can help calm you down. By resolving psychological issues, many physical problems often improve as well.
Finally, we couldn’t end this article without reminding you of the importance of a good period routine. Periods may be irregular, but they should never be uncomfortable with our menstrual underwear and Loulou menstrual cups! Get the best hygiene protection to stay dry and confident all period long. Don’t wait—shop your bundle of Louloucup period products now!
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