Irregular periods are a royal pain, but they’re a real problem, for a lot of women in the world. Never knowing when a period will start can add to the anxiety of not knowing, and the pain that can accompany them isn’t a picnic either. Irregular periods are simply periods that deviate from a woman’s usual monthly cycle. The cause can vary from woman to woman, as can the symptoms she may feel.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
Cycle length can vary amongst women, but the average is around 28 to 31 days. Women who have irregular periods won’t always stick to this schedule, and for many women they are unaware of what a regular menstrual cycle is. It can be very alarming in either instance, though for the woman who isn’t accustomed to irregular periods, it can be troublesome. Even though lack of menses is only one sign of irregularity, there are others too.• Painful cramping
• Longer or shorter duration; average is five days
• Sporadic periods
• Frequent periods
• Changes in flow
• Blood clotting
The Causes of Discomfort during Irregular Periods
While there are many reasons a woman may experience discomfort associated with irregular periods, some of the common ones are:• Abnormalities in the uterus
• Pregnancy
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Anemia
• Miscarriage
• Recent childbirth
• Eating disorders
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Medications
• Thyroid
• Stress
• Weight loss or gain
• Breastfeeding
• Over exercising
Though many of those are possible, menopause is perhaps one of the largest causes of irregular periods in women over the age of 35. This stage is called perimenopause, and marks the years leading up to menopause itself. However, it should never be assumed menopause is to blame, no, seek a medical opinion just to be safe. Learn more about exercises and irregular periods.
Irregular Periods and Associated Pain
Intense pain is a common side effect, especially when associated with menopause. It’s typical to have cramping of the abdomen during a monthly cycle, but it can be very troublesome when it appears without it. The pain should never be ignored, and it would be difficult to do so, so make sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis. Severe abdominal pain can be a signs of a serious medical condition.• Endometriosis is a reproductive disorder that causes abnormal growth to occur in the uterine lining. While not considered to be overly dangerous, it can cause infertility.
• Fibroids are tumors that are typically benign. They grow on the smooth muscles of the uterus, though more commonly found in women who are towards the end of their reproductive years.
Any pain that is prolonged or extreme in nature should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Make sure to cover all symptoms, even if they seem unimportant, so the doctor can help to find the best way to treat the pain.
Treating Discomfort of Irregular Periods
There are many treatment options available to women for not only pain, but to try to end periods irregularity with periods too.• Alternative medicine
• Lifestyle changes
• Prescription drugs
Every woman is different, so they may react to different treatments in different ways. This is why it’s imperative to have a good understanding of all the symptoms you’re experiencing, and share that information with your doctor.
