Irregular Periods (Menstruation) Treatment in Delhi, India

Menstrual cycles, a natural part of women’s reproductive system, also offer insights into their hormonal balance and fertility. These cycles, often lasting around 28 days, involve complex hormonal interactions. While facilitating reproduction, they also serve as vital health markers. However, irregular periods with varying cycle length, frequency, or bleeding intensity can disrupt life and may signal health concerns. 

We, at Max Hospital, prioritise addressing these concerns promptly and thoroughly. Our team of experienced gynaecologists and specialists takes a multifaceted approach to diagnose and treat irregular periods effectively. Through comprehensive evaluations, we delve into potential causes, which may include hormonal imbalances, PCOS, thyroid disorders, or reproductive issues. We, then, create personalised treatment plans tailored to our patient’s unique needs. These plans may involve hormonal therapies, lifestyle modifications, and even surgical interventions when necessary.

Our ultimate goal, at Max Hospitals, Delhi, is to restore hormonal balance, optimise our patients’ reproductive health, and empower them to regain control over their cycles. By providing compassionate and comprehensive care, we hope to enhance their overall well-being.

What are Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods, also known as irregular menstrual cycles, refer to variations in the length, frequency, or heaviness of menstrual bleeding. In a typical menstrual cycle, which lasts about 28 days on average, a woman experiences menstrual bleeding for 3 to 7 days. However, irregular periods can manifest in several ways:

• Frequency: Menstrual cycles may occur more frequently than every 21 days or less frequently than every 35 days.
• Duration: Menstrual bleeding may last longer than 7 days.
• Flow: Menstrual bleeding may be unusually heavy or light.
• Pattern: The intervals between periods may vary unpredictably.

Types of Irregular Periods/Menstruation

Amenorrhea

When periods cease for more than 90 days, it is known as amenorrhea. There are two types of this condition

• Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea occurs in teenage girls when menstruation fails to start at puberty.

• Secondary AmenorrheaSecondary amenorrhea occurs when the normal menstrual cycle becomes increasingly irregular or absent for a prolonged period.

Dysmenorrhea

This condition denotes severe pain or frequent cramps during the period. It can be described as primary or secondary, depending on the cause. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to hormonal imbalance, while secondary dysmenorrhea may occur due to underlying medical conditions.

Menorrhagia

This is one of the most common types of irregular periods. In this condition, you will experience prolonged and heavy bleeding. In some cases, the bleeding may also disrupt your day-to-day activities. Menorrhagia can be further classified into polymenorrhea (when bleeding occurs too frequently), postmenopausal (when you have menstrual periods after menopause), and metrorrhagia (when you experience bleeding between periods).

Hypomenorrhea

This is the opposite of menorrhagia. In this condition, you will experience light periods, and the bleeding often lasts less than two days or it is less than 80ml.

Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent or irregular menstrual periods. Women with oligomenorrhea typically experience menstrual cycles longer than 35 days, with only a few periods occurring throughout the year.

Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia is characterised by irregular, unpredictable bleeding between menstrual periods. This bleeding can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle and may be lighter or heavier than normal menstruation.

Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea involves menstrual cycles that occur too frequently, with intervals shorter than 21 days. Women with polymenorrhea experience more frequent menstruation than the typical monthly cycle.

Hypermenorrhea

Hypermenorrhea refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Women with hypermenorrhea experience excessive menstrual blood loss, which can lead to significant discomfort, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Irregular Periods Causes

There are various causes of irregular periods. Here are the most common ones.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and results in irregular periods, which is caused by an imbalance of hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen.
• Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. An imbalance of thyroid hormones can cause it.
• Stress: Stress can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, leading to irregular menstruation. Stress can also cause changes in weight, which can also affect the menstrual cycle.
• Weight changes: Rapid weight gain or weight loss may disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, thus causing changes in the menstrual cycle.
• Medications: Certain medicines, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
• Hormonal imbalances: An imbalance of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can cause irregular menstruation. It is caused by various factors, including menopause, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.
• Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy or irregular periods.
• Endometriosis: In this condition, the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing heavy or irregular periods.
• Perimenopause: It is the period of time leading up to menopause, during which hormonal changes can cause irregular periods.
• Lifestyle factors: Factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, leading to irregular periods.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of the reproductive organs that can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to irregular periods.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency: This condition occurs when the ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40, leading to hormonal imbalances.
• Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to menstrual irregularities and other symptoms.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to menstrual irregularities and other symptoms.
• Uterine cancer: Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the uterus and can cause irregular periods, among other symptoms.
• Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries and can cause hormonal imbalances and irregular periods.
• Miscarriage: It is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week and can cause hormonal imbalances and irregular periods.
• Ectopic pregnancy: It occurs when the fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. This can cause hormonal imbalances and irregular periods.

Irregular Periods Symptoms

Women who exhibit the below-mentioned symptoms, might have an irregular menstrual cycle issue:

• Menstrual cycle changes too often
• Period after every 21 days or after every 35 days
• Period lasts more than one week
• Much pain during periods
• Haven't had a period for 90 days
• Loose more or less blood over a period than usual
• Bleeding in between your periods or after sex

Irregular Periods Diagnosis

When diagnosing irregular periods, the doctor might first perform a pelvic exam and ask about the patient’s medical history and menstrual cycle. The doctor may also order specific tests, including.

• Blood test to rule out the possibility of anaemia or other medical conditions
• PAP test to check for any infections
• Endometrial biopsy to evaluate problems with your uterus
• Sonohysterogram to take photos of the uterine cavity
• Pelvic ultrasound to create images of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis

Irregular Periods Treatment

Some common treatment modalities used are as follows

Medications

If the irregularity is due to an underlying medical condition, medication may be necessary. Some medications that can be used are as follows:

• Birth control pills: These medications contain synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, which help regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Progestin-only pills: Progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, contain only progestin and can help regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications suppress oestrogen and progesterone production, leading to a temporary halt in the menstrual cycle. They are typically used for short-term treatment of conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
• Metformin: It is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can also be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Clomiphene: Clomiphene is a medication used to stimulate ovulation in women who have trouble getting pregnant. It can also help regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy such as progesterone or oestrogen can be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce associated symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to remove growths or other abnormalities. Some possible surgical procedures that may be recommended include

• Endometrial ablation: It is a procedure that removes the uterus lining to reduce or stop menstrual flow.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, which can eliminate menstrual periods altogether.
• Ovarian drilling: A laparoscopic surgery that creates small holes in the ovaries to stimulate ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles.
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy or irregular periods.

Other Treatment Options

• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, and maca root, have been shown to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the frequency and severity of irregular periods.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, and stress management can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the frequency and severity of irregular periods.

Consult your doctor to plan the best course of treatment, as the treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Irregular Periods Complications

• Infertility: Frequent cycle changes can make it difficult for a woman to conceive, as ovulation may not occur at regular intervals.
• Hormonal imbalances: irregularity in the menstrual cycle can indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance, like PCOS.
• Endometriosis: Disturbed cycle can be a symptom of endometriosis in which tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus.
• Uterine fibroids: Irregular periods can be a symptom of uterine fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus.
• Pelvic pain: Irregular periods can cause pelvic pain and discomfort, especially during menstruation.
• Anaemia: Irregular periods can lead to anaemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough haemoglobin or red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
• Emotional distress: Irregular periods can cause emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
• Missed menstrual periods: Irregular periods can cause missed menstrual periods, which can be a sign of pregnancy or other health issues.
• Vaginal bleeding: Irregular periods can cause vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, which can be a sign of a serious condition such as cancer.
• Overall health: Irregular periods can indicate an overall health problem that needs to be addressed. It is essential to consult a doctor to determine the cause of irregular periods and to receive appropriate treatment.

Irregular Periods Prevention

While complete prevention of irregular periods isn't always possible, several steps can promote regular cycles and reduce the risk of experiencing them:

Lifestyle

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormones and lead to irregular periods. Aim for a healthy BMI and a balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, but avoid excessive exercise.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormone regulation. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can disrupt hormone production.

Diet

• Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
• Include omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, they can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation.
• Consider vitamin and mineral supplements: Discuss with a doctor potential benefits of vitamin D, B vitamins, or iron, depending on individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are irregular periods?

Irregular periods are relatively common, affecting many women at some point in their lives. Estimates suggest that around 30% of women experience irregular menstrual cycles at some stage.

Is it normal to miss a period occasionally?

Yes, it's normal to occasionally miss a period, especially due to factors like stress, changes in diet or exercise, hormonal fluctuations, or illness. However, persistent irregularities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When should I be concerned about delayed menstruation?

While occasional delays in menstruation are common and often not a cause for concern, persistent or significant delays, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, abnormal bleeding, or hormonal imbalances, may warrant medical evaluation.

What are the potential side effects of irregular periods?

Irregular cycles can lead to various side effects, including mood swings, fatigue, bloating, acne, weight changes, and disruptions in daily activities or routines. In some cases, they may also indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Can missing a period for two months be a sign of something serious?

Missing a period for two months can be a sign of something serious, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, abnormal bleeding, or hormonal imbalances. It's essential to consult a doctor to rule out potential underlying causes.

Can someone with irregular periods still get pregnant?

Yes, someone with irregular periods can still get pregnant, although irregular ovulation patterns may make it more challenging to predict fertile days accurately. However, fertility is still possible, and consulting a fertility specialist may be helpful for those trying to conceive.

How do irregular periods affect pregnancy chances?

Irregular periods can affect pregnancy chances by making it more difficult to predict ovulation accurately, which is essential for conception. However, with proper management and monitoring, many women with irregular periods can still achieve pregnancy.

Are there any home remedies or lifestyle changes that might help regulate irregular periods?

Yes, certain home remedies and lifestyle changes may help regulate irregular periods. These include maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, getting regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol intake.

When is it necessary to see a doctor about irregular periods?

It's necessary to see a doctor about irregular periods if they persist for more than a few months, are accompanied by severe pain, abnormal bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, or if there's a sudden change in menstrual patterns. Additionally, women experiencing difficulty conceiving or those with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice.

Are PCOS and irregular periods one and the same?

No, PCOS and irregular periods are not the same. Irregular periods are a common symptom of PCOS, but PCOS involves other hormonal imbalances and symptoms beyond irregular menstruation.

How does PCOS treatment differ from treatment for irregular periods not related to PCOS?

PCOS treatment typically includes addressing hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and other symptoms associated with the condition, in addition to managing irregular periods. On the other hand, treatment for irregular periods not related to PCOS may focus on addressing underlying causes such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or thyroid disorders. Therefore, while there may be some overlap in treatment approaches, they are not identical.

When are irregular periods more common?

Irregular periods are more common during puberty and menopause, when hormonal changes can cause fluctuations in the menstrual cycle. Additionally, factors such as stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and other medical conditions can also lead to this.

How can I lower my risk of having an irregular period naturally?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can help regulate your menstrual cycle. Additionally, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can disrupt your menstrual cycle.

Do irregular periods mean infertility? Can a woman with irregular periods get pregnant?

Irregular periods do not necessarily mean infertility, but they can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have irregular periods, it may be more difficult to predict when you are ovulating, making it harder to time intercourse for conception. However, with medical intervention and proper treatment, most women with irregular periods can conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

Review

Reviewed By Dr. Richa Singhal, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology  on 4 July 2024