About 14% to 25% of people experience irregular menstrual cycles.
This article discusses common causes of irregular periods and how to treat them.
Adolescents who have recently begun menstruating may have irregular periods for the first few years.
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Individuals going through perimenopause also commonly experience irregular periods.
Some medications can cause irregular periods.
Long-term use of steroids may cause heavy or irregular periods.
Anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinning medications) may cause heavy period bleeding.
How to Treat Irregular Periods
Treatment of irregular periods depends on the underlying cause.
Treatment options may include:
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Irregular Periods?
Other irregular periods include heavy or light bleeding, bleeding between periods, and painful periods.
Health conditions that cause irregular periods include uterine polyps and fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, and more.
Treatment may include hormonal birth control, IUD, and pain management techniques.
A Word From Verywell
Having an irregular period can affect your well-being and quality of life.
You should talk with your healthcare provider whenever you experience a significant change in your menstrual cycle.
Many causes of irregular periods can be treated or even prevented.
Yes, a high level of stress is strongly linked with irregular periods.
The treatment for irregular periods depends on the underlying cause.
Possible treatment options include hormonal birth control, intrauterine equipment, and pain management.
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?
Office on Womens Health.Period problems.
2021;13(10):3436. doi:10.3390/nu13103436
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Harvard Health.When you visit your doctor: Irregular menstrual periods.
