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Women's Center at Westover Hills
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Irregular Menstrual Bleeding

Should I be Worried?

There are many causes of irregular menstrual bleeding. Most women have 11-13 periods a year but your may have more or less and it still be normal for you and your body.

Periods usually very irregular during the first few years after the initiation of menstruation. It can take several years before hormones level out and teens have periods that are regular.

Periods may also become irregular as we get older. As we enter perimenopause and menopause periods become irregular and you may go many months without a period. Menopause is diagnosed after a woman goes 12 months without a period.

Pregnancy is the most common cause of irregular or missed periods. Do not be surprised if your provider requests a pregnancy test as a part of the evaluation of irregular periods.

Other than the most common reasons for irregular periods listed above here are other reasons for missed or irregular periods:
  • Excessive weight loss or weight gain
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
  • Increased exercise
  • Emotional stress
  • Illness
  • Travel
  • Medications such as birth control
  • Hormone problems
  • Illegal drug use
  • Breastfeeding
  • Problems such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome or Asherman’s syndrome

Remember it is possible to become pregnant even with missed periods. Always use birth control if you do not wish to become pregnant.

From Our Patients

“She is a great doctor, and brings with her a sense of comfort hard to find in other professionals. I’d recommend her to everyone! Thank you, Dr. Akonye, for your dedication.” – Priscilla Terrazas