Abnormal Menstruation
Abnormal menstruation occurs when a woman experiences irregular periods, heavy or light periods, or missed periods over a certain period of time. During the child-bearing years, women typically experience 11-13 periods per year. However, this number can vary amongst women. This implies that abnormal or missed periods are specific to each woman. Within the first few years, after menstruation has begun, hormones are not in balance, and irregular periods are common. This same thing can occur right before menopause, when hormones are, once again, out of balance.
There are several different possible causes of abnormal or missed periods. Of course, pregnancy is one of the most common reasons a period is missed for a long period of time. Using a home pregnancy test is the best way to quickly verify if you are pregnant. If you rule out pregnancy as the cause of an absent period, here are some other possible causes:
Extreme weight loss or weight gain
Eating disorders
Increased amount of exercise
Emotional stress
Illnesses
Travelling
Medicines
Hormone issues
Drug use
Pelvic organ issues
Breastfeeding
It is important to note that an absent period does not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant if she is sexually active. Other external factors such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can possibly lead to early ovarian failure, causing periods to be missed or abnormal. Additionally, other diseases, such as IBS, can induce a period to be lost, although this is a rare occurrence. The best way to personally address missed or irregular periods is to adjust your personal lifestyle to create balance. If you are concerned or the irregular periods have occurred over several months, please contact your doctor.
