Most women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) have menstrual periods that last four to seven days. Your period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. In fact, the average cycle length is 29 days. Many things cause irregular periods (or irregular menstruation) such as changes in hormone levels, stress, certain health conditions, medications
Medical conditions and irregular periods
Certain health conditions are associated with missed menstrual periods. They include:
Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus. The tissue often attaches itself to your ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may cause abnormal bleeding, cramps or severe pain before and during your period.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. It’s typically caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI). Bacteria enter your vagina and spread to your uterus and upper genital tract. Symptoms of PID include a heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, irregular periods and pelvic pain.
Medication for irregular periods
Medications are often the first treatment for irregular periods. If medication doesn’t help, your provider may recommend surgery. Possible medications include:
Hormonal birth control: Irregular or heavy bleeding caused by PCOS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis or other medical conditions may be managed with hormonal birth control. They also help by regulating your cycle, making it more predictable. These can be combination hormonal birth control pills that consist of estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only birth control. Both types come in different forms like pills, a vaginal ring, injection or an IUD (intrauterine device).
Tranexamic acid:A medication prescribed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. You take one pill at the start of your period to control your bleeding.