{"id":35819,"date":"2024-12-06T23:47:59","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T23:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=35819"},"modified":"2024-12-20T23:15:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T23:15:29","slug":"should-i-see-a-doctor-irregular-periods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/should-i-see-a-doctor-irregular-periods\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I see a doctor: Irregular periods","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

After years of a clockwork menstrual cycle, suddenly your schedule is out of whack. It surprises you a week early one month, and the next cycle is days to weeks late. What\u2019s going on?<\/p>\n

What\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Everybody is different, and your menstrual cycle is no different. Generally, though, the typical parameter for a menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days between the first day of bleeding. Being early or late up to one week is not a reason for concern.<\/p>\n

Most people who menstruate will experience bleeding for seven days or fewer and go through three to four pads on their heaviest flow day(s).<\/p>\n

If you skip one period entirely but your cycle bounces back the next month, it could simply be a fluke caused by stress, changes in medication, weight fluctuation, not eating enough, excessive physical activity or other lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

For teens who only recently started their period, irregularities are common the first few years and not a reason to worry. Over time you\u2019ll learn your body and come into your own cycle.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s \u2018not normal\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Experts consider the menstrual cycle a fifth vital sign, meaning if it becomes irregular seemingly out of nowhere, it could be an indicator that something else is going on. Things to consider could be hormonal imbalances, a thyroid dysfunction, chronic diseases, fibroids, uterine polyps or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), among others.<\/p>\n

While some people may find relief in skipping a period, it\u2019s important to remember it\u2019s a natural cycle and shouldn\u2019t be ignored. For example, young or extreme athletes have been told it\u2019s normal for periods to stop altogether \u2014 but that could be a sign you\u2019re pushing your body too much and could put you at risk for other health impacts.<\/p>\n

How to care for your condition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Living a balanced lifestyle may be the key to regulating your cycle. Focus on reducing stress, getting enough sleep, staying active and giving your body the nutrients it needs.<\/p>\n

If your cycle remains irregular even after these efforts, it\u2019s time to consult your doctor or other health care provider to treat any underlying conditions \u2014 or consider birth control.<\/p>\n

Birth control comes with its own side effects, but can be a useful tool in regulating the cycle as well as lessening your overall pain and flow.<\/p>\n

If you ever worry that your experience isn\u2019t normal, talk with your provider.<\/p>\n

Medical review provided for this piece by Carri Holton, MSN, ARNP, WHNP<\/a>, and Angie Hamouie, MD, MPH<\/a>, both with <\/em>Mary Bridge Children\u2019s Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After years of a clockwork menstrual cycle, suddenly your schedule is out of whack. It surprises you a week early one month, and the next cycle is days to weeks late. What\u2019s going on? What\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019 Everybody is different, and your menstrual cycle is no different. Generally, though, the typical parameter for a menstrual cycle […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":115,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157,99,115],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ask-a-doctor","category-primary-care","category-womens-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nShould I see a doctor: Irregular periods- MultiCare Vitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your period becomes irregular out of nowhere \u2014 and doesn\u2019t bounce back the following month \u2014 it may be time to talk to your provider.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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