It’s just part of the deal (burden?)
of having a female reproductive system.
For some, though, their monthly flow is unpredictable.
Westend61 / Getty Images
For most women, their period then lasts from four to seven days.
If it feels like its abnormal and it’s bothering you, then it is," Cackovic says.
“Irregular” can refer to the schedule, frequency, or duration of your period.
There are a ton of different things that can make your period irregular.
Here are some of the most likely.
If your period becomes more frequent and lighter, it can be a sign ofhypothyroidism.
Less frequent and heavier is a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Cackovic says he saw this happening while serving as a physician with the Navy Reserve in Afghanistan.
Being chronicallysleep deprivedcan also impact hormone regulation and throw off your cycle.
Crossing time zones can throw your hormones off similarly to the way stress does, Cackovic explains.
“Some women are more susceptible than others,” he says.
After a few months of your period coming earlier each time, you may end up skipping a month.
They can alsocause spotting.
“Fifty percent of African American women have fibroids,” Cackovic says.
These infections can lead to scarring in the reproductive tract, and ultimately, infertility.
If your cycle is off and you notice any of these other problems, get checked out ASAP.
Women withendometriosistend to have very heavy periods.
Somemay also have very painful periods, while others don’t experience pain at all.
The condition can also cause spotting, according to theMayo Clinic.
Birth control pillsuse a combination of estrogen and progestin (some pills are progestin only) to prevent ovulation.
Also, many birth control pills have very low estrogen content, which can cause irregular bleeding.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) like heparin or warfarin can make your period heavier.
Some antipsychotics, antidepressants, and the drug methadone can also cause irregular periods.
If a new medication seems to be messing with your cycle, talk about it with your prescribing doctor.
How Much Does Your Period Cost?
