Irregular periods are a problem that many women ignore but that can be a symptom of very serious illnesses. Having regular periods is an indicator that many systems in the female body are working correctly.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, made highly useful explanations about irregular periods, the problem of many women. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, explained for us all the details, from the symptoms to the causes.
In the first years in which the menstrual cycle begins, it is normal for periods to be irregular. However, irregularities that still continue at the end of a few years need to be followed up. The regularity of the menstrual cycle indicates that the uterus, the ovaries, the vagina and the vulva are carrying out their functions in a healthy way. Besides this, the normal working of the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamic region is necessary for a regular menstrual cycle.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SYMPTOMS!
Although, when defining irregular periods, women generally perceive the situation in which the time between two periods lasts longer than expected, in fact the time between two periods being shorter than 21 days also points to irregularity.
Menstrual cycle intervals shorter than 21 days and longer than 35 days point to irregularity. Besides this, the amount of menstrual bleeding and menstrual bleeding lasting more than 8 days should also be taken as a symptom of irregularity.
Although irregularities that begin after the age of 40 are thought to be the menopause, it should not be overlooked that the menopause may begin at any time up to the age of 55.
Before making the diagnosis of the menopause herself, a woman needs to consult a gynaecologist and be examined. It should not be forgotten that for every woman a regular gynaecological examination from the beginning of her twenties is among the essentials for a healthy life.
IT SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH THE ABSENCE OF PERIODS!
Irregular periods should not be confused with a late (absent) period. A delay may point to pregnancy. Disruptions experienced in at least two menstrual cycles should be examined as irregularity.
THE CAUSES OF IRREGULAR PERIODS?
Stress, hormonal disorders, the use of medication, sudden excessive weight loss or excessive weight gain, doing too much exercise and a very low body mass index (BMI) can cause irregular periods.
Irregular periods can also be a symptom of gynaecological cancers, especially cancer of the cervix or cancer of the uterus. Besides this, liver diseases, diabetes or clinical depression can also give rise to irregular periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the chocolate cyst are also among the causes of irregular periods. Every woman’s irregular periods need to be examined individually. Because this problem should be seen as one that requires a quite detailed examination and that carries great importance in terms of early diagnosis, especially in cases of cancer.