Irregularity of menstrual periods can vary in the following characteristics:
• Infrequency (i.e., the occasional skipping of menstrual periods or a total absence of menstrual bleeding). This Q&A discusses the occasional skipping of menstrual periods. If you are experiencing a total absence of menstrual bleeding and you are not pregnant and not in menopause, see our Q&A called Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation).
• Irregular timing of the menstrual bleeding during the month (i.e., bleeding between menstrual periods). This Q&A discusses bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Duration (i.e., how long the menstrual bleeding lasts). If you are experiencing prolonged menstrual bleeding, see our Q&A called Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.
• Intensity of menstrual bleeding. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, see our Q&A called Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.
• Intensity of menstrual cramping. If you are experiencing uncomfortable menstrual cramping, see our Q&A called Menstrual Cramps.
Bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods may vary in duration and intensity. Light bleeding between menstrual periods is called spotting. A normal amount of bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods is called metrorrhagia, which can vary in duration. Some women with metrorrhagia experience prolonged bleeding (i.e., that lasts for weeks).
The different types of bleeding between menstrual periods may result from a variety of causes:
• Lack of ovulation, due to insufficient level of certain sex hormones in the body. Just prior to menopause (a time called peri-menopause), menstrual periods may become infrequent.
• Lack of ovulation resulting from lack of proper functioning of the ovaries, due to the presence of certain ovarian disorders, benign tumors of the ovaries, and ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis, a disorder of the lining of the uterus
• Uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors of the uterus
• Other disorders of the uterus, including uterine cancer
If you experience bleeding between periods, note when the bleeding occurs during the month, and consult your integrative medical physician and gynecologist for proper diagnosis and guidance on treatment.[1] See our Q&A called Treatment of Irregular Timing of Periods.
Missing a menstrual period can result from many causes, including:
• Pregnancy
• Lack of ovulation, due to insufficient level of certain sex hormones in the body. Missing a period due to inadequate levels of sex hormones in the body can arise from regular over-exercising, inadequate nutrition in women with eating disorders, or changes that occur during peri-menopause (the time just prior to menopause). During peri-menopause, menstrual periods may become infrequent.
• Lack of ovulation resulting from lack of proper functioning of the ovaries, due to the presence of certain ovarian disorders
• Certain disorders of the uterus
A possible complication of irregular timing of menstrual bleeding is infertility (i.e., difficulty in becoming pregnant).
Regardless of whether or not you experience irregular timing of periods, preventative gynecology care for adult women and sexually active adolescents includes annual pelvic examinations and Pap tests by a gynecologist or other physician.[1]
Many treatment options are available for women with irregular timing of periods and spotting. See our Q&A, called Treatment of Irregular Timing of Periods, for a discussion of self-care, naturopathic approaches, homeopathic remedies, and medical therapies that may be used to treat irregular periods.
REFERENCE
1. Mayo Clinic. Menorragia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Accessed at www.mayoclinic.com.
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