Irregular Periods: How to Know What's "Regular" for You

Irregular Periods: What Does 'Regular' Really Mean?

Every body is different, so every period is different. You may already know how complicated periods can be.

Some months you may bleed more than usual. Other months your period may occur days after the regular schedule. It is a fact that we cannot predict our periods unless we have psychic powers.

Irregular periods can be completely normal, but they can also be a cause for concern. If you want to know what 'regular' really is, you've come to the right place.

Today we're going to talk about the ins and outs of irregular periods, what can cause them, and how to manage their unpredictability.

So, what is an irregular menstrual period?

First, how do we define “irregular” ? Typically, your menstrual cycle is a process of shedding the uterine lining in response to various hormones, and as we’ve all been told, it should be fairly regular. Simply put, an irregular period is a deviation from normal.

So how many days is a menstrual cycle? 

For most people, menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days, with 28 days being the average. Your period length can also vary, with most people bleeding between 3 and 7 days.

Some people will say that their periods follow the same cycle (bleeding for about 5 days every 28 days), while others will say that there are some differences.

A single missed period is not considered “irregular.” However, if your period is “regularly irregular,” it may be called irregular.

Symptoms of an irregular period

Apart from timing, irregular periods also include unusual bleeding or abnormal symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Spotting and bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after reaching menopause
• More bleeding during menstrual periods

Also, if you are currently going through puberty and are noticing any strange symptoms, it is important to know that irregular periods may be part of normal functioning. Periods can be extremely irregular for the first few years.

Causes of an irregular menstrual cycle

Our bodies are pretty smart, and sometimes they have other ways of telling us if something else is going on. If your menstrual cycle has changed, it might be worth checking out the underlying causes.

1. Pregnancy: If you have sex and your period is irregular, taking a pregnancy test can help clear up any uncertainty. A missed or unusual period can be an early sign of pregnancy.
2. Weight Changes: Drastic weight loss or gain or excessive exercise can affect your menstrual cycle. Frequent changes in your menstrual cycle can be a sign of an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia.
3. Stress: We all tolerate stress differently. For some of us, stress can cause irregularities in our menstrual cycles. High levels of cortisol in the body can lead to lighter, delayed or skipped periods.
4. Birth Control: Contraceptive methods such as pills or intrauterine devices can affect your menstrual cycle. Starting, changing or stopping these methods can also cause your periods to become irregular. Similarly, anti-inflammatory and hormone medications can affect your cycle.
5. Medical Conditions: There are many medical reasons why your period may be late or irregular, including uncontrolled diabetes, hyperprolactinemia and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods.

Tips for Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Here are some tips to help you deal with irregular periods:

1. Be Prepared: Modibodi Menstrual Panties protect you all day and night, eliminating surprises and providing you with comfort.
2. Learn Your Cycles: The rush of the day can distract you from remembering the most basic things, so tracking your cycle can seem difficult. Experts recommend keeping a cycle journal to know what’s normal. You can track your periods digitally using a variety of apps or simple note-taking apps.
3. Ask About Medications and Other Treatment Methods: Certain medications and medical methods can help with irregular menstrual cycles. You can consult your doctor to discuss the method that is right for you, such as birth control pills, tranexamic acid, and hormone therapy.
4. Focus on Your Health: Prefer a natural approach? Some studies suggest that yoga, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help balance your menstrual cycle.

Prepare for the Unpredictable

If your menstrual cycle irregularity is concerning or you simply want to learn more, talk to your doctor.

In the meantime, to be prepared and feel confident , check out Modibodi's Menstrual Panties collection.