Menstrual Irregularities

Changes in your menstrual cycle can be a sign that your body needs attention. Whether your periods are too heavy, too light, too frequent, or unpredictable, menstrual irregularities are common and treatable.

At Legacy For Women in Henderson, NV, our experienced OBGYN team helps identify the cause of your irregular cycles and creates a personalized treatment plan to restore balance and improve your well-being.

What Is Considered an Irregular Period?

While every woman’s cycle is unique, a typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. Occasional changes can happen, but consistent or dramatic differences may signal an underlying issue.

Common types of menstrual irregularities include:

• Amenorrhea: No periods for several months
• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent periods (more than 35 days between cycles)
• Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Polymenorrhea: Periods occurring too frequently
• Spotting or bleeding between cycles
• Dysmenorrhea: Severe menstrual cramps or pain

Tracking your cycle and symptoms over time can help your provider detect patterns and pinpoint the cause.

Causes of Irregular Periods

Menstrual changes can result from many factors, including hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits, and gynecologic conditions.

Hormonal causes:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
• Perimenopause or menopause
• Birth control or hormone therapy changes
• Elevated prolactin levels

Gynecologic conditions:

• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ovarian cysts

Other contributing factors:

• Stress or major life changes
• Extreme weight loss or gain
• Excessive exercise or very low calorie intake
• Eating disorders
• Certain medications or chronic illnesses

Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term menstrual health.

When to See a Provider

Occasional irregular periods are normal, especially during puberty, postpartum, or perimenopause. However, you should schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN if you:

• Miss more than three periods in a row (and are not pregnant)
• Have very heavy bleeding or need to change pads/tampons hourly
• Bleed for more than seven days per cycle
• Experience spotting between periods or after sex
• Have severe cramps that interfere with daily life
• Notice sudden changes in your menstrual pattern

Early evaluation helps identify underlying causes and prevents complications.

Diagnosis and Testing

Your provider will begin with a detailed discussion of your menstrual history and overall health. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Pelvic exam
• Bloodwork to assess hormone levels
• Ultrasound to evaluate the uterus and ovaries
• Endometrial biopsy, if needed

Once the cause is identified, we’ll create a customized plan to help regulate your cycles and manage symptoms.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your diagnosis, age, lifestyle, and whether you plan to become pregnant in the future. Options may include:

• Hormonal birth control: Pills, patches, rings, or IUDs to regulate cycles
• Medication: For thyroid or other hormonal imbalances
• Lifestyle changes: Stress management, weight stabilization, and balanced nutrition
• Nutritional support: Supplements or dietary adjustments
• Treatment for underlying conditions: Such as PCOS or uterine fibroids
• Surgical options: Reserved for severe or persistent cases

Our goal is to find the most effective, least invasive approach to restore your menstrual health.

Menstrual Health at Every Life Stage

Irregular periods can occur at any age:

• Teens: Cycles may take several years to become regular after puberty
• 20s–30s: Changes may occur due to contraception, stress, or medical conditions
• 40s and beyond: Perimenopause often brings irregular or heavier bleeding as hormone levels shift

Understanding what’s normal at each stage empowers you to make informed choices about your reproductive health.

You’re Not Alone

Many women live with irregular or painful periods, assuming it’s something they must endure. In most cases, menstrual irregularities are symptoms of treatable conditions. With expert gynecologic care, relief and balance are within reach.

If your cycle feels off or unpredictable, don’t wait to get answers. Schedule an appointment at Legacy For Women in Henderson, NV, to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.