The menstrual cycle can be a significant indicator of overall health. Learn how to start tracking your menstrual cycle and how to manage irregular periods.
Do you remember when your last period started? How long it lasted? If not, it might be time to start paying attention.
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand what’s normal for you. It can also assist in identifying ovulation and spotting any major changes, such as missed periods or abnormal bleeding. While menstrual irregularities are often not serious, they can sometimes be linked to other health issues.
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes a woman’s body goes through each month to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Every month, one of the ovaries releases an egg, a process called ovulation. Hormonal changes during this time prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation occurs and the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is what is commonly referred to as menstruation.
What Are Typical Characteristics?
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Cycle lengths can vary greatly from woman to woman. Menstrual bleeding can occur every 21 to 35 days and last for 2 to 7 days. During the first few years after menstruation begins, cycles are often longer. However, as women age, their cycles tend to shorten and become more regular.
Your menstrual cycle might be regular, with periods occurring about the same time each month, or slightly irregular. Your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal. In broad terms, “normal” is what is normal for you.
Certain birth control methods, such as extended-cycle birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), can alter the menstrual cycle. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect.
As menopause approaches, your cycle might become irregular again. However, as you age, the risk of uterine cancer increases. Discuss any abnormal bleeding around menopause with your healthcare provider.
How Can I Track My Menstrual Cycle?
To determine what’s normal for you, start by recording your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your cycle start date each month for several months in a row to identify its regularity.
If you’re concerned about your periods, you might also note the following each month:
- End Date: How long does your period usually last? Is it longer or shorter than usual?
- Flow: Record the heaviness of your flow. Is it lighter or heavier than usual? How often do you need to change your pad or tampon? Are you passing blood clots?
- Abnormal Bleeding: Are you bleeding between periods?
- Pain: Describe any pain associated with your period. Is the pain worse than usual? Cramps or other menstrual pain are not uncommon.
- Other Changes: Have you noticed any changes in your mood or behavior? Did anything new happen during the time you noticed changes in your period?
What Causes Irregular Menstrual Cycles?
Many factors can cause irregular periods, including:
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: A delayed period might be an early sign of pregnancy. Breastfeeding usually delays the return of menstruation after pregnancy.
- Eating Disorders, Extreme Weight Loss, or Excessive Exercise: Eating disorders, such as anorexia, extreme weight loss, or excessive physical activity can disrupt menstruation.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with this common condition may have irregular periods as well as enlarged ovaries containing small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam. Women with PCOS typically have more follicles in their ovaries than other women.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: This refers to the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Women with premature ovarian insufficiency might have irregular or occasional periods for years.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This infection of the reproductive organs can cause irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Uterine Fibroids: These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy menstrual periods and longer menstrual duration.
How Can I Prevent Menstrual Irregularities?
Sometimes, birth control pills can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles. A hormone-releasing IUD can reduce heavy bleeding and relieve painful cramps. Treating any underlying conditions that may be causing your irregular periods can also help. However, some menstrual disorders cannot be prevented.
Additionally, consult your healthcare provider if:
- Your period suddenly stops for more than 90 days and you’re not pregnant.
- Your periods become irregular after having been regular.
- You bleed for more than seven days.
- Your bleeding is heavier than usual, or you soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two.
- Your cycle is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
- You experience bleeding between periods.
- You have severe pain during your period.
- You suddenly have a fever and feel sick after using tampons.
Remember, keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you determine what’s normal and what’s not. If you have any questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, consult your healthcare provider.
