Irregular Menstruation

Woman holding a calendar signifying Irregular menstruation and the need of an endocrinology specialist in Idaho Falls or Pocatello.idaho falls.

While every woman is different, typical menstruation occurs every 21 to 38 days and lasts for 4 to 7 days.  While slight variations are normal, when erratic menstruation periods are experienced, three or more periods are missed, or if abnormal bleeding occurs, the condition is referred to as irregular menstruation. 

Abnormal menstruation includes:

  • Amenorrhea – Menstrual bleeding stops
  • Oligomenorrhea – Infrequent menstrual bleeding
  • Dysmenorrhea – Severely painful menstrual cramps  

The following sections of this page will review the symptoms and causes along with diagnosis and treatment methods.

Symptoms  

A woman suffering from period cramps needing an endocrinology specialist in Idaho Falls or Pocatello.The most common symptoms of irregular menstruation include:

  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding
  • Acne
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Excessive hair growth or loss
  • Erratic menstrual periods
  • Fatigue
  • Pregnancy problems
  • Severely painful menstrual cramps
  • Weight gain

These symptoms associated with irregular menstruation may also be due to an underlying condition.

Causes

There are several causes of irregular menstruation which are primarily associated with hormone levels.   There are many normal situations that may cause hormone levels to fluctuate causing disruption of the menstrual cycle.  These situations include:

  • Birth control methods
  • Breastfeeding 
  • Endurance exercise
  • Life’s stress
  • Perimenopause 
  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty
  • Weight loss

In these situations there is no cause for alarm.  However, in the case of persistent variability, irregular menstruation may be a sign of an underlying condition.   In these situations, the endocrinological expertise of the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center physicians becomes invaluable to the diagnosis and treatment.  

Some of these underlying conditions include:

  • Cancer (cervical or uterine)
  • Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid 
  • Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease – A bacterial infection of the reproductive system
  • Pituitary disorders – Abnormal function of the pituitary gland.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome – Ovaries produce large amounts of male hormones (androgens)
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency – Abnormally functioning ovaries
  • Uterine conditions – Growths on, or the deteriorating lining of the uterus

Because estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone are the main hormones regulating the menstrual cycle, our endocrinologists can ascertain the cause of irregular menstruation and proscribe proper treatment. 

Woman with eating disorder and irregular menstration who needs the care of one of our endocrinology specialists in Idaho Falls or Pocatello.

Risk Factors

While many irregular menstruation circumstances are normal, there are a few common risk factors that contribute to more frequent irregularities in menstruation.  These include:

  • Eating disorders
  • Family history (genetics)
  • Physical stress
  • Psychological stress
  • Smoking
  • Some medications

Understanding these risk factors will provide insight into prevention and treatment plans.

Diagnosis 

The most common way to diagnose irregular menstruation is through a physical examination including a pelvic exam and a Pap test and a review of your medical history including a menstrual cycle review.  Additionally, blood tests and vaginal cultures may also be ordered.  

Our providers will review your entire health history and results of laboratory tests to accurately diagnose the cause of irregular menstruation.

Treatment 

Once the cause of irregular menstruation has been determined, the healthcare provider will prescribe appropriate treatment to restore the balance of hormones.  Treatments may include:

  • Birth control changes
  • Hormone medication
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Mild pain relievers
  • Surgery (severe uterine conditions)

Endocrinology Specialists

The doctors at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center are endocrinology experts and highly trained to identify and effectively treat irregular menstruation. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions above, call Rocky Mountain Diabetes for an appointment, or fill out the form below.  

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