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Irregular Periods
Cycles that come too early, too late or unpredictably are common and often harmless. Sometimes they point to a hormone or thyroid problem worth checking.
Causes & risk factors
- Hormone imbalance — PCOS is a frequent cause
- Thyroid problems (under- or over-active)
- Stress, sudden weight change or heavy exercise
- Perimenopause — the years before periods stop
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Some contraceptives, especially in the first few months
Common symptoms
- Cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days
- Skipped or missed periods
- Unpredictable timing
- Pelvic pain or cramps
- Tiredness
- Spotting between periods
Tests & diagnosis
- Thyroid function (TFT)
- Pregnancy test (beta-hCG)
- Testosterone / androgens
- Haemoglobin
- Pelvic ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Treat the underlying cause — thyroid, PCOS or weight, if present
- Reduce stress and keep exercise moderate
- Aim for a stable, healthy weight
- Doctors may use hormone pills to regularise cycles
- Track your periods to spot patterns and share with your doctor
When to see a doctor urgently
- No period for three months and you are not pregnant
- Very heavy bleeding or clots
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Periods stop suddenly before age 40
Frequently asked questions
How irregular is too irregular?
An occasional off cycle is normal. See a doctor if cycles are regularly shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days, or if you miss three or more in a row.
Can stress alone stop my periods?
Yes. Significant stress, weight loss or over-exercising can pause ovulation and delay or stop periods. They usually return once things settle, but persistent absence needs review.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.