Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai says, "A 25-35 day cycle is acceptable. Anything above and beyond that is considered irregular,"

If your periods have been irregular, it might be due to nothing more than a hormonal imbalance. However, it is important to rule out all other possibilities.

Why Does It Happen?

Depending on your age, there could be various reasons for your irregular menstrual cycle.

Adolescence

According to Dr. Rishma, irregular periods are most common after menarche (your first period) and just before menopause.

"When you first get your period, it takes about five years for it to regularise," says Dr. Rishma.

You may be having irregular periods due to a hormonal imbalance or a haematological problem (blood disorder).

The Middle Years

During your child-bearing years (18-35), your hormones are more or less stabilised (although this might vary from person to person). Endometriosis (the presence of endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus, fibroids and cysts can be the causes responsible for irregular periods during this stage.

Adenomyosis (blood accumulation in the uterus) is another reason for irregular periods.

The use of Intra Uterine Devices (IUD) is another cause of irregular periods. Inconsistent use of oral contraceptive pills (not taking it for two-three days) is another common reason.

"Nowadays emergency contraception is being constantly used. This of course plays havoc with your hormones leading to irregular periods," states Dr. Rishma.

Perimenopausal Stage

"Periods become irregular before menopause due to weakened hormones," says Dr. Rishma.

During perimenopause (phase before menopause), the lining of the uterus might not be shed every month during a period. This can result in uncontrolled growth leading to thickening of the endometrium. If this is the case, you doctor will administer hormonal treatment to prevent cancer.

"Women above 40 who have irregular periods must get themselves screened for cancer. Cancer of the cervix can result in on and off bleeding and also bleeding after intercourse," says Dr. Rishma.

Increased stress, poor nutrition, anaemia and obesity are other causes for irregular periods. According to Dr. Rishma, tuberculosis is a very common reason for irregular periods in India as it could lead to infection of the uterus.

What You Should Do?

If you experience heavy bleeding, visit a fertility specialist or a gynaecologist immediately.

A pelvic exam will be conducted to see if there is any uterine abnormality, fibroids or cysts. You might have to get hormone tests, sonography, haematology tests or specific tests for cancer (like a PAP Smear test) depending on the cause of the problem.

How It Is Treated?

Treatment again varies between women.. "In the case of a young girl who has irregular bleeding, ultra low dosage contraceptive pills may be prescribed. The same can be done for women in their perimenopausal stage," says Dr. Rishma.

If you have delayed periods every month, then your doctor will prescribe progesterone pills for 10 days a month. This will regulate your cycle.

Fibroids, cysts or endometriosis will require surgical removal.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOD, then lifestyle change could be the treatment. "Along with anti-diabetic drugs, contraceptive pills are also prescribed to deal with PCOD," says Dr. Rishma.