Each menstrual cycle involves cycles of hormonal changes within the body that cause ovulation, the release of the egg from the ovary, the thickening of the uterine wall in preparation for pregnancy and menses, which is the shedding of the thickened uterine wall if pregnancy does not occur. Irregular menstruation is common in adolescents who are just beginning to menstruate, but prolonged periods of irregular menstruation in adulthood could be the result of a disease or disorder. If you experience irregular periods, discuss your cycles with your doctor.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is an gland that communicates with multiple organs of the body to control hormone circulation. An under- or over-active thyroid can lead to hormone imbalances, which can affect your menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is under-active, leading to several symptoms, including irregular menstruation.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women suffering from hypothyroidism may experience much heavier than normal or lighter than normal menstrual bleeding. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include a sensitivity to cold, dry skin and weight gain. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause more serious symptoms, like problems with concentrating, hearing loss, and depression. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by a blood test and treated with medication.
Unhealthy Body Weight
Menstruation is regulated by levels of circulating female hormones. Since fatty tissue within the body can have an effect on hormones, an unhealthy body weight can lead to menstrual irregularities. Women who are severely underweight often skip menses for a long period of time, a condition called amenorrhea. Often these women fail to ovulate, so menstruation is not needed. Increasing body weight can often re-start the menstrual cycle.
Excessive body weight or obesity can also cause menstrual irregularities. According to McKinley Health Center, excess body weight causes abnormal bleeding. Fat cells in your body produce estrogen, so an excess of fatty tissue can lead to hormonal imbalances and irregular periods. Establishing a balanced diet and a fitness routine to facilitate weight loss may help with menstrual irregularities as a result of obesity.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that leads to irregular and missed periods. During normal ovulation, the egg is generated within the ovary and then released into the fallopian tube. In PCOS, the egg does not get released from the ovary; instead it remains as a fluid-filled sac, or cyst, on the ovary. As more eggs fail to be released, more cysts develop.
Penn State University reports that women with PCOS have high levels of testosterone, a male hormone. PCOS is characterized by very irregular periods and prolonged amenorrhea, as well as the growth of excess body hair, acne, insulin resistance, obesity, and several other harmful symptoms. There is no known cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be treated with a number of medications.
