On average, menstrual flow occurs every 28 days---most women have cycles between 24 and 34 days---and lasts approximately four to seven days, reports Medline Plus. Not all women will experience a consistent menstrual cycle. Any woman that experiences menstrual irregularity should consult her gynecologist for further instruction. There are several common factors that may lead to irregular and skipped menstruation in women.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant will experience skipped menstruation. Some women may experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy, which can be confused with a menstrual period. Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus. It may occur around the time of an expected period. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in color, duration and flow than a regular menstrual period. Women may take a home pregnancy test if they are concerned they may be pregnant. If the test is positive, they should consult their health care providers to confirm the pregnancy and receive prenatal care.
Birth Control
Hormonal birth control that contains estrogen or progestin may cause menstrual irregularity and skipped menstruation. According to Planned Parenthood, oral contraceptives, known as birth control pills, can cause bleeding between periods. Birth control injections, rings, and patches may also lead to menstrual irregularity and skipped menstruation. The hormonal intrauterine device, or IUD, can cause irregular bleeding during the first three to six months of use, and can cause periods to stop altogether for some women, reports Planned Parenthood. Once a woman discontinues birth control she may not resume regular ovulation and menstruation for several months.
Uterine Fibroids or Infection
According to Medline Plus, women who have uterine fibroids or a uterine infection may experience menstrual irregularity. Additional symptoms of uterine fibroids include abdominal bloating, pain and infertility. Symptoms of a uterine infection can include fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and abdominal pain. Women should bring these symptoms to the attention of a physician.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Skipped menstruation or irregular periods in woman can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition causes relatively high and sustained levels of estrogen and androgen, a male hormone, rather than the fluctuating levels of a normal menstrual cycle. High levels of these hormones cause a decrease in the pituitary hormones that lead to ovulation and menstruation. A physician can diagnose PCOS by performing an ultrasound and blood tests.
