Irregular Periods: What’s Going On and How to Fix It

If your period shows up late, comes early, or just decides to skip a month, you’re not alone. Millions of women experience irregular cycles at some point, and most of the time the cause is something you can manage with lifestyle tweaks or a short doctor visit.

Common Reasons Your Cycle Skips

Stress. High stress spikes cortisol, which can mess with the hormones that tell your uterus when to shed. Try a few minutes of deep breathing or a quick walk each day to keep cortisol in check.

Weight changes. Gaining or losing a lot of weight can signal your body to pause reproduction. If you’ve had a sudden shift, aim for a steady, healthy weight rather than crash diets.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormonal imbalance that often leads to missed periods. Typical signs include extra facial hair, acne, and stubborn belly fat. If you suspect PCOS, a simple blood test and ultrasound can confirm it.

Thyroid problems. An overactive or underactive thyroid throws off the same hormone cascade that controls periods. Simple blood work can spot the issue, and medication usually stabilizes the cycle.

Birth control. Stopping the pill, switching methods, or using hormonal IUDs can cause temporary irregularity. Your cycle often settles after a few months.

Perimenopause. Starting in your late 30s or early 40s, hormone production naturally fluctuates. Irregularity is a sign your body is moving toward menopause.

Other culprits include excessive exercise, chronic illness, and certain medications like antidepressants or antipsychotics. Identifying the most likely trigger is the first step toward a regular rhythm.

When to See a Doctor and Helpful Tests

Most irregularities aren’t dangerous, but a few red flags need professional attention: heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in under an hour, severe pelvic pain, spotting between periods for more than three months, or missing three consecutive cycles.

During a visit, your doctor might order:

• Hormone panel. Checks estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, and thyroid levels.
• Ultrasound. Looks for ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or thickened lining.
• Blood glucose test. Rules out insulin resistance, a common factor in PCOS.

Based on results, treatment can range from lifestyle advice to prescription options like hormonal birth control, metformin for PCOS, or thyroid medication.

In the meantime, keep a simple period tracker (phone app or paper) to spot patterns. Note stress levels, exercise, and any dietary changes – that data helps both you and your doctor see the bigger picture.

Irregular periods are usually treatable, and most women find a routine that restores a predictable cycle within a few months. Stay patient, track your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to get a check‑up when something feels off.