At some point in her life, almost every woman experiences irregular bleeding due to stress or side effects of medications.
But if you have irregular bleeding that occurs for more than three months at a time, you may have an underlying condition that’s causing the issue.
Regular periods are a sign that your reproductive system is working optimally. On the other hand, irregular bleeding signals a lack of ovulation as well as potential fertility issues, and, in some cases, it can even be a sign of a medical condition or a physical abnormality like a polyp or cyst.
At Ozark OB/GYN, we want to take the time to explain what irregular bleeding says about your current health state, and we want to bring to your attention that no matter what goals you have (whether you want children or not), addressing this issue is a must since it impacts more than just your fertility.
In many cases, irregular periods result from ovarian cysts and fibroids (growths on the uterus). They can also result from a hormonal imbalance, and if you’re close to entering menopause, this could be a sign that your estrogen and progesterone production are declining.
In younger women, hormonal imbalances are usually caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, conditions that can impact both your fertility and life quality.
Women suffering from PCOS can also have symptoms such as acne, hair loss, weight gain, and hair in unwanted places. Long-term complications include heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
In the case of endometriosis, common symptoms include painful menstruation, migraines, fatigue, and nausea. When left untreated, endometriosis can lead to painful ruptured cysts and cause scar tissue that can decrease fertility.
How do you know if your bleeding is irregular? What does the term mean?
If you aren’t going through a stressful period, and you have balanced hormones, normal menstruation bleeding can last anywhere between 3 to 7 days, with 21 to 35 days in between cycles.
Irregular bleeding is an umbrella term used for irregular menstruation, spotting between periods, or heavy periods accompanied by pain.
Irregular bleeding isn’t just an uncomfortable nuisance — it can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires treatment.
The good news is that hormonal imbalances, cysts on your ovaries, and growths on your uterus are all treatable, enabling you to live a normal life without raising your risk of developing other complications.
If you live near Poplar Bluff, Missouri and want to find out the cause of your irregular bleeding, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice. Dr. Jones and the rest of our staff are here to help.
