Menstrual period

Late Menstrual Period: If you suddenly have a late menstrual period or a missed period it could signify something out f kilter with your system. There are a number of possible reasons for late periods, most of which are no cause for concern. However, if the problem continues beyond one menstrual cycle, it is best to seek medical advice.

Often, the first sign of pregnancy is a late menstrual period. But just that, in itself is not confirmation of pregnancy. If you are currently sexually active and if your period is late (your menstrual calculator will tell you if you are), it is advisable to take a pregnancy test. Do this even if you are using some form of contraception as birth control measures can fail. So, take a test to be certain of whether or not you are really pregnant.

If you are not, the problem may be caused by any of a number of factors. If you are in your 40s or 50s, this may be a sign that you are starting menopause; a bout of the flu or extra stress can delay periods; rapid weight gain or loss, being extremely overweight or underweight can disturb the cycle; hard training and exercise, for example in endurance training for athletes, can also affect the cycle. In addition, some birth control pills can cause delays.

Irregular Menstrual Period: The average woman with a normal menstrual cycle usually has one that ranges between 21 to 35 days with the menstrual period lasting 2 to 7 days. If bleeding occurs apart from this regular cycle it is known as an irregular menstrual period. If your periods are suddenly too long, too light, too heavy, too early or too late, it could be classified as irregular. Similarly, there may even be a complete absence of any periods at all, or one or more missed periods.

An irregular menstrual period can occur because of any number of causes. The most common, is hormone imbalances at the beginning, or end, of the woman’s menstrual life or pregnancy. Any sudden and substantial change in body weight or sudden and strenuous exercise routine can also cause irregularity, as can stress, illness, or any change or addition in medications. Prolonged irregularity, over many cycles, can be caused by polyps, fibroids, birth control pills, and so on. It is advisable to see a doctor if you are consistently irregular.

Heavy Menstrual Period: Does your life seem to grind to a halt during every period, due to heavy menstrual period? If it does, it might be advisable to seek medical opinion about it. Too much bleeding can be much more than just an irritant or an inconvenience. Heavy menstrual period is an important health issue. It can be caused by fibroids, which are benign uterine growth, a possible miscarriage, an intrauterine contraception device that has irritated the uterine wall, side effect of some contraceptive pills or childbirth.

Missed Menstrual Period: When you have a missed menstrual period, it could mean something out of the normal. There may be many reasons for a missed period, but if it happens more than once in a row, see your doctor immediately.

A missed menstrual period can be the first symptom of a pregnancy. So take a pregnancy test even if you are on contraception. Stress, rapid weight loss or gain, recent illness, or drugs may disrupt the cycle. If your Pill is too low in estrogen or your body is yet to adjust to being off the pill or if you are using a progestin-only pill for birth control it can cause you to miss a period.