Irregular periods: when to see a gynaecologist
Cycles that arrive without warning, skip months or behave differently after years of routine are unsettling. The reassuring part is that irregular periods usually have an explainable cause, and most causes are very treatable once identified. This page explains what counts as irregular, the common reasons, and when to book a consultation.
What counts as irregular
A typical cycle runs anywhere from 21 to 35 days, counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Cycles are considered irregular when they keep shifting outside that range, when they skip months, or when bleeding is unusually heavy, prolonged or arrives between periods.
One odd cycle, especially around a stressful month, after illness or after starting a new contraceptive, is rarely a concern. The pattern over several months is what matters.
Common causes
The usual suspects include stress and significant weight change, thyroid imbalance, raised prolactin, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the early years after periods begin, the years approaching menopause, and some contraceptives. Pregnancy also needs to be considered before anything else, whenever periods are missed.
Most of these are identified with a short set of blood tests and a basic scan, which is why the first consultation is more useful than months of guessing at home.
When to book a consultation
Book an appointment if cycles have been irregular for three months or more, if periods have stopped entirely, if bleeding is heavy enough to affect your daily life, or if bleeding occurs between periods or after intimacy. Also come sooner rather than later if you are trying to conceive, or if irregular cycles are paired with significant acne, hair growth or weight change.
Talk to Dr. Tanya Gupta about this
Book a video consultation, or call if you would rather speak to the appointment line first.
Frequently asked questions
How irregular is too irregular?+
If your cycles change by more than a few days every month, skip months repeatedly, or the bleeding itself changes in heaviness or length, that is worth investigating. A single unusual cycle on its own is usually not.
Can stress really delay periods?+
Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can suppress ovulation and delay a period. That said, do not assume stress explains a pattern that has lasted months; it is safer to have simple tests and be sure.
Which tests will I need?+
It depends on the pattern, but commonly a pregnancy test, thyroid and hormone blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound. Your doctor will explain why each test is needed rather than ordering everything at once.
Will irregular periods affect my chances of pregnancy?+
Irregular cycles can make it harder to time conception because ovulation is less predictable, and some causes, such as PCOS, affect ovulation directly. The good news is that once the cause is identified, there are well-established treatments that help.