A healthy woman experiences menstrual bleeding approximately every 28 days. Under the influence of hormones controlling the female reproductive system, the endometrium layer that forms the inner surface of the uterus thickens and becomes very rich in blood vessels. In the case of a possible pregnancy, it sheds at the end of that period.

These shedding processes cause menstruation or menstrual bleeding. However, in some cases, disruptions occur in this healthy process. If there are disturbances in the menstrual cycle, which varies between 21 and 35 days, such as spotting or excessive bleeding, this is referred to as menstrual irregularity.

What causes menstrual irregularity?

Menstrual irregularity can develop due to many different reasons. Unexpected bleeding during the cycle is often caused by hormonal drops occurring during ovulation. Since the endometrial tissue loses hormonal support, spotting can be seen. Additionally;

• Cysts, fibroids
• Thickening of the endometrial tissue
• Endometrial or cervical polyps
• Some hormonal medications
• Lack of ovulation
• Problems related to ovulation
• Infectious conditions
• Malignant ovarian masses
• Uterine cancer
• Problems related to estrogen hormone
• Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone
• Diabetes
• Some chronic diseases
• Some intense training
• Unbalanced nutrition
• Rapid weight gain and loss
• Stress is also among the risk factors that cause menstrual irregularity.

What are the types of menstrual irregularity?

Menstrual irregularities are named differently depending on their cause. Disorders affecting menstrual regularity are defined as follows: an excessive amount of menstrual bleeding is called hypermenorrhea, while hypomenorrhea is defined as less than the normal amount of bleeding.

Heavy bleeding occurring at irregular intervals is called menometrorrhagia, prolonged menstruation is called menorrhagia. Irregular interval bleeding is metrorrhagia, menstrual cycles longer than 35 days is oligomenorrhea, and cycles shorter than 21 days is categorized as polymenorrhea.

What are the symptoms of menstrual irregularity?

• Very heavy bleeding
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Constant fatigue and weakness
• Frequent menstruation
• Very long periods without menstruation
• Menstruation lasting less than 2 days or more than 8 days
• Severe pain and cramps
• Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.

Can menstrual irregularity be treated?

First of all, it should be known that menstrual irregularity is not defined as a disease by itself and often represents other diseases. Therefore, the factors causing this condition should be identified and treated. If the underlying cause is hormone deficiency, hormone-regulating drugs are given to the person.

If fibroids are behind the bleeding, depending on the person's age and childbearing plans, a decision may be made to remove only the fibroids or the entire uterus. If the irregularity is due to an organic disease, the inside of the uterus may need to be examined and the pathological area removed.

Irregularities seen at an early age or during puberty may be normal to some extent, but if they become chronic, they must be treated.

Bahçeşehir obstetrics and gynecology specialist