What is an abnormal period?

is a period that occurs outside the normal range of the menstrual cycle. For most women, menstruation occurs every 28 days and each period lasts from five to seven days. While some slight variations are normal, periods that vary significantly from these ranges are considered abnormal and can be a sign of an underlying problem.

How are abnormal periods treated?

In some cases, abnormal bleeding can be successfully treated with hormonal therapy. In other cases, minimally-invasive procedures may be necessary to treat the underlying cause, such as fibroids or endometriosis. When abnormal periods occur during perimenopause – the time before you enter menopause and stop having periods – minimally-invasive procedures are available to remove the uterine lining to stop periods from occurring or to reduce bleeding that does occur.

Abnormal Periods Specialist

The menstrual cycle is a normal biological process that affects women of reproductive age. Menstrual periods are an essential part of the menstrual cycle and a sign of a woman’s reproductive health.

However, not all menstrual periods are the same. Some women may experience abnormal menstrual periods, which can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and underlying medical conditions. These abnormal periods can have a significant impact on a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.

If you have questions about your menstrual cycle, schedule a consultation with our expert physicians at Maiden Lane Medical. We are a respected gynecologic practice in the New York City area that helps women understand the underlying causes of their abnormal periods to receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for the relief of their symptoms. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

“My Doctor is patient, knowledgeable and kind. She takes the time to understand my personal needs and carefully explains the complicated medical lingo most doctors gloss over.”

SARAH M.

What Is Considered an Abnormal Period?

An abnormal period is a deviation from the normal menstrual cycle, characterized by irregular bleeding patterns and symptoms like severe menstrual cramps.

“Abnormal uterine bleeding” refers to any bleeding from the uterus that deviates from a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, such as heavy or prolonged bleeding, irregular or frequent periods, or spotting between periods.

A normal menstrual cycle lasts about 3-7 days and occurs every 21-35 days. However, some variations in the length and frequency of periods are considered normal.

What Causes Abnormal Menstrual Cycles?

Abnormal menstrual cycles, such as irregular or missed periods, are common for women of reproductive age. While normal menstrual cycles can vary in length from 21 to 35 days, inconsistent or skipped periods may be caused by multiple underlying factors, including hormonal imbalances and certain medical conditions.

Some common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and can lead to irregular periods, bleeding between periods, and also acne and excess hair growth.
Birth Control Pills – hormonal birth control can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle and cause irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first 3 months of use.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – an infection in the female reproductive organs that can cause bleeding and painful periods.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40, leading to irregular periods and eventual infertility.
Uterine Fibroids – non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy and prolonged bleeding.
Bleeding Disorders – conditions like von Willebrand disease or platelet function disorders that affect the blood’s ability to clot, leading to heavy or prolonged periods.
Abnormalities in the Uterine Lining – such as uterine polyps or uterine cancer, can cause abnormal bleeding patterns.
Pregnancy – Pregnancy can cause irregular bleeding and a pregnancy test is a common part of the initial evaluation.

These are just a few examples of medical conditions that can cause abnormal menstrual cycles. If a woman is experiencing irregular periods or heavy bleeding, it is recommended that she seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the hormonal process a woman’s body goes through each month between puberty and menopause to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) usually change throughout the menstrual cycle and can cause menstrual symptoms. Learn more about the menstrual cycle.

When Should I See a Doctor About an Irregular Period?

Women should contact their doctors or healthcare providers if they experience irregular periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding for two or more consecutive months. Additionally, if a woman experiences heavy bleeding that requires changing her pads or tampons every hour, she should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If the irregular period is accompanied by sudden changes in weight, extreme fatigue, severe pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and/or chills, it is important to visit your doctor right away as these may be signs of something more serious.

It is important to take charge of your menstrual cycle and pay attention to any changes or irregularities that may occur over time. A medical professional can help diagnose the cause of an irregular period and provide treatment options as needed. With timely diagnosis and treatment, irregular periods can be managed effectively.

Have more questions?

Chat with us online! Use our webchat in the lower right hand of your screen

How Are Irregular Menstrual Cycles Diagnosed?

Irregular menstrual cycles are normally diagnosed by a doctor or gynecologist. A menstrual cycle is considered irregular if is longer than 35 days. Menstrual periods that happen fewer than 21 days apart or more than every 35 days can indicate an underlying health issue.

To determine the cause of the irregular menstrual cycle, the doctor may ask about missed periods or your medical history to look for any underlying issues such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or thyroid disorders. Blood tests may also be used to check hormone levels, including LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and estrogen. Other tests, such as ultrasounds or MRI scans, may be required depending on the situation.

If you are experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle, it is important to consult a medical professional. They will be able to assess the underlying cause and provide the best treatment option for your individual needs.

How is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treated?

Treatment plans for abnormal uterine bleeding may involve lifestyle changes, medication, hormone therapy, or surgery, depending on the cause of the condition.

Hormonal birth control pills are often used to regulate an irregular cycle and/or reduce heavy bleeding. Additionally, lifestyle changes that improve overall health – such as diet modification and regular physical activity – can help normalize hormones and correct menstrual issues in some circumstances.

In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery may be recommended if there are underlying issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, uterine polyps, adenomyosis, or congenital abnormalities causing the abnormal bleeding.

Having a normal menstrual cycle is essential for normal reproductive health. An irregular or missed period can indicate something is wrong; therefore, it is crucial to take steps to prevent an abnormal menstrual cycle.

This may help maintain normal hormone levels, which can lead to regular periods.

Visit Maiden Lane Medical for Peace of Mind

If you are experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding and would like to get to the root cause of the issue, schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled physicians at Maiden Lane Medical located in Manhattan, NY. Our experienced healthcare professionals will provide accurate diagnoses and a treatment plan that is catered to you. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Medically Reviewed By

Rachel Barr, MD

Board Certified Gynecologist

Women's Health Specialists

Rachel Barr, MD

Emily Blanton, MD

Janette Davison, MD

Ilene Fischer, MD

Dena Harris, MD

Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS

Fernando Mariz, MD

Jordan Pavia, NP

Savita Sukha, WHNP

Don't know which doctor to choose? Let us help you.

“My Doctor was knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. She answered all my questions and really put me at ease. Her laidback and friendly demeanor made it easy for me to talk to her. Needless to say I’ll be going back!”

STEPHANIE L.

If you’re concerned about fibroids or have symptoms that could be caused by these benign growths, call our office or schedule a consultation online for accurate diagnosis and personalized state-of-the-art treatment.