Your Action Plan
Track your cycle. Use apps or a simple calendar to spot patterns.
Practice self-care. Simple lifestyle shifts — regular exercise, balanced eating, sleep, and stress management — can work wonders for cycle health.
Medical solutions? Birth control, metformin, or thyroid meds can get things back on track, with your doctor’s guidance.
Why Your Periods Are Irregular — And When to Worry
If there’s one question I hear all the time as a gynecologist, it’s: “Doctor, why are my periods so unpredictable?” The truth is, almost every woman has wondered about her cycle at some point, and most of the time, it’s completely normal to have a few off months. But sometimes, your body is sending you signals worth paying attention to!
What Counts as a “Normal” Period?
Most menstrual cycles run 21-35 days, and bleeding lasts 2-7 days. But “normal” isn’t one-size-fits-all — your cycle might vary by a few days every month and that’s often fine! Teens and young adults especially might find things irregular for the first couple years; it’s the body’s way of finding its rhythm. Think of it as your hormonal training wheels!
Why Are Periods Irregular?
Hormonal shifts are the number one cause. Two major culprits:
PCOS: Affects 1 in 10 women, can cause missed, heavy, or unpredictable periods. It might come along with unwanted hair growth, acne, or weight gain.
Thyroid Disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid throws everything out of sync — from light/no periods to extra heavy flow.
Stress and strong emotions send your body into “emergency mode” with lots of cortisol, which can delay or even skip your period.
Lifestyle factors—big changes in weight, intense exercise, crash diets, or poor sleep—can easily disrupt your cycle. Remember: balance is key!
Other medical conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic infections may also play a role
When To Worry (And Call Your Gynac!)
Most changes are harmless, but don’t ignore these red flags:
Bleeding that soaks a pad/tampon every hour for 2+ hours
Cycles lasting longer than 7 days
Severe pain preventing daily activities
No periods for 3+ months (not pregnant)
Blood clots larger than a quarter
Fever or feeling faint with your period
If something just doesn’t “feel right” for you, trust your gut and reach out!
Takeaway: Your Period Is Your Health Signal
Remember, irregular periods are common, but they’re also a window into your broader health. If your cycle keeps sending SOS signals, reaching out to a trusted gynecologist can give peace of mind, early answers, and the best possible care for your body’s unique story.
At HerDoc, our team is here to help you navigate every phase and symptom — with zero judgment, lots of expertise, and care that’s truly personal. Don’t hesitate to check in with a gynac and let’s make period health simple together!
Your health matters. Your questions matter. And we’re with you — every cycle, every step.