Knowledge is power
We’ve tailored this info kit to empower you to get to the bottom of your irregular periods. Tap a link to jump to a section or keep scrolling for the full flow.
1. What’s causing my irregular periods?
2. Medical tests: which ones should I get?
3. Your curated reading list
What’s causing my irregular periods?
Are you under physical or emotional stress?
When we feel threatened, worried, or under pressure, our body releases so-called stress hormones that can suppress our reproductive hormones. This can lead to irregular periods. Extreme exercise also puts stress on your body and can have a similar effect.
Could you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a complex condition in which the ovaries produce high levels of the male sex hormone androgen. This can disturb ovulation and disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to missed or irregular periods.
Speak to a specialist
Bloomful Clinic connects you to world-class gynaecologists who partner with you to get to the root of the problem. Stress less with a personalised pathway designed to help you feel your best.
Is your thyroid acting up?
When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones this is known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid helps the body regulate your menstrual cycle, so if you have hypothyroidism, this can impact your period.
Could you have a uterine polyp or fibroid?
Fibroids and polyps are noncancerous growths that, in rare cases, can become cancerous. Fibroids are made up of smooth muscle, whereas polyps are made up of the thin tissue that lines the uterus. These growths can increase the amount of blood you release during and outside of your period.
Is an infection at fault?
Infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause inflammation of your reproductive organs, bleeding between your period and a heavier flow.
Are you in perimenopause or menopause?
One of the first signs of perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) is a change in your menstrual cycle. As we age, our ovarian function slowly declines causing the production of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone to drop.
Could you be pregnant?
It’s worth ruling this one out, especially if your symptoms started recently.
Is medication messing with your cycle?
Starting a new medication or making an adjustment to your contraception can impact your hormones. If symptoms persist, ask your healthcare provider for guidance.
While rare, irregular periods can also be caused by:
Premature ovarian failure, which occurs when the ovaries don’t produce enough oestrogen or release eggs regularly.
Cervical erosion, which is when cells that normally line the inside of your cervix start growing on the outside of your cervix (the lower end of the uterus). These cells are more sensitive and can cause bleeding or spotting during or after sex. They can also lead to vaginal discharge that contains blood.
Prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland, causws decreased levels of oestrogen and testosterone, which in turn impacts your cycle.
Gynaecological cancers can cause bleeding between periods, making it seem like your periods have become irregular.
Simplify your health journey
NHS waiting lists can set you back months while Googling your symptoms is the fastest way to a stress spiral. Bloomful Clinic streamlines you to the next step so that you can take care of your body without delay.
2. Tests to ask your doctor for
While your healthcare provider can assess your individual circumstances and determine the appropriate tests to take, it can be helpful to know what we usually measure when someone has an irregular period.
Thyroid function tests: These look at the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) in your blood to see if there are any imbalances.
Free testosterone: This test measures the testosterone levels in your blood. High levels could mean a disruption of ovulation.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is a hormone that helps regulate the production of eggs by your ovaries.
Luteinising hormone: This hormone triggers the release of an egg from your ovary.
Pelvic ultrasound scan: An imaging device is placed inside your vagina to look for any abnormalities of the female pelvic organs.
Speculum examination: This helps rule out any vulvo-vaginal abnormalities and infections and can be done in combination with a smear test to rule out cervical cancer.
Prolactin levels (PRL): Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. High levels could indicate prolactinoma (a non-cancerous growth).
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3. Your curated reading list
Conversations with medical professionals can get lost in translation leaving you frustrated and wishing you spoke the same 'language'. Here are some articles that cut through the medical speak and give you the confidence to navigate your gynae health.
Want a redo?
Think you might have ticked the wrong boxes or have another symptom you want to check?