Irregular Period Cycle Diagnosed and Treated at Mercy

An irregular period cycle refers to any variation in a woman’s menstrual cycle, such as changes in frequency, duration, or amount of flow, or spotting between periods. A typical menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts from 2 to 7 days. The causes and severity of an irregular period cycle can vary greatly and usually depend on the patient’s reproductive age.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding heavier or more than usual
• Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle
• Bleeding after menopause

Physical exams, blood and pregnancy tests, as well as a review of your medical history and menstrual cycle, may be part of the initial diagnostic process. Based on your symptoms, further testing may be necessary, including ultrasounds and diagnostic hysteroscopy, in which a thin device is inserted through the vagina and the opening of the cervix to provide doctors a view inside the uterus.

Lifestyle and dietary changes are commonly suggested to control an irregular period cycle. In addition, medications are often used to control an irregular period cycle. In some cases, surgery such as operative hysteroscopy may be necessary to remove growths that cause bleeding.  When other forms of treatment have failed, a hysterectomy may be performed, in which the uterus is completely removed. 

The experienced team at The Institute for Gynecologic Care at Mercy can help you determine what treatments are best suited for your needs.