Periods say a lot about women’s health, so when yours is irregular, it can be concerning. Your periods are considered irregular if the flow, length of time, or time between your periods is inconsistent. Here are three of the primary causes of irregular periods that send women to the gynecologist.

What Can Cause an Irregular Period?

1. Birth Control

Birth control affects your hormone levels, which in turn may disrupt your cycle. Intra-uterine devices especially may affect your period schedule. Some contraceptive medications can limit or stop your periods altogether, which is a normal, safe side effect. Your gynecologist will let know you if your irregular period is a normal symptom of your birth control method.

2. Stress

High levels of stress release different hormones and chemicals in the body, which can likewise affect your period. If you’ve been under a lot of stress and are having irregular or missed periods, it’s a serious sign that you need to manage your stress levels. Find ways to reduce the amount of stress you’re under, and engage in healthy coping mechanism to release stress, such as meditation, yoga, or music.

3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome — or PCOS — is a common women’s health concern that may also cause irregular or missed periods. This condition occurs when your hormones are imbalanced and your testosterone levels are too high. It can also cause cysts to form on your ovaries in rows, and it’s known to contribute to infertility. If the other causes of irregular periods don’t fit your situation, you should visit a trusted women’s health clinic to determine if PCOS or another condition is the cause.

Let the compassionate gynecologist at Caring for Women in Anchorage, AK, help you with your irregular periods. Specializing in women’s health, this office offers comprehensive gynecology services, including menopause care and polycystic ovarian syndrome. For over 20 years, these women’s health specialists have taken pride in providing devoted, advanced care, keeping up with modern advancements like the Da Vinci hysterectomy. Learn about their services online, and call (907) 279-2229 for your appointment today.