Know Your Own Female Body

If you miss your period, then it may raise some concerns. You may think you are pregnant if you are in your child bearing years. However, a woman's menstrual cycle does not always come on schedule. Stress or a fifth Sunday in the month can throw your period off track.

It is time to schedule an appointment with a family doctor. Read on to find out how to determine why you are having irregular menstrual cycles.

Understand What A Regular Cycle Means

A menstrual cycle is normal when it lasts around 28 days. It is called abnormal when your periods occur more than 35 days apart or occurs more than 21 days apart. For example, missed, early or late cycles are all considered an irregular period.

Anovulation is another reason why your cycle can get thrown off track. It occurs when ovulation does not take place because of hormonal imbalances. You are ovulating, but ovulates at different times of the month. Anovulation also occurs because of lifestyle changes and medical conditions.

Ask About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

If you are having irregular cycles, then it is time to ask your doctor about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes problems with infrequent, absent or prolonged periods. This disorder affects your endocrine system and causes fluid to accumulate in your ovaries. It results in your ovaries becoming enlarged and developing cysts on them. You may also have problems with releasing eggs on a regular basis.

Get Treatment

A doctor can take a variety of approaches when it comes to treating PCOS. This condition can be heightened by obesity, acne, hirsutism and infertility problems. Doctors usually start treatment by regulating your period. Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills. Birth control pills stop the effects that estrogen can have on your body. They also make your period regular and you will know what days it comes on each month.

If you cannot take birth control, then progesterone is an alternative. Progesterone can regulate your period, but does not protect against pregnancy. You have to use condoms to prevent from conceiving.

A family doctor can help with diagnosing your condition. The reason for the irregularity is important. Some women have this problem because of fibroids. Fibroids can cause other problems and cause infertility. If you need to see a gynecologist, then your doctor can refer you to one.

Contact a center like Snow Creek Medical Center for more information.