Many things can contribute to abnormal periods. The good news is that Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN can help. Whether your period is too light, too heavy, comes too often, or not enough, we will get to the bottom of the issue and help correct it, so you can feel less stressed around that time of the month. Let’s talk about abnormal periods and what can cause them.
Thyroid Trouble
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is underactive, and this can cause lighter periods that come more often. Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is overactive, and this can cause heavier periods that come less often. An irregular menstrual cycle can be a sign of thyroid trouble.
Excess Stress
Too much stress can actually prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs each month. This condition is called “anovulation,” and it will make your periods go away completely, extend the duration between them, or skip months. Sleep deprivation can also cause anovulation in women.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Many women end up with unpredictable periods that are sporadic as they head into perimenopause. The fluctuation in hormone production is partly to blame. Another problem that can cause sporadic and heavy periods is PCOS, which causes excess hormonal fluctuations and unpredictable periods.
Fibroids and Polyps
Uterine fibroids are also common during perimenopause. The fibroids usually go away once in menopause. These can cause very heavy periods, as can uterine polyps. Alongside dealing with excess menstrual flow, fibroids and/or polyps can also increase the pain and discomfort of menstruation.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Sexually-transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause PID. This is an infection that makes its way throughout your reproductive organs and is very painful. The infection can scar the reproductive tract and cause your periods to stop.
Endometriosis
Women who suffer from endometriosis deal with extremely heavy and painful periods. Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus as well as inside of it. Some women also suffer from constant spotting between their periods if they have endometriosis.
Weight Gain/Loss
You may have heard that severe weight loss caused by anorexia can stop periods altogether. Any extreme weight fluctuation can affect your period, as can working out too much. The extreme weight fluctuations affect your pituitary gland, which, in turn, causes severe hormonal imbalances.
Medications
Obviously, birth control pills will affect your period. In fact, some women are put on them to help control their menstruation. Other medications that affect the menstrual cycle and the lightness or heaviness of periods include blood thinners, antidepressants/antipsychotics, and methadone.
Schedule an appointment with Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN in Stockbridge, GA, if you suffer from abnormal or irregular periods. We can get you back on track to a healthier time of the month.
