Hello Doctor,
I've noticed a significant change in my menstrual cycle recently. Normally, I have very regular periods, but the past few times, they've been weeks off track and irregular. Should I be concerned about this sudden change, and what could be causing it?
Hello Doctor,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Understanding Irregularity:
Based on your description of your period being off track and irregular after previously being regular, it's important to note that irregular periods can be concerning, especially when they occur suddenly.
Potential Causes:
For women who are not approaching menopause, irregular periods are abnormal. There are several potential causes for this sudden change. It could be due to infections, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions such as thyroid disorders (like hypothyroidism) or polycystic ovarian syndrome, previous use of contraceptives, dietary factors like obesity or extreme weight loss, stress, depression, or certain medications like antiepileptics or antipsychotics.
Recommendations:
I would recommend a thorough review to identify which potential cause may be contributing to your irregular periods, followed by appropriate action. This may involve further investigations such as hormonal profiling, menstrual cycle tracking, or ultrasound scans to pinpoint the underlying issue.
Treatment Options:
Treatment options could include hormone replacement therapy, antibiotics if there's an infection present (such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, metronidazole, or itraconazole), as well as lifestyle modifications like a balanced diet and stress management techniques.
Thanks
