Written by Soumali Datta
The menstrual cycle is how the body prepares for possible pregnancy after ovulation, which is the monthly release of a mature egg. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. During the cycle, the release of the egg from the ovary and preparation of the uterine lining for receiving a possible fertilized egg (embryo) for pregnancy are caused by different hormones.
Every woman has a unique cycle, and the fluctuation of menstrual cycles is common. But when a person shows symptoms during her period such as no bleeding, heavy bleeding etc., they should consider seeing a doctor determine whether these are indications of a menstrual disorder that requires treatment or not.
Menstrual irregularities are a source of pain and inconvenience and thus can be concerning. These disorders may or may not indicate an underlying condition that can, in turn, lead to infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. Certain types of menstrual disorders include:
- Amenorrhea (the temporary or permanent absence of a menstrual period)
- Oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods and when a menstruator regularly goes more than 35 days without menstruating)
- Menorrhagia (heavy and/or prolonged bleeding during periods)
- Metrorrhagia (regular bleeding between periods, which occurs in addition to normal bleeding during menstruation) among others
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that can cause the ovaries to become enlarged and covered with tiny, fluid-filled cysts and may lead to anovulation. It occurs in 5% to 10% of women in their reproductive years. Although PCOS may lead to infertility due to lack of ovulation, it is usually treatable though it may not be totally curable.
Are irregular periods synonymous with infertility?
Irregular periods can be annoying and inconvenient, but they’re usually nothing to worry about. Still, because irregular menstrual cycles can occasionally signal an underlying hormonal imbalance or can sometimes make conceiving a baby slightly more difficult, a doctor should be consulted in these circumstances.
Irregular menstrual cycles don’t always affect fertility. Women with irregularities can still get pregnant, but the process may become a bit harder. One of the reason is that when the periods are irregular, it makes it much more difficult (if not impossible) to track the menstrual cycle and determine the approximate time for ovulation.
But the main concern is irregular periods may occasionally indicate irregular or absent ovulation. If there is no ovulate, pregnancy cannot occur. Irregular or abnormal ovulation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility. Irregular periods, no periods, or abnormal bleeding often indicates no ovulating or anovulation, thus leading to infertility.
How are irregular periods treated?
Sometimes treating irregular periods could be as easy as lowering stress levels or cutting back on intense exercising. If the irregular periods are hormone-related, treating an underlying thyroid condition or using hormone therapies like birth control pills or certain types of IUDs may help.
If none of those work and you’re trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe a fertility drug like letrozole (Femara), clomiphene (Clomid) or injectable fertility meds to induce ovulation. This assures that if you have irregular periods, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
However, even if you are not trying to get pregnant, it is important for you to consult with your physician to make sure that there aren’t any serious health issues underlying these irregularities.