It involves a sequence of bodily changes designed to prepare for a potential pregnancy, involving a delicate balance of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. This cycle can give rise to various symptoms including mood swings, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, and acne. These symptoms are collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can potentially disrupt your daily activities. However, as menstruation commences, PMS symptoms typically begin to diminish.

Irregular periods, also known as irregular menstruation, refer to variations in the normal menstrual cycle experienced by most women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). Typically, menstrual periods last for four to seven days and occur every 28 days, although the length of a normal menstrual cycle can range from 21 to 35 days, with an average length of 29 days. However, several factors can contribute to irregular periods, including fluctuations in hormone levels, stress, specific health conditions, medications, and other influences.

Here are examples of irregular menstrual cycles:

• Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days apart

• Missing three or more consecutive periods

• Experiencing significantly heavier or lighter menstrual flow than usual

• Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days

• Significant variation in the length of time between cycles, exceeding nine days of difference. For instance, if one cycle is 28 days, the next is 37 days, and the following is 29 days

• Menstrual periods accompanied by severe pain, cramping, nausea, or vomiting

• Bleeding or spotting that occurs between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse

• Requiring the use of more than one tampon or sanitary pad in an hour, resulting in soaking through them

How to monitor irregular periods

The average menstrual cycle spans approximately 28 days and is regulated by hormone fluctuations. To track irregularities in your cycle, consider the following steps:

Maintain a menstrual record

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle involves maintaining a record of your menstruation dates and documenting other relevant information about your cycle. In the past, this was done using a calendar and a pen, but nowadays, there are numerous user-friendly period-tracking apps available to simplify the task.

If you prefer a more traditional approach to calculating your period, you can use a calendar to mark the first day of bleeding with a slash or check mark.

Keep record

Make note of the amount of bleeding during each cycle. Is it heavier or lighter than your typical flow? Monitor how often you need to replace pads or tampons. Additionally, record any instances of unexpected bleeding outside of your regular cycle.

Document menstrual pain

Describe any discomfort or cramps experienced during your period. Take note if you're experiencing more pain than usual, but keep in mind that some level of discomfort is normal.

Observe mood and behavioural changes

Pay attention to any recent shifts in your mood or behaviour. Did you notice any changes around the same time you became aware of irregularities in your periods? This information could provide valuable insights.

By diligently tracking these factors, you can gather essential information about your menstrual cycle and detect any irregularities that may require further attention or consultation with a healthcare professional.

Keeping a close record of your menstrual cycles and other monthly changes can offer numerous advantages, regardless of whether you are a woman considering pregnancy, trying to prevent it, or simply monitoring your overall well-being.

Tips to reduce irregularities in the menstrual cycle?

Aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in moderate exercise and consuming nutritious foods. If weight loss is desired, opt for gradual changes instead of extreme diets that severely restrict calorie and food intake.

• Ensure you get sufficient rest and prioritise sleep

• Implement stress reduction techniques and incorporate relaxation practices into your routine

• Avoid prolonged or intense exercise regimens that may disrupt your menstrual cycle

• Follow the prescribed instructions for using birth control pills or other contraceptive methods

• Change your tampons or sanitary pads every four to six hours to minimise the risk of toxic shock syndrome and prevent infections

• Regularly schedule check-ups with your gynaecologist and primary care provider for comprehensive healthcare

Conclusion

If you notice any significant changes in your menstrual cycle or experience intense pain during your period, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Irregular periods and menstrual irregularities can have various underlying causes. However, most of these causes are not severe and can be effectively treated with medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. Remember that minor variations in cycle length or duration of your period are generally not cause for concern, as everyone's "normal" may differ. However, if you feel that something is not right with your menstrual period, it is advisable to document any changes and symptoms you observe so that you can discuss them with your healthcare provider.