Irregular menstrual cycles

Irregular menstrual cycles: 

The pattern of menstrual cycles can vary  women. Typically, the menstrual cycle lasts between 28 to 35 days, with 4 to 7 days of menstruation itself.

Any deviations from the normal menstrual pattern can be sometimes, worrisome, but commonly occurs due to transient factors. The menstrual cycle is abnormal if periods  occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, missing three or more periods in a row, and menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual. 

Causes of irregular menses:

1) Unhealthy Lifestyle: 
 Common triggers for Irregular menstrual cycles are: Doing extremely strenuous activities(athletes), excessive/ unhealthy diet, and total lack of exercise, anorexia nervosa(eating too less), bullimia, obesity, altered sleeping and eating patterns.  

2) Hormonal imbalance: The menstrual cycle is entirely controlled by a delicate hormonal balance, wherein, the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role. These hormones can be disturbed by alterations in the thyroid and prolactin hormone levels or by adverse lifestyle changes. Obesity itself can cause estrogen excess and irregular menses.

3) Stress: Excessive stress can be due to overwhelming work, emotional turmoils, change of workplace/residence etc. When stressed, the body produces the hormone cortisol,in excess, which can affect the part of the brain that regulates menstruation.

You must consult your Gynecologist in case of persistent irregular menstrual cycles.  It may be a variation or normal, or may be some underlying disease.