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Menstrual cycle changes in reproductive years
A normal menstrual cycle is considered as lasting for 3 to 5 days, at intervals of 25 to 35 days and average flow with no or some pain.
“Any deviation from this patern, like delayed periods, very frequent cycle, heavy flow or severely painful periods – all these changes at any age make it
important that a patient consults their gynaecologist,” adds Dr Singhal.
1. Frequent periods or intermenstrual bleeding
During reproductive cycles, frequent period cycles or intermenstrual bleeding are also a cause for worry. They can be due to hormonal imbalance, uterine or cervical polyps, fibroids, contraceptive pill usage, vaginal/uterine or cervical infections, uterine or cervical cancers, ovarian tumours and not to forget pregnancy and related complications. An ectopic pregnancy or abortion can lead to this scenario.
2. Delayed periods
Delayed periods can be due to pregnancy, PCOD, hyperprolactinemia, and use of some medicines, etc. After proper evaluation, your doctor may advise lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise or medicines to regularize the cycles.
3. Heavy periods
Menorrhagia or very heavy menstrual bleeding can again be due to hormonal imbalance like PCOD or hypothyroidism, fibroids, infection, post-delivery malignancies, and of course a spontaneous miscarriage, can present as very heavy flow with clots. In such situations, one should immediately consult their gynaecologist as it is easily correctable with medications, DNC, hysteroscopic or
laparoscopic polyp or fibroid removal, putting in a hormone releasing IUCD hysterectomy, explains Dr Singhal.
