Irregular Periods

What is considered irregular periods?

For most women, a menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. Still, it is irregular for about 25% of women because the cycles are shorter or longer than average, heavier or lighter than usual, or accompanied by abdominal cramps.

What are some of the more common menstrual irregularities?

Amenorrhea – if the period suddenly stops for more than three months and you are not
pregnant
Oligomenorrhea – when periods occur more than 35 days apart
Polymenorrhea – when the period occurs less than 21 days apart
Menorrhagia – excessive bleeding
Prolonged menstrual bleeding – when the bleeding continues for more than eight days
Dysmenorrhea – when the period includes severe abdominal cramps
Irregular menstrual periods – when the cycle-to-cycle variation is more than 20 days
Shortened menstrual bleeding -- when the period lasts less than two days
Intermenstrual bleeding – spotting