Menstrual irregularities

About Menstrual irregularities

Menstrual irregularities include cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days, heavy or prolonged bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, or absent periods. Causes vary by age and reproductive stage and include pregnancy, thyroid disease, PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, uterine fibroids or polyps, contraceptive effects, perimenopause, and bleeding disorders. Evaluation typically includes pregnancy testing, TSH, prolactin, CBC, and pelvic ultrasound, with hormonal panels added when indicated. Management depends on cause and pregnancy plans and may include cycle regulation with combined hormonal contraception, levonorgestrel IUD, or treatment of the underlying disorder.