
If you have an abnormal period that is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Acute pain during your period or between periods
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Fatigue or shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fainting or dizziness
- Fever over 102 F
- Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours) or passing large clots
- Bleeding or spotting between periods or after menopause
- Sudden irregularity
- Period that lasts more than 7 days
- Period occurs more than every 21 days or less than every 35 days
- No period for more than 90 days
What conditions can cause an abnormal period?
- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is a condition in which your period stops completely for 3 or more consecutive months. Amenorrhea can occur due to various factors such as unhealthy weight, genetic conditions, or poor diet.
- Oligomenorrhea: Oligomenorrhea refers to irregular and inconsistent menstrual flow. There may be no periods for 35 days or more, resulting in only 4-9 periods each year. It can occur due to factors such as medications, stress, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps during your period, caused by uterine contractions. Some discomfort during your period is normal and no cause for concern. However, severe pain indicates dysmenorrhea and requires medical attention. It can occur due to various factors such as infections, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and uterine fibroids.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: This refers to a variety of menstrual abnormalities, including heavy menstrual flow, periods that last longer than 7 days, and bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (tissue lining the inner uterus) grows outside the uterus, mostly in the ovaries and fallopian tubes, vagina, cervix, or intestine. It is an extremely painful condition that affects approximately 6%-10% of women of reproductive age in the United States. Heavy and painful menstruation are signs of endometriosis.
- Uterine polyps: Polyps refer to growth occurring in the endometrium of the uterus, extending into the uterine cavity. They are characterized by heavy bleeding or light spotting between periods or after menopause.
- Fibroids: Fibroids are benign tumors found in the uterus. Fibroids can cause abnormal periods and fertility issues. Most fibroids, however, don’t cause symptoms and may disappear with pregnancy and menopause.
- PID: PID is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system that can cause heavy vaginal discharge, irregular or abnormal periods, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Bacteria can enter the reproductive system in the following ways:
- Sexual contact and spread to the uterus and upper genital tract
- Gynecologic procedures
- Childbirth
- Miscarriage or abortion
- PCOS: PCOS refers to a condition in which the ovaries produce a high amount male hormones called androgens which results in the formation of small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. PCOS prevents the maturation of eggs, thereby disrupting ovulation. Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods or no periods
- Obesity
- Infertility
- Excessive hair growth
- Acne
- Other causes: Other causes of abnormal periods include:
- Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)
- Uterine cancer or cervical cancer
- Complications associated with pregnancy such as:
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy (condition in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus)
- Medical conditions such as:
- Bleeding disorders
- Underactive or overactive thyroid gland
- Pituitary disorders such as prolactinomas
Medically Reviewed on 5/19/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/period-problems-what-they-mean-when-to-see-doctor
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/november/irregular-periods-why-is-my-period-late
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/period-problems-what-they-mean-when-to-see-doctor
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/november/irregular-periods-why-is-my-period-late
Complete List
Top When Should I See a Doctor for an Abnormal Period Related Articles
acetaminophen/pamabrom
Acetaminophen/pamabrom is a combination medication available over the counter (OTC), used for the temporary relief of menstrual symptoms (menstrual cramps, backache, headache, other minor pains, and bloating). Common side effects of acetaminophen/pamabrom include hives (urticaria), itchy rash, hypersensitivity reactions, toxicity to the liver (hepatotoxicity), blood disorders, and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine
Acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine is a combination medication available over the counter (OTC), used for the temporary relief of menstrual symptoms, including cramps, backache, headache, bloating, water-weight gain, minor aches and pains, muscular aches and irritability. Do not take concurrently or within 14 days after treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) type of antidepressant medications. Acetaminophen side effects include hives (urticaria), itchy rash, swelling, severe anaphylaxis-like allergic reaction (anaphylactoid reaction), blood disorders, and others. Pamabrom side effects include discolored urine (golden tinted). Pyrilamine side effects include blurred vision, sleepiness (sedation), and dry mouth (xerostomia).Answers to Your Top Period Questions
Get answers for your period and menstruation questions. WebMD shows you what's normal and what's not for flow, missed periods, and more. Plus, PMS coping tips.What Foods Make PMS Worse?
Can foods make premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms worse? Discover the six major foods you need to limit or avoid to ease PMS cramps, mood swings and pain. Here's what not to eat in the days leading up to your period.How Heavy Is Too Heavy for a Period?
Most women have menstrual bleeding that lasts about four to five days every month, with around 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood lost per day.What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder PMDD Quiz
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can be serious and debilitating for some women. The good news is that women do not have to suffer. Take this quiz to learn the differences between PMDD symptoms and its milder cousin, premenstrual syndrome (PMS).PMS Slideshow
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can cause from mood swings, munchies, and more. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of PMS.25 Ways to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps happen when prostaglandins force the uterus to contract. Dysmenorrhea, or period pain, may be relieved by heating pads, ibuprofen, and other measures. Endometriosis may cause severe cramps during the menstrual cycle. Luckily, women have many options for period pain relief.What Are the Side Effects of Having Irregular Periods?
Having irregular periods is a common issue that affects many women. Learn the side effects of having irregular periods, the symptoms of irregular periods, what causes irregular periods, how doctors diagnose irregular periods, and what you can do to treat irregular periods.Spotting vs. Period
Menstruation (a female's "period") occurs due to the shedding of the lining of the uterus. Menstrual bleeding lasts about three to five days, and the bleeding is heavy the first couple of days and then it lessens. Spotting is vaginal bleeding between periods.What Does Big Blood Clots in Period Mean?
It is normal to pass blood clots occasionally during menstruation; however, frequently passing large blood clots could be a sign of any underlying issue.What Is the Normal Cycle for Menstruation?
A normal menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days long. Check out the center below for more medical references on menstruation, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.Why Am I Having Menstrual Cramps but No Period?
Menstrual cramps may happen even without a period. Learn more about menstrual cramps without a period, when they can happen, what causes them, and what to watch out for. Menstrual cramps are a type of abdominal pain women get when they have their period. Menstrual cramps may occur after running due to dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, hypothyroidism and pregnancy.