Menstruation is a crucial part of a woman's life. From the onset of the first period, it accompanies us through middle age and gradually transitions into menopause. This means that a significant portion of our lives is dedicated to understanding and managing it.
But do you truly understand your menstrual cycle? Do you know what constitutes a normal menstrual flow or frequency? And in what situations should you seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible?
This article will address all your concerns about menstruation, helping you understand what to do when your period comes early, is delayed, or doesn’t arrive at all. Say goodbye to the worries surrounding your menstrual cycle!
How to calculate your menstrual cycle
To determine whether your menstrual cycle is normal, you first need to understand how to calculate it. The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. A normal cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days and lasts 4 to 7 days per period.
If your cycle is irregular, occurring too frequently or too far apart, it’s essential to visit a gynecologist for evaluation. While it’s true that some people naturally have cycles every 2-3 months or even as infrequent as every 6 months to a year, irregular cycles are often linked to underlying gynecological issues. Consulting a specialist will provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.
Delayed periods, early menstruation, and answers to common concerns
1. What to do when your period comes early?
As explained earlier, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and if the interval between two periods is shorter than 21 days, it is considered abnormal. This could be due to excessive stress combined with an unbalanced diet and irregular rest, leading to hormonal imbalances. Insufficient progesterone secretion may cause the uterine lining to continuously thicken and then shed, resulting in early menstruation.
It may also stem from pathological causes such as abnormal ovarian function, luteal insufficiency, or anovulatory bleeding.
If you notice frequent periods occurring over an extended period, it’s important to consult a doctor for a thorough examination to determine the cause and detect any underlying gynecological issues early.
Note: For women approaching menopause, slight changes in menstrual cycle length and flow are normal. If you’re uncertain whether you’re entering menopause, visiting a hospital for a blood hormone level test can provide clarity.
2. Is delayed menstruation a cause for concern?
A regular menstrual cycle is an important indicator of gynecological health, and cycles that are too short or too long can signal underlying issues. Delayed menstruation can stem from various causes, ranging from stress to gynecological conditions. Here are the primary causes:
- Mental and emotional stress
- Premature ovarian failure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Chocolate cysts (endometriomas)
- Endometriosis
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Diabetes, among others
Delayed periods not only affect future fertility but can also lead to hormonal imbalances and other symptoms. This is a serious issue that should not be ignored.
To identify delayed menstruation early, it’s best to develop the habit of tracking your menstrual cycle. If you experience a delay, first reflect on whether your recent diet has been normal or if there’s a possibility of pregnancy. When visiting a doctor, these observations will help them pinpoint the cause more easily!
3. Should you see a doctor if you haven't had your period for an extended time?
When you notice your period is late or irregular, you can take a pregnancy test to determine whether it is caused by pregnancy. If the test confirms pregnancy, you should visit an obstetrics department to verify the result and start regular prenatal checkups.
However, if more than three months have passed without pregnancy and your period still hasn’t arrived, it’s essential to see a doctor. Through abdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound, and other advanced diagnostic tools, your doctor can determine if conditions like uterine fibroids or abnormal endometrial hyperplasia are present.
If the endometrial lining continues to grow without shedding, it can lead to damage and potentially progress to endometrial cancer. Please take care and consult a healthcare professional promptly.
4. Is it normal to have your period twice a month?
Normally, menstruation occurs once a month, but if you notice your period has just ended and starts again shortly after, it’s something to pay attention to! This could be due to hormonal imbalances causing a short menstrual cycle, a mix-up between abnormal bleeding and menstruation, or more serious conditions like ectopic pregnancy or natural miscarriage resulting in abnormal uterine bleeding.
If you experience abnormal bleeding, taking a pregnancy test is recommended to rule out pregnancy-related causes. If pregnancy is not the cause, light brown spotting or minor bleeding is often due to hormonal imbalances. However, if the bleeding is heavier, accompanied by lower abdominal pain, or lasts longer than a week, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.
It’s a good habit to track your menstrual cycle regularly to easily detect any irregularities, such as delayed or abnormal periods.
5. How to determine the amount of blood loss during menstruation?
The average amount of menstrual blood loss for a woman is approximately 50ml per cycle. Less than 5-10ml is considered too little, while more than 80ml is considered excessive, which can lead to heavy bleeding and dizziness.
The easiest way to assess this is by observing the frequency of changing sanitary pads and the amount of blood on them. If you need to change your pad several times an hour or if a pad becomes soaked within an hour, it may indicate excessive bleeding, and you should consult a doctor.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, the presence of blood clots, and severe menstrual cramps can be signs of uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, or other medical conditions!
How long should you wait to see a doctor if your period is absent?
Simply put, if your menstrual cycle is irregular—whether it arrives early or late, or if the frequency and volume are abnormal—you should schedule a check-up at the hospital as soon as possible. Menstruation not only directly impacts reproductive function but is also closely tied to many physiological mechanisms, requiring special attention and care.
While online information can help us understand potential scenarios, it’s best to see a doctor if abnormalities are excessively severe or persist for more than three months. With professional consultation, evaluation, and examinations, the causes of irregular menstruation can be effectively identified. Additionally, you can learn whether there is a family history of related conditions, if current medication habits are affecting hormonal function, and most importantly, detect and treat any potential gynecological issues as early as possible.
Regular menstrual health care: Balanced work and rest & proper menstrual regulation
Menstruation is like a “symptom,” providing an opportunity to observe your current health through your body’s responses. Don’t dismiss menstrual irregularities as insignificant, as they may lead to serious consequences.
In addition to maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity, it’s essential to relax and alleviate physical and mental stress. You should also keep a record of your menstrual patterns to support regulation and maintenance.
If you experience abnormal menstruation, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Many patients initially believe it’s just a simple irregularity, only to discover serious gynecological conditions during a medical check-up!