After the end of the period, the menstrual cycle begins again. When the egg is fertilized, the menstrual cycle ceases and does not occur at all during her pregnancy. Many women believe that once they have given birth, the menstrual cycle will resume its normal functions almost immediately. Although this may be the experience for some reason, in general, a woman’s menstrual cycle does not resume normally for several months. This is due to the numerous amount of changes that a woman’s body experiences during pregnancy, which can in turn effect the hormones that regulate menstrual cycles and menstrual periods after pregnancy.

Irregular periods after pregnancy can manifest in several ways. They may not occur around the same time as they did before the pregnancy, such as occurring in the middle of the month instead of the beginning of the month. A woman may also experience a distinct change in the heaviness of her menstrual period flow, such as unusually light periods or unusually heavy periods. The menstrual cycle may not resume normally for several weeks or in some cases, several months.

One of the main causes for irregular periods after pregnancy are hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances are common in the first few months after childbirth and after postpartum bleeding has ended. These hormonal changes may cause irregular periods for several months – usually three or four, but sometimes up to six or seven months – after a woman has given birth. Some women do not experience irregularity, however, and can resume a normal menstrual cycle as early as a month after giving birth. Women who do not breastfeed usually experience quicker restoration of their menstrual cycle over women who do breastfeed. This is because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and menstruation in the body.

There are also several other conditions or factors which may contribute to irregular periods after pregnancy.

After giving birth, women generally experience what is called postpartum bleeding. Postpartum bleeding is the discharge of the uterine lining after birth. This bleeding can occur for up to 6 weeks after giving birth and is not considered menstrual bleeding because it does not take place during a menstrual cycle. Postpartum bleeding is often confused for irregular periods immediately after pregnancy due to many women’s lack of familiarity with this post-pregnancy bleeding.

Typically, postpartum bleeding begins with bright red bleeding for several days, which gradually turns a pink or brown color over the next week. After two weeks have passed, the bleeding becomes a cream-colored discharge which can be experienced for about 5 weeks or so. During the time of postpartum bleeding, a woman will not experience her menstrual cycle.

Breast feeding may also cause a delay in the menstrual cycle and irregular periods in new mothers. Breastfeeding can prolong the resuming of a menstrual period for up to 6 months, in comparison to 6 weeks in women who do not breastfeed.

So, is it normal to have irregular periods after pregnancy?

Irregular periods, such as periods which occur during different times of the month or are unusually light or heavy, are the rule when it comes to menstruation experienced for the first few months after giving birth. It is normal to experience irregular or “different” periods for up to three or four months in women who do not breastfeed and up to six months in women who do breastfeed.

Women who are experiencing abnormal periods for longer than four to six months should visit a physician to determine if there may be something else going on that is causing irregular periods. Most of the time, all it takes for the body to resume normal periods is time. The body will need time to get back to normal after the hormone-riddled experience of pregnancy.

There are certain treatments which can help regulate and stabilize hormone levels and could help get the body back on track in women who are not breast feeding. Women who are breast feeding should not take medications to regulate their hormone levels.

Women who experience irregular periods after pregnancy may find them to be annoying or uncomfortable, but they are rarely harmful or dangerous. If a woman experiences extremely heavy bleeding or sudden heavy bleeding or clotting, this may be a sign that a part of the uterine lining or placenta has not passed properly. This could also indicate a uterine infection. In both cases, medical attention should be sought to rule out infections or other more serious conditions.  So if you are still having irregular periods after pregnancy, you may want to consult with your physician.

The Menstruation Cycle in Women

During the menstruation cycle, a woman’s body sheds the lining of the uterus called the endometrium, which is grown in order to prepare for a fertilized egg. This is called the menstrual period, or more commonly just a period. This bleeding will last from the early teen years – sometimes as early as 8 or 9 years old – until the woman experiences menopause, usually around the age of 50. The menstruation cycle lasts from the first day of bleeding until the first day of the next cycle of bleeding. The average menstruation cycle lasts about 28 days, or a month, however it is completely normal for women to experience cycles that are shorter or longer than 28 days.

Menstruation cycles are controlled by a woman’s hormones. Each cycle is the result of the brain sending hormone signals to the ovaries and uterus, telling them to prepare for a pregnancy. Two particular hormones, estrogen and progesterone, have the biggest role in the changes the uterus experiences during each cycle.

Estrogen causes the uterus to build up its lining called the endometrium. Progesterone in the body increases when the ovary releases an egg during ovulation, which is experienced during the middle of a menstruation cycle. Increased levels of progesterone keep the lining of the uterus thick and prepared for pregnancy. When the egg is not fertilized, this causes a big drop in levels of progesterone and estrogen, which then causes the lining in the uterus to break down–which begins the menstrual period.

Women usually begin their cycle around the ages of 11 and 14, although in recent years this age has begun to lower. The menstruation cycle is usually irregular for the first few years, but will often even-out by the time a woman is in her 20s. Women usually begin to experience less frequent menstrual periods during their menstruation cycle by the time they are in their 40s, and will usually go through menopause when they reach the age of 50.

Menstrual bleeding is generally the only time during a menstruation cycle that women need to use special products to handle symptoms caused by the cycle. In particular, the menstrual bleeding. Most women use products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to soak up and contain menstrual blood. These products should be changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth and possible infection.

Pain During a Menstruation Cycle

Women may experience pain and discomfort during various stages of their menstrual cycle, particularly the menstrual period. The menstrual period can be accompanied by cramping, which may be mild or moderate but can also become severe. Women experiencing a menstrual period may also suffer from general soreness, backaches, headaches, a sensitivity to hot/cold foods or to light and nausea or dizziness. Not every woman experiences all of these symptoms or any of these symptoms during their menstrual cycle, but they are not uncommon. Most symptoms can be relieved through rest and relaxation, although there are a variety of home medical treatments the market which can relieve menstrual cramping, such as over-the-counter medications or heating pads.

Heat can be used to relieve menstrual cramps in other ways, such as taking hot baths or visiting steam rooms. Generally, most women’s symptoms can be lessened through at home remedies, although more severe pain may need to be managed by a physician if it is causing an inability to function and perform daily tasks.

Some women also experience symptoms before their menstrual period, which are called premenstrual symptoms. These symptoms indicate that a menstrual period is approaching, usually in about 5 to 7 days. These symptoms include tenderness in the breasts, acne, leg and back cramps, an increase in water weight and bloating, a decrease in energy and even the feeling of being angry, tense, or unusually impatient.

These symptoms can range from mild to more severe. Emotional symptoms, such as feeling angry or upset, are common and often continue throughout the menstrual period. These symptoms can be caused by an increase or decrease in hormones in the body or as a result of a poor mood due to the general low feeling caused by periods. Pain may also be experienced during the middle of the menstruation cycle when the ovary releases an egg. This usually passes within a day or two.
It is fairly common for women to experience irregular or missing periods during at least one point in their lives. The menstruation cycle is very delicate and can be easily affected by stress changes, medications, body weight and other conditions.

The menstruation cycle is also different in every woman, which can cause irregular or frequently changing lengths and intensities of menstrual periods. This is especially true in the first few years after a girl begins to experience the menstrual cycle. For example, a woman might experience 5 days of menstrual bleeding one month, only three days of menstrual bleeding the next month, and 9 days of menstrual bleeding the next. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances or even simple stress.

Irregular or inconsistent menstrual cycle or periods are not always a sign for concern, but if they are accompanied by unusual pain, discharge or anything particularly worrisome, a physician should be contacted.

Top ten reasons for missed periods

1. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common reasons for missed periods in women who are sexually active. Women who believe they may be pregnant and have experienced one or more missed periods should seek confirmation from a home pregnancy test and a physician.

2. Excessive Weight

Women who are overweight may experience missed periods due to the extra fat on their bodies. This extra fat can effect hormones, which help control menstrual cycles, and cause missing or irregular periods. Typically, weight loss will return a normal period cycle.

3. Excessive Weight Loss

Women who are underweight may also experience missed periods. Women who have very little body fat may experience a condition called amenorrhea, or the complete elimination of their menstrual period. This is because the body lacks enough fat and energy to complete a normal menstrual cycle. Weight can usually reverse this condition and return the period.

4. Eating Disorders

Women who have eating disorders, regardless of their weight, also tend to experience missed periods due to the imbalance of hormones in their body and the effect that dramatic weight loss, weight gain or weight loss methods (such as excessive vomiting) can have on their body. Physical treatment, such as weight gain and the removal of weight loss methods, can usually restore a normal menstrual cycle.

5. Stress

Stress can have a major effect on the body, and the menstrual cycle is no exception. Stress can cause the body to decrease the amount of a certain hormone which regulates the menstrual cycle, causing periods to be missed or to become irregular. Women who believe excessive stress may be causing their missed periods will need to work with a doctor to figure out methods of relaxation and stress reduction.

6. Lifestyle Changes

A major change in lifestyle, such as going from day schedules to night schedules, can throw the body out of whack. Menstrual periods may be affected, and missed periods can result. Usually, all it takes for women to resolve missed periods caused by a lifestyle change is to stick it out – when the body becomes used to the new schedule, it should begin to regulate itself normally again.

7. Medications

Certain medications, particularly birth control medications, can have side effects that include irregular or missed periods. Women experiencing this side effect should talk to a doctor about lessening the effect or possibly switching medications.

8. Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalances which are not caused by medication, weight loss/gain or stress may also be the cause of missed periods in women. Hormonal imbalances can happen for a multitude of reasons and can sometimes be regulated by medications which control the level of certain hormones in the body. Women who believe their missed periods are caused by hormonal imbalances should discuss their problem with a physician.

9. Menopause

Missed periods are also a sign of menopause, which is the period in a woman’s life when she will no longer menstruate or ovulate. Menopause can happen naturally, or surgically through procedures such as a hysterectomy or certain chemotherapies.

10. Miscalculation

Sometimes, a missed period is not actually a missed period at all but a simple miscalculation on a woman’s part. Because the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman and is not a standardized process, women may feel that they have missed a period when in fact, their menstrual cycle just happens to be different from the standard cycle presented in most health related literature.

When should a doctor be seen for Unknown Reasons for Missed Periods?

Missed periods are not always a cause for seeking out the help of a physician, however there are some instances where the advice of a doctor is helpful or even necessary. Women who believe they are pregnant should seek confirmation from a physician, as well as women who believe they may be approaching or going through menopause. Certain conditions like stress or lifestyle changes that cause missed periods may not require medical intervention unless the menstrual cycle does not normalize on its own after the reduction of stress and a few weeks into a new lifestyle or schedule.

If the missed periods are accompanied by any other medical abnormalities or conditions, such as unusual discharge or abdominal pain, a physician should be sought out to rule out any more serious conditions. Sometimes, missed periods are associated with more serious conditions like liver damage or diabetes, however these are more uncommon cases and the missed periods are usually incidental side effects to the more serious symptoms of these conditions.

In most cases, women can deal with their missed periods by relaxing and waiting a few months to see if their menstrual cycle gets back on its regular track and understand what the reasons for missed periods was.

Irregular periods are something many of us experience during at least one point in our lives. When we talk about irregular periods, we are talking about several different symptoms.

One, when your period is skipping or infrequent. For example, if you typically have a period once every month, but after one period in February, there is no period in March, but your period returns in April—this “skipping” is considered an irregular period.

Two, when your period is suddenly different. For example, if you typically have a period that lasts five days with a moderate menstrual flow, but suddenly you are experiencing very heavy, ten-day long periods. This sudden shift in the nature of your periods would also be considered irregular.
Third, if your period has been nonexistent for several months. Missing your period is considered an irregular period.

If you have missed your period or have been having an irregular period, you might be upset, frustrated, and worried. However, it is important to remain calm and assess the facts about your irregular periods determine if your situation requires medical attention. Even if your current menstrual cycle is regular, you should still read about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for irregular periods. This way, you will be much more prepared to deal with them if they happen to you.

“Regular” periods?

When doctor’s ask, “Is your period regular?” they usually mean: “Is your period generally consistent?”

As you know, every woman’s period is different. What is normal for you may not be normal for your mother, your best friend, or the neighbor down the street. Most women will have between eleven and thirteen periods each year, which averages out to about one period each month. Some women experience menstrual bleeding for only a day or two, while others experience a week to ten days of menstrual bleeding. A woman’s menstrual bleeding may be light, heavy, moderate or all of the above during certain days of their period. It is important for you to recognize what is normal for your period, because you will have an easier time recognizing when something is just not right. If you haven’t already begun doing so, keep track of your period by marking each day of bleeding on your calendar. It may also be helpful to note the heaviness of your period on those days.

What causes irregular periods?

The first thing most women think when their period suddenly skips, changes, or is missing altogether is: Pregnancy. Pregnancy is one of the most common causes for missed periods. If you have been sexually active in the months leading up to your missed periods, you should take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. If you are still experiencing your period, however infrequent, it is unlikely that you are pregnant—however, you may still want to take a pregnancy test just to be on the safe side.

It is not atypical for periods to be irregular during the first few years after your first menstruation. The hormones that control menstruation may be shifting and changing along with your body, and will usually balance out after several years. If you have only had your first menstruation within a few years, you may simply want to make a note of your irregularity at your next check-up and play the waiting game while your body’s hormones balance themselves out.

Some women experience irregular periods when they approach menopause. Approaching menopause can be a very difficult time for women, and suddenly changed periods will certainly only add to your stress. If you believe you might be approaching menopause, consult your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing.

Although pregnancy, a recent start to menstruation and menopause are the most common causes of irregular periods, there are several other causes for irregular periods that you should recognize.

Food and Exercise in Relation to Irregular Periods

Weight loss, exercise, and your food intake can all have a effect on your body that you didn’t intend: irregular periods.

Both excessive weight loss and excessive weight gain can cause menstrual problems, such as missed or irregular periods. While you might typically associate low body weight with irregular periods or the loss of periods entirely, high body weight or obesity can also contribute to irregular periods. If you have either lost or gained an excessive amount of weight in a short period of time, this sudden change in your body may be causing imbalances that can cause your period to become irregular.

A sudden increased amount of exercise can also cause irregular periods. Missed and uncommonly light periods are a common symptom in endurance athletes, who train excessively hard in the months leading up to competitions and events. But even non-athletes can experience irregular periods resulting from an increased amount of exercising. If you are losing or gaining weight, always work with a doctor, especially if any natural functions of your body (such as your period) seem to be changing.

Eating disorders can also be a cause for irregularity in your period. Any mental disorder that affects what you eat and how much exercise your body gets can have a devastating effect on your body—not only your menstrual cycle, but other vital functions your body needs to exist. If you currently suffer from an eating disorder, with or without irregular periods, please consult a doctor for treatment options that can help you recover.

Mental Causes of Irregular Periods

Your mind and your body are connected. When you are stressed out, upset, depressed or otherwise mentally exhausted, your body may suffer as a result. High amounts of stress and depression are the two most common mental causes of irregular periods. Many women find that their periods are different or even missing for a few months after a highly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, strong interpersonal problems or the loss of a job.

If you have been experiencing a high level of stress or any other negative emotion, you may wish to talk to a therapist or loved one about your problems. When you reduce the level of stress in your life, your body will often follow suit and restore your typical period on its own.

Medicines and Irregular Periods

The medicines you take can have an effect on your period.  Birth control medicines are the most typical medicine that causes period irregularity. You should always indicate any period irregularity to your doctor when you are taking a method of birth control—although it may not be cause for medical concern, it will be something you need to keep track of while you are taking your birth control.

Any drugs that change the hormone levels in your body may also cause irregular periods. The hormones that regulate your period are very sensitive, and if they are pushed off balance it can affect the duration and heaviness of your menstrual cycle. If your period has been effected by a medicine, consult your physician and explain your symptoms.
What do I do if my period is irregular?

If you have missed your period or find that your period is irregular: Relax. Because there are so many things that can cause irregular periods, it is something that many women experience. Reducing the stress in your life and determining the cause of your irregular periods help most women return their period cycles to normal.

However, if your period remains irregular for a long period of time, or certain instances occur, you should contact your physician.
When should I go to my doctor about my irregular periods?

-You should contact a physician if any of the following apply to your irregular periods:

• You are over 15 and have never experienced menstruation
• Your irregular periods are a likely result of medicine
• You are experiencing any abdominal pain
• You are experiencing abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding

If you still are not sure what may be causing your irregular periods, you may want to consult you physician.