Irregular Periods: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

Question
hi
i have had normal cycles for a while but this month i bleed pink then was browny colour, next day pink again but just on wipes, i been so sleepy i went to docs did pregnancy test was negative not sure whats going on ant ideas


Answer
Dear Maria,

I would suspect that your ususual period was likely due to a bit of a hormonal imbalance - as most cycle irregularities are. This happens occasionally for all women - even those who are usually like "clockwork", especially as we get closer to perimenopause. There are many various potential causes for irregularities in our cycles. They are:
-Significant weight gain or loss
-Excessive or strenuous exercise
-Poor nutrition (or a diet too high in carbohydrates)
-Smoking
-Drug use
-Excessive caffeine intake
-Excessive alcohol use (interfering with how the liver metabolizes estrogen and progesterone)
-Eating disorders
-Increased stress
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome/estrogen dominance
-Uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endometriosis)
-Hormonal imbalance related to perimenopause
-Medications
-Chemotherapy
-Thyroid dysfunction
-Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or D&C
-Breastfeeding

More than likely your cycles will return to a fairly normal pattern, but keep in mind that as we age we cannot count on them being so much like clockwork as we did in our youth. We really don't get concerned until a woman misses three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason OR if periods become very heavy with or without clotting on a rather continual basis. At that point, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda