How is irregular periods treated?

Periods may become irregular when ovulation changes, including with polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause, weight or exercise changes, thyroid disorders, raised prolactin or pregnancy. Anovulation can leave the womb lining exposed to hormones without a regular bleed. A clinician may review medicines, stress, eating patterns and pregnancy possibility, then use blood tests or imaging when the history indicates them.

If pregnancy is not currently wanted, the combined pill may make bleeding more predictable and provide contraception, when medically suitable. Metformin may be considered for some people with polycystic ovary syndrome, especially when metabolic concerns are present. If pregnancy is a goal, treatment focuses on identifying why ovulation is not occurring and choosing fertility support. Other causes, such as thyroid disease or hyperprolactinaemia, need their own treatment. Keeping a cycle record helps show whether the pattern is changing.

Book an assessment for a persistent change, missed periods, very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or symptoms such as milky nipple discharge, headaches or visual changes. Seek urgent help for severe pain, faintness or heavy bleeding with possible pregnancy. Do not assume an irregular cycle is simply stress when the change continues.

Ask whether pregnancy testing, hormone tests or an ultrasound is appropriate, what cause is most consistent with your pattern, and how treatment changes if you want pregnancy soon. Ask how to protect the womb lining if periods remain absent.