Irregular periods for years

A long-standing pattern can occur when ovulation is inconsistent, including with Anovulation, or alongside Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The meaning also depends on age, pregnancy plans, weight changes, stress, medicines and symptoms such as acne or excess facial hair. Around the menopause transition, Perimenopause can change bleeding patterns; Premature Ovarian Insufficiency is another cause that a clinician may consider in younger people.

Book a non-urgent appointment and bring a record of bleeding, spotting, pain, acne, hair growth, hot flushes and medicines. Tell the clinician whether pregnancy is desired now or later. Assessment may include a pregnancy check, examination and blood tests chosen from your history. Treatment is directed at the cause and goals; options can include cycle regulation or fertility support, rather than treating the calendar alone.

Get urgent help for very heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting, breathlessness or marked weakness, or for severe pain. Arrange earlier review if bleeding changes suddenly, occurs after sex, or follows a long gap without a period. Long duration does not make a new symptom harmless.

Ask what causes fit your history, whether ovulation is occurring, which tests are useful, and how to protect fertility or the uterine lining while a diagnosis is being clarified.