My period is irregular: what should I do?

Irregular periods may come earlier, later, or be absent, with flow that changes from cycle to cycle. Common contributors include pregnancy, stress, sleep disruption, major weight or exercise changes, hormonal contraception, thyroid problems, anovulation, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Perimenopause can change timing, while premature ovarian insufficiency is another possibility that needs medical assessment. The pattern alone does not identify the cause.

Track bleeding dates, flow, pain, spotting, sleep, stress, exercise, medicines, and pregnancy risk. Test for pregnancy when relevant. Book a routine appointment if irregularity persists, periods stop, or the change concerns you. A clinician may review your history and consider pregnancy, thyroid, blood, or hormone testing. Treatment depends on whether you want pregnancy, need contraception, or mainly want predictable bleeding.

Get urgent help for fainting, severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding with weakness, or pain and bleeding when pregnancy is possible. Seek prompt advice for bleeding after sex, persistent bleeding between periods, new severe headaches or vision changes, or hot flushes with absent periods. These features need targeted assessment.

Ask what your cycle pattern suggests, which tests are useful, and how to manage it alongside pregnancy or contraception plans. Ask whether anovulation, PCOS, thyroid changes, or perimenopause should be considered, and whether treatment is needed to protect the womb lining.