What do irregular periods feel like with anovulation?

When ovulation does not occur, hormone patterns can differ from a typical cycle. You may have a long gap between bleeds, spotting, an unusually light period, or a heavier or longer episode after several weeks without bleeding. Some cycles may have no bleeding at all.

Bleeding pattern alone cannot identify the cause. Pregnancy, thyroid changes, polycystic ovary syndrome, stress, weight change, medication and other conditions can also affect cycles. Anovulation may affect fertility because there is no egg release in that cycle.

Track the first day, duration, flow and any spotting of each bleed. Record pelvic pain, acne, increased facial hair, nipple discharge, major changes in weight, exercise or eating, and medicines. A clinician may use your history, a pregnancy test, blood tests and sometimes ultrasound to assess the pattern.

If pregnancy is possible, test according to local medical advice. Do not take hormones or fertility medicines without assessment; treatment depends on the cause and on whether pregnancy is desired.

Arrange medical review for repeated unpredictable cycles, a prolonged absence of periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sex. Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding with weakness or faintness, severe pelvic pain, or bleeding during pregnancy.

Could I be ovulating, and what tests would help confirm the cause? Could pregnancy, thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome explain this pattern? What treatment is appropriate if I want contraception or pregnancy?