When should you see a doctor about irregular periods?

A cycle can vary during adolescence, around the menopause transition, after pregnancy, or while starting or changing hormonal contraception. A clinician can still help if the change is worrying you, makes it difficult to plan daily life, or may be affecting fertility.

Irregular periods may reflect changes in ovulation, hormone signals, thyroid function, body weight, stress, exercise, or medication. Pregnancy is also a possibility when it could apply, including when bleeding is lighter than usual.

A doctor may ask about acne, increased facial or body hair, nipple discharge, hot flushes, pelvic pain, headaches, vision changes, and symptoms of anaemia such as unusual tiredness or breathlessness. These details can help guide assessment for conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Anovulation, Hyperprolactinaemia, or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Record the first day of each period, how long bleeding lasts, whether flow is light or heavy, spotting between periods, pain, and any missed periods. Note pregnancy tests, contraception, prescribed medicines, supplements, recent illness, changes in weight, eating, exercise, sleep, or stress.

Do not stop prescribed contraception or other medicine without advice. Depending on your history, assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, blood tests, or an ultrasound. Treatment is chosen according to the cause and your goals; options may include cycle regulation or support for ovulation.

Seek urgent medical help for very heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing. Get prompt assessment for severe or worsening pelvic pain, especially with a positive pregnancy test, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, or faintness.

Arrange a timely appointment for bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, repeated bleeding between periods, or periods that have stopped without an expected explanation. These symptoms do not identify a diagnosis by themselves, but they should be assessed.

Ask what might be changing your cycle, whether pregnancy or ovulation should be checked, which tests are appropriate, and when results will be available. If you want to become pregnant, ask how irregular ovulation may affect timing and what support is available.

You can also ask whether your current contraception or medication could contribute, whether treatment is aimed at bleeding control, symptom relief, or fertility, and which warning signs should prompt an earlier review.