Causes of Irregular Periods

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, Dr. Michael Vermesh and our team offer a comprehensive range of services to assist patients with infertility problems. One of our leading treatment options is IVF. IVF is an assisted reproductive treatment that can benefit patients dealing with a wide range of fertility issues, one of which is irregular periods.

Irregular periods make it much more difficult for a woman to conceive naturally. If a period varies in length, changes from month-to-month, or is missed for several months, women can’t accurately predict when ovulation will occur.

When treating women with irregular periods, it is important to determine what is causing the irregularity. By addressing the source of the problem, our doctors can offer more effective fertility treatment. Here, we discuss some of the most common causes of irregular periods that affect our Los Angeles, CA patients.

Going Off Birth Control

Many women rely on birth control to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Birth control contains a combination of hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once a woman is ready to have a child and gets off birth control, it can take a while for the body to adjust.

Some women may experience irregular periods for up to six months after discontinuing the use of birth control. Women should take this time frame into consideration when they plan to become pregnant.

Polyps or Fibroids

Uterine polyps (small growths in the lining of the uterus) and uterine fibroids (tumors that attach to the wall of the uterus) are both common causes of irregular periods. Fortunately, these growths are often benign, meaning they are non-cancerous, but they can still interfere with the menstrual cycle.

Some women with uterine polyps or fibroids experience unusually heavy bleeding during their period. Pain or discomfort may also be a concern.

Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue lines the uterus so that a fertilized egg can implant itself to the uterine wall. If a woman does not conceive during her menstrual cycle, endometrial tissue breaks down and is released through menstrual discharge.

When a woman has endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissues may grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. These tissues can cause a range of problems, including irregular periods.

Endometriosis may cause abnormal bleeding, cramps, or pain during a woman’s period.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes cysts to form in the ovaries. These small, fluid-filled sacs form when the ovaries release large amounts of androgen, a male hormone.

The hormonal changes experienced by women with PCOS may affect the menstrual cycle. It is not unusual for women with PCOS to have irregular periods, miss several periods, or even stop menstruating completely.

Learn More

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, patients can undergo treatment to address the causes of irregular periods and increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Our doctors will perform a thorough fertility exam and tailor treatment to meet each patient’s specific needs. If you would like to learn more about these services, contact us at your earliest convenience, or call (818) 881-9800 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Vermesh.