BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Gynecology Extremely irregular periods normal?

Since starting my periods at 11, they have always been extremely irregular in every way possible. For example for a couple of months they may be ok and come every 4 to 5 weeks (there is never a set patern of days), thn for maybe 3 months Il get them every 10 days, and then they might go to once every 2 months, back to every 4 to 5 weeks again maybe a month were I get about 3 shor periods etc!! Plus they vary how long they last anything from 6 to 11 days, but never less than about 6 days. They also vary alot in terms of how heavy they are. Usually the longer they last the lighter they are. Theyre never extremely heavy though I wouldnt say. I suffer from no signs of PMS at all, no mood swings, no pain or cramps or any discomfort at all before or during periods etc so im lucky there. I mentioned this to a doc when went about something else and she said sounded like nothing at all to be worried about since they had always been like that and was probs a hormonal thing I shouldnt worry about. Ive never birth control pill and am 26. Should I be worried?? Could this be a sign of cancer?

Linda, the gynecology editor, will be the best person to respond to this, but I wanted to let you know that I also experienced irregular periods and all was well.

From my understanding, your menstrual cycle can be affected by many things that alter your hormonal output. Extreme exercise, illness, stress, poor diet, etc.

You mentioned that you have no other symptoms so that is a sign itself that disease probably is not the cause. Did you get your pap when you saw the doctor? The results should have confirmed her diagnosis.

Usually, irregular bleeding between periods or a constant flow are red flags that something is amiss.

But if your doc--and your test results--say all is well, you should be able to rest easy.

My doc never actually examined me, and ive never had a smear test as im er a virgin and assumed one wasnt really needed. Ive never really worried about it before because just didnt think was important

Hmmm. At your age, you should think about a pap regardless of whether you are sexually active or not.

Keep tracking your periods because you'll need that info for a future doctor's appointment.

I don't want you to worry but you do need to be diligent about your own health status. I've learned that no one cares more about your health than you. A doctor will only press things if you do. If you instinctively feel something might be wrong, don't give up. Find someone who will listen.

A pelvic exam and pap would be good precautions to take. For peace of mind, if nothing else. Better to err on the side of safety.

buts thats just it, im assuming nothing is wrong, cos its been like this years, so if it was something like cancer it would be very advanced now!! I was just posting this for reassurance Im normal, argh, panicing now lol!

Ohhh! Well, I didn't realize that this has been your usual "pattern" (or lack of!) Don't panic. If it's been like this for years--and there are no other symptoms--it's as your doctor said: your hormone levels.

I had irregular periods my entire life. And my paps come back normal. No problems.

Sorry for worrying you!

Hello Louise123

I think you should see your doctor about your periods as they do sound highly irregular. All of the factors listed by Shark will affect your period, especially weight and stress. It�s time for you to have a pap smear anyway, as at 26 years old you are way past due. One of the things a pap smear checks for is abnormal cells, so the fact that you are a virgin doesn�t factor in. You should also have an internal examination which your doctor can do in the office. Nobody likes to be poked at down there but once it�s over you can forget about it for a year. If you want to have children one day you need to take care of yourself now. Let me know how you do!

Hi thanks for the reply, I know I dont want children so am not worried about fertility, infact if I didnt have a medical phobia (very severe, feel faint even going near a hospital/docs surgery) id probs have a hysterectomy as being pregnant terrifies me and really hate having periods alot! Am thinking about taking the pill that stops them. If my periods dont sound dodgy in terms of cancer id rather avoid a doc, as I say fertility wasnt my issue in any way, and periods is the last thing I want to discuss with anyone face to face (I just really hate the idea of them). Im just worried about diseases that could kill me....Im probs being stupid, its unlikely to be anythingi know

I�m very sorry you are so fearful of anything medical. It�s inevitable that one day you will need medical help for something. It�s only a suggestion, but hypnotherapy could help with your phobia. Yearly medical checkups are so important for women. Most people don�t like having a physical examination but they can be life-saving. Please consider getting help for your phobia. They are irrational fears and actually easier to treat then a fear based on reality because we have manufactured the danger in our minds and our minds can be changed.

I am new here, but I read the posts in this section and I have a little story to tell. I am like everyone here. I hate doctors,I only go when I have too. I always thought periods were disgusting, but being a girl, it's part of the territory. Until I got old. I am 55. As I aged I noticed my periods becoming heavier, not so much irregular. I thought it was just the proces of getting older. So I put up with it for almost 3 years. Until one day, I was sitting at my desk and there were people in my office, I could feel my insides pulsing and contracting almost like labor contractions. I was very nervous. But I just sat in my chair until the people had left and then went to see what had happened. I was sitting in a lake. So I put on my husband coat, so it hung to my knees and went to Walmart and bought all new clothing, even underware. After this episode, I went to the doctor and I found a lady that did ablasions in her office, she was certified and all that stuff to do them. I had the ablasion. She told me at that time, the this proceedure does not work for about 20% of women. So still thinking it was just old age....I went home, thinking I would be fine. HA! I was in denial! the ablasion only worked for 2 months. At 3 months I had another heavy period. Then nothing..at 6 months I had another lake episode only this time it was 10 times worse. So I went to see my doctor lady again and this time she just looked at me and said pick a date, your uterus is coming out. So arrangements were made and I had the hysterectomy. Everything came out. I found out what I had was a type of edometroiosis. Where the inside of the uterus starts to grow. I had tumors in there, my overies had systs on them, I was a mess. On the 19th of this month it will be 10 months since my surgery. I am doing fine. No more problems. So even though you may not like doctors and being a girl is really gross. Go......Get checked out, then you will know for sure.