Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, and cycles can change over time. At different life stages, some people have irregular periods or no periods at all.
Learn more about what causes irregular or absent periods, how to improve period regularity and when to see your doctor.
What is a normal menstrual cycle?
What are irregular periods (oligomenorrhoea)?
What causes irregular periods?
Managing irregular periods
Absent periods (amenorrhoea)
What causes absent periods?
Managing absent periods
When to see your doctor
The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, and it’s common for periods to last from three to seven days.
Irregular periods are periods that don’t follow a typical pattern. This might mean your periods come earlier or later than expected, or they may be shorter or longer than usual.
An irregular menstrual cycle is defined as:
For teenagers, an irregular cycle might mean periods:
Irregular periods can be frustrating because they are unpredictable, and you may not have period products when you need them. It can also be hard to plan for pregnancy.
For a year or two after you first get your period, it’s normal to have irregular periods. Usually periods become regular over time, but some people never have regular periods.
Your periods can become irregular as you approach menopause, after childbirth or after a miscarriage or abortion.
Irregular periods can also be due to:
Your doctor might recommend medicine and lifestyle changes to help regulate your periods.
The oral contraceptive pill (the Pill) can help regulate periods and reduce period pain. There are different types of oral contraceptive pills with different doses of oestrogen and progesterone.
Metformin is a medicine used mostly for diabetes, but it can also help treat irregular periods for women with PCOS.
A healthy lifestyle can help regulate your menstrual cycle. This includes eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Visit this government website to learn more about recommended exercise guidelines.
If your irregular periods are caused by PCOS, exercise and a 5% to 10% weight loss (if you are overweight) can help regulate your cycle.
Absent periods (amenorrhoea) is when you don’t get your period at all. This can be short-term or long-term. If your period is late or has stopped, it’s important to check if you are pregnant.
Primary amenorrhoea is when your period doesn’t start by the age of 16, but you have other signs of puberty such as pubic hair and breasts. Secondary amenorrhoea is when you miss your period for at least three months after previously having regular periods.
The most common cause of absent periods is hormonal imbalance. This may be due to:
Absent periods can also be caused by a rare condition called ‘Asherman’s syndrome’, where scar tissue forms in the uterus or on the cervix. Scarring can happen after surgery (e.g. a hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage (D&C), or caesarean section).
Radiation treatment may also lead to scarring.
Asherman’s syndrome can cause very light periods, absent periods, severe cramping or pelvic pain. It can also make it hard to become pregnant.
Depend on the cause, your doctor might recommend:
If the cause is related to an eating disorder, your doctor may recommend specialist care.
See your doctor if:
There are other reasons why you might need to see your doctor about your periods.
It’s a good idea to record information about your period to discuss at your appointment. For example, when you get your period, the length and heaviness of your period and how your periods impact your life.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
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