When Are Menstrual Periods Considered Irregular or Abnormal?

This handout is designed to help you understand what is considered a normal menstrual cycle and when to seek medical advice for irregular or abnormal periods.

🩸 When Are Periods Irregular?

A normal menstrual cycle usually:
– Lasts between 21 to 35 days from the start of one period to the next.
– Bleeding lasts about 2 to 7 days.
– May vary slightly (1–3 days) from month to month.

A period is considered irregular if:
– Cycle length varies by more than 7–9 days.
– You miss periods or have no period for 3 or more months.
– You have more than one period per month.
– Bleeding is unpredictable.

🚨 When Are Periods Abnormal?

Periods are abnormal if there are changes in timing, flow, or symptoms:

⏰ Timing:
– Very frequent periods (less than 21 days apart).
– Very infrequent periods (more than 35–40 days apart).
– Skipped periods for several months.

🩸 Flow:
– Heavy bleeding (soaking 1 pad/tampon every 1–2 hours, or passing large clots).
– Very light bleeding (especially if this is a new change).
– Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.

😣 Symptoms:
– Severe pain that interferes with daily life.
– Bleeding between periods or after sex.
– Bleeding after menopause.

🩺 When to Seek Medical Advice – Dr Sharad Ratna, ObGynae +60107778901 (klwomenspecialist.com.my)

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
– Missed periods for 3 or more months (not due to pregnancy, menopause, or birth control).
– Heavy or prolonged bleeding.
– Severe menstrual pain.
– Bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
– Irregular periods when trying to conceive.

Dr Sharad ObGynae
+6010 7778901