Menstrual periods are often
irregular in teenage years, when our cycles first begin. It may take several
years for a woman's hormones to balance, so that ovulation and cycles become
regular. Hormone imbalance is what also causes menstrual irregularities when
peri-menopause and menopause arise. What surprises many women is that, with
menopause, our cycles can become less frequent with less bleeding or more
frequent with heavy bleeding and passage of blood clots. If menopause comes
before age 40, it is known as premature ovarian failure. This needs to be
checked by your doctor.
Early menopause can cause many
health problems including osteoporosis, strokes, heart disease and emotional
and cognitive deficits. It should not be taken lightly. But, of the many reasons for menstrual irregularities
and missed periods, the most common is pregnancy.