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The cause of changes in the menstrual cycle
Donna Hussey-Whyte
Monday, July 13, 2009
THE normal menstrual cycle is usually every 21 to 35 days with an average of 28 days. The cycle might change due to several factors. These include:
. Failure to release egg. The most common reason is a failure to release an egg every month. Factors such as stress, excessive exercise, excessive weight loss in the form of anorexia nervosa, obesity and abnormal function in the thyroid and pituitary glands may be causes of failure to ovulate, thus resulting in a change in the menstrual cycle.
. Endometritis. In some cases, if there is an infection in the lining of the uterus (endometritis) or pelvic inflammatory disease, this can cause the menstrual period to be heavier than usual or cause bleeding in between the periods or bleeding after intercourse.
. Infections. If changes are due to an infection, then there is usually worsening pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
. Pregnancy. Pregnancy is another very common cause of delayed or missed menstruation. If it is as a result of pregnancy, your next period should be missed. However, many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
. Birth control pills. Ceasing to take the birth control pill or breast-feeding can result in a change in cycle.
. New partner who is stressed. According to gynaecologist Professor Horace Fletcher, if a new partner comes into your life with stress, your cycle can change. This can cause you to miss a period.
. Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids can cause periods to be heavier or more prolonged. This is a common condition in women in the reproductive age group and tends to be particularly common in black women who also tend to grow much bigger fibroids than white women.
. Contraceptives. The combined low-dose oral contraceptive pill and other hormonal contraceptives, including depo provera can also cause a change in the cycle.
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