Why does a woman get an irregular and light menstrual cycle?

Question

Hello doctor,

I do not know what happened to me. My normal period cycle is usually 30 to 31 days and lasts for four to five days.

For a few months my cycles were normal, lasting about four to five days. After that, about a week after my last normal period, I noticed some bleeding for two days, though it was not heavy. Then, about two weeks later, my period came again and lasted for around five to six days. After that, I did not see my period for the next two and a half months, and when it returned, it lasted for about five days but was lighter than usual.

Yesterday, I noticed my period again, although it was very little, just like spotting, and today it is slightly more but still not much. Usually, I experience pain on the first day of my period, but for the last three to four months, I have not had any pain, and my flow has reduced.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Based on your history, your menstrual cycle seems to have shifted from being regular (every 30 to 31 days, lasting four to five days with some pain) to becoming irregular with unexpected bleeding about four months ago, followed by a prolonged gap without periods for around two and a half months, and since then lighter flow with the absence of your usual pain.

Such changes can be due to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, weight changes, thyroid or prolactin abnormalities, ovarian cysts, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sometimes irregular bleeding also happens after anovulatory cycles, when the ovary does not release an egg, leading to unpredictable or lighter periods.

Since your bleeding pattern and flow have changed noticeably, and your cycles are less predictable, it would be wise to see a gynecologist for evaluation. They may suggest:

Blood tests to check hormone levels.
An ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterus.

In the meantime, keeping a period diary and noting flow, timing, and any associated symptoms can help guide diagnosis. While occasional irregular cycles can happen, persistent changes like yours should be properly assessed to rule out underlying causes.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.