What are the causes of irregular periods?
There are two main reasons for irregular periods: • A change in the contraception method • An estrogen and/or progesterone imbalance (hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle) Examples include: • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (polycystic ovary system) – also known as PCOS, or the Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. Many cysts (small, fluid filled sacs) develop in the ovaries. It is a condition characterized by irregular or no periods, obesity, acne, and excess hair growth. Women with PCOS have a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and abnormally high levels of androgen (hyperandrogenism). Androgen is a male sex hormone – the major androgen is testosterone. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA, approximately 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS. A woman with PCOS does not release an egg every month (she does not ovulate). Patients with PCOS have a considerably higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart
