Top 8 Reasons You Might Be Getting Irregular Periods In Your 20s

Your period is ghosting you, and no, it’s not because you forgot its birthday! 

You’ve set your calendar, stocked up on the essentials, and yet, your period is nowhere to be found—or worse, it shows up when you least expect it. Before you start sending it a desperate "Where are you?" text, let’s explore the possible reasons for your cycle’s sudden disappearing act. Spoiler: it’s more common than you think. Not just that, we’ll also help you figure out how to get them back on track! 

What Does It Mean To Have Irregular Periods In Your 20s? 

Irregular periods in your 20s can mean cycles that vary widely in length, frequency, or flow. This could include cycles shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, or skipping periods altogether. There are many reasons behind why this happens, which are explored in detail below. Knowing the reasons and keeping track of your cycle can help you determine whether you can regulate your cycle through lifestyle changes or whether you need medical attention. 

Top 8 Reasons For Irregular Periods In Your 20s  

Experiencing irregular menstrual periods in your 20s can be confusing, especially when you're trying to understand what might be causing them. Here are the top 8 causes of irregular periods that women in their 20s commonly face: 

1 - Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to irregular periods. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are a major cause. PCOS affects hormone levels and can lead to irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth, and acne. It's common among women in their 20s and is often diagnosed through symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasounds. 

2- Stress: High levels of stress can lead to elevated cortisol production, which can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones. This may cause delayed or missed periods. Common stressors in your 20s—like college, work, or personal life changes—can significantly impact your cycle.

3 - Weight Changes: Rapid weight loss or gain can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Being underweight can cause your body to stop producing enough estrogen to regulate periods, while being overweight can lead to excess estrogen, which can also cause irregular cycles. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can also cause periods to become irregular or stop altogether.

4 - Intense Exercise: Intense physical activity, particularly without proper nutrition, can cause menstrual irregularities. This is often seen in athletes or those who engage in high-intensity training. 

5- Birth Control: Starting or stopping hormonal contraceptives can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience irregular bleeding or no periods for a few months as their body adjusts to new hormone levels. 

6 - Thyroid Disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) can lead to menstrual irregularities. The thyroid gland regulates many hormonal processes in the body, and when it is not functioning correctly, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

7- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause heavy or irregular periods. These conditions often come with additional symptoms like pelvic pain and require medical diagnosis and treatment. 

8- Medications and Treatments: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and hormonal therapies, can affect your menstrual cycle. If you’ve recently started a new medication and notice changes in your periods, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to see if there might be a connection. 

Is It Normal to Have Irregular Periods in Your 20s? 

Yes, having irregular periods in your 20s can be quite normal. Hormonal changes, starting or stopping birth control, stress, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can all affect your menstrual cycle. While occasional irregular periods are common, consistently irregular cycles or symptoms like abnormal menstrual bleeding or severe pain should be checked by a healthcare provider.

What Are the Types of Abnormal Menstruation? 

Abnormal menstruation refers to any type of change in the regular menstrual cycle.  

There are 8 types of abnormal menstruation, as discussed below: 

1 - Menorrhagia:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days.
• Common causes include hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, and blood clotting disorders.

• Unusually light menstrual bleeding with a shorter duration than typical periods.
• Often caused by hormonal imbalance, intense exercise, or intrauterine adhesions.

• Bleeding occurs at irregular intervals, outside the normal menstrual cycle.
• Can be linked to conditions like endometriosis, polyps, or cervical lesions.

• Menstrual cycles that are abnormally short, occurring less than 21 days apart.
• This can be due to hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS.

• Infrequent periods, with cycles longer than 35 days apart.
• Commonly associated with PCOS, stress, or significant weight fluctuations.

• Absence of menstruation, either primary (never having had a period by age 16) or secondary (missing periods for three months or more).
• Can be caused by hormonal imbalances, extreme weight loss, or chronic illnesses.

How to Fix an Irregular Period? 

To help fix an irregular period in your 20s, it’s important to focus on balancing your hormones and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are some effective tips to help fix irregular periods:

• Manage Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce cortisol levels that can affect your cycle.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Avoid rapid weight changes as they can disrupt hormone balance.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure you get essential nutrients that support hormonal health.

• Exercise Moderately: Stay active, but avoid intense workouts that could disrupt your cycle.

• Track Your Cycle: Use an app to monitor patterns and identify irregularities.

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Seek professional advice if lifestyle changes don't help to rule out underlying issues, as you may require irregular periods treatment. 

Is It Normal to Skip a Period in Your 20s? 

Yes, skipping a period occasionally in your 20s can be normal and is often linked to factors like stress, weight changes, or hormonal shifts. Starting or stopping birth control or intense exercise without proper nutrition can also lead to skipped periods. However, if you frequently skip periods, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues like PCOS or thyroid disorders.

Regular Cycles: Secret To Your Well-Being 

Your 20s are a time of change, and your menstrual cycle is no exception. The top reasons for irregular periods at this age range from stress and diet to hormonal imbalances and medical conditions. These reasons highlight the complex relationship between your lifestyle and reproductive health. 

By understanding these factors, you can take control of your cycle and address any concerns early on. If irregularities persist, a consultation with a gynecologist can provide clarity and help you get your period back on track, setting the foundation for long-term wellness.

FAQs 

Q: How much delay is normal in periods? 

Ans: A delay of up to 7 days in your period is generally considered normal. Periods can vary slightly each month due to factors like stress, changes in weight, travel, or minor hormonal fluctuations. However, if your period is delayed by more than a week consistently, it could indicate an underlying issue like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and may require medical attention. 

Q: How can I track my periods? 

Ans: To track your periods, you can use period-tracking apps, which allow you to log the start and end dates of your cycle, flow intensity, symptoms, and mood changes. You can also use a physical calendar or journal to note these details. Tracking helps you understand your cycle patterns, predict your next period, and identify any irregularities that may need medical attention. 

Q. When should I see a doctor for irregular periods? 

Ans: You should see a doctor for irregular menstruation if your periods suddenly stop for more than three months without explanation (other than pregnancy) or if you have very heavy bleeding (soaking through one or more pads or tampons an hour). Consultation may also be necessary if your periods last longer than seven days or if you’re bleeding between periods or after sex. These symptoms could indicate underlying health issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, uterine fibroids, or other hormonal imbalances.