One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a missed period, that is, if you have passed the due menstruation date by a week or more. However, not everyone who has an irregular menstrual cycle is pregnant. Usually, a normal menstrual cycle is about 25–30 days. But it can be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. Several factors, including stress, hormonal imbalance, or sudden intense physical activity, can affect the length of the cycle or whether it comes early, late, or not at all.
So how does a woman know or find out if they’re pregnant if they have irregular periods? Are there ways or strategies to determine pregnancy with irregular periods? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Yallamanchili Suneetha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Hyderabad, shed light on the same.
What Does An Irregular Period Mean?
“A woman’s menstrual cycle is a complex interplay of hormones and bodily functions that typically occurs in a regular pattern. However, many women experience irregular periods at some point in their lives,” said Dr Suneetha.
She explained, “Irregular periods are characterised by variations in the length of the menstrual cycle and the flow of menstrual bleeding, which can be affected by several factors, including stress, lifestyle changes, hormonal imbalance, excessive exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorder, and more."
A 2016 study published in the Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that about 14–25% of women of reproductive age experience menstrual irregularities, which usually involve infrequent menstrual periods, heavy menstruation, absence of periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, or menstruation accompanied by painful cramps.
How To Determine Pregnancy With Irregular Periods
The unpredictable nature of irregular menstrual cycles, the inconsistencies in the ovulation patterns associated with them, and the variations that occur in the menstrual flow all contribute to difficulties in determining a pregnancy, in case a woman is really expecting, shared Dr Suneetha.
“Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary, and it typically occurs around the middle of a regular menstrual cycle. In women with irregular periods, ovulation can be unpredictable, making it harder to pinpoint fertile days and potential conception,” she explained.
As someone who struggles with irregular periods, keeping track of or monitoring your period can help identify menstrual changes associated with pregnancy.
Dr Suneetha said, “Irregular periods might not follow a typical 28-day cycle, but you can still track your cycles. Keep a record of your period start dates and any notable changes or irregularities. This can help you identify patterns and notice any missed periods."
Also Read: Menstrual Health: Expert Decodes 5 Menstrual Disorders
Note The Signs Of Pregnancy Other Than Irregular Periods
A missed period can mean anything and may not necessarily indicate a pregnancy. Therefore, it is always advisable to also focus on other pregnancy signs. These include:
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination that develops within a few weeks of conception
- Food cravings or aversions
- Mood swings
Know The Difference Between Periods And Implantation Bleeding
In certain cases, women may confuse implantation bleeding with the menstrual period, which may again delay pregnancy confirmation.
Implantation bleeding occurs around 10–14 days after conception when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine lining. This can lead to light bleeding or spotting, which is harmless.
On the other hand, menstruation is a part of the female reproductive system characterised by monthly cycles of vaginal bleeding.
As compared to menstrual blood, implantation bleeding is very light, usually pink-brown in colour, whereas menstrual blood is typically bright to dark red. In addition, implantation bleeding only occurs and lasts for a few hours, while periods last for 4–7 days.
You Can Always Take A Pregnancy Test
If you have a missed period and experience most symptoms of pregnancy, then it is beneficial to take a pregnancy test. You can perform a home pregnancy test or visit a clinic for a urine and blood test, which will check for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that determines a pregnancy.
Additionally, you can talk to your doctor to not only determine whether you’re pregnant or not but also to understand the causes of your irregular periods.
Dr Suneetha concluded, “If you suspect you might be pregnant, don't hesitate to seek medical advice and support from your doctor to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby. Irregular periods may present some uncertainties, but with the right care and guidance, you can navigate pregnancy successfully.”