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Symptom Guide · Irregular Periods
A period that's a bit early or late once in a while is normal. But if your cycles are always shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, or totally unpredictable, your body is telling you something — and it is worth finding out what.
Short answer
A normal cycle is 21 to 35 days. Your periods count as irregular if the gap keeps changing by more than a week, your cycle falls outside that range, or you skip periods without being pregnant — most often caused by PCOS, thyroid problems, stress, or perimenopause.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Madhumita Das Mazumdar, MBBS, MD (OBG)
Reg. No. 10385, Assam Medical Council · Last reviewed
A normal cycle is 21 to 35 days, counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Your cycle is irregular if it's often outside this range, if the gap between periods keeps changing by more than a week, or if you skip periods and you're not pregnant.
In young women, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common cause — it affects about 1 in 5 Indian women. Other common causes are thyroid problems, a lot of stress, sudden weight gain or loss, too much exercise, breastfeeding, and some medicines. In women over 40, irregular cycles are often the first sign of perimenopause.
Yes. Stress hormones interfere with the signals between your brain and ovaries that control ovulation. A stressful month can delay your period by days or even weeks. But if your periods stay irregular for more than two or three cycles, don't keep blaming stress. Get checked — treatable conditions like PCOS and thyroid problems cause the same pattern.
Usually, the doctor asks about your health, does a pelvic ultrasound, and orders blood tests — thyroid, prolactin, and hormones like LH, FSH, and testosterone. This finds the cause in most cases. Treatment then depends on the cause: cycle-regulating medicine, thyroid treatment, lifestyle changes, or fertility care if you're trying to conceive.
Yes, though it may take longer because ovulation is unpredictable. If your cycles are irregular and you've been trying for six months or more, see a gynecologist. Once we know the cause, making ovulation regular again is often straightforward.
At the Clinic
Irregular periods have several possible causes, and they are told apart by history, examination and a specific set of tests — not by guesswork. This is the sequence Dr. Mazumdar works through at a first visit.
How long your periods have been irregular, and whether your cycles are shorter or longer than they used to be. How many days you bleed for, and how heavy the flow is. Whether there is any pain with it.
Weight gain, hair loss on the scalp, and excess hair growth on the face. These point towards a hormonal cause rather than a structural one, and they change which tests matter.
Blood pressure, pulse and weight, and a check for hair loss on the scalp or excess hair growth — the physical signs that go with the symptoms above.
To assess the size of the uterus and the ovaries.
A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid hormone levels, blood sugar levels, serum prolactin and serum AMH.
Of the uterus and ovaries, ordered alongside the blood tests.
Together these establish whether the irregularity is caused by PCOS, by thyroid hormones, by stress, or by something else — which is what decides the treatment.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a consultation and examination can tell you what is causing your symptoms.
Your Doctor
Dr. Madhumita Das Mazumdar — MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology), FOGSI member, 30+ years in practice. She runs Aries Obgyn Clinic single-handedly, so every consultation, in clinic or on WhatsApp, is with her — never a junior or an assistant.
30+
Years in practice
MD (OBG)
Qualification
4.9★
Google rating
FOGSI
Member
Patient Reviews
“The best gynaecologist in Guwahati. Such a polite doctor. She is such an angel and an extremely sweet person and also easily approachable. Treats her patient with utmost care. Thank you for everything ma'am.”
Sukanya Bor Saikia
Google review · Gynecology
“Dr. Madhumita Ma'am is an exceptional gynecologist who provided me with compassionate and professional care.”
Sikharani Medhi
Google review · Gynecology
“Best gynecologist I have ever met. She guided me so well, and under her guidance and medication I have overcome my PCOS.”
Baby Chanu
Google review · PCOS
Consult Dr. Madhumita Das Mazumdar — MD (OBG), 30+ years of experience — at the clinic in Beltola, Guwahati, or on WhatsApp from anywhere.