Irregular menstruation means that your cycle does not follow a reasonably predictable pattern. This may involve much longer or shorter periods between bleeding than you are used to, unexpected bleeding, or significant changes in quantity and duration. Many people experience irregularities at times, and often it is harmless, but it can also be a sign that the body needs to be examined.

You can consider your menstruation irregular if you recognise one or more of these changes:

• Cycle length varies greatly from month to month (e.g., significantly shorter or longer than usual).
• Menstruation is absent for several months without clear explanation.
• You bleed between menstruations.
• Bleeding lasts significantly longer than normal or becomes unusually heavy.
• You experience new or significantly worse pain than before.

The most important thing in practice is to compare with your own “normal”, not with others’.

There can be many explanations, and several may exist simultaneously.

• Pregnancy can cause missed periods or spotting.
• Hormonal conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can cause rarer or unpredictable ovulation.
• Thyroid gland diseases can affect the cycle.
• Changes in the uterus or uterine lining can cause bleeding at unexpected times.

If you are unsure what applies to you, it is perfectly reasonable to seek help to sort through the possibilities.

Missed menstruation is a type of irregularity. Practically, you can do the following:

• Take a pregnancy test if there is a possibility of pregnancy, even if you have bled a little.
• Note dates of bleeding, spotting, pain, and any changes in contraception, medication, weight, or stress level.
• Consider if there are patterns: for example, does the bleeding occur after particularly busy periods?

If menstruation is missed repeatedly, or if it is a new situation for you, it may be relevant to be evaluated by a doctor.

You should consider contacting a doctor if:

• you bleed very heavily, or have bleeding that lasts unusually long
• you repeatedly bleed between menstruations
• you have severe pain, dizziness, fever, or feel generally unwell
• your menstruation is absent for a longer period without obvious explanation
• you suspect pregnancy, or you are bleeding and might be pregnant

The doctor will typically ask about your cycle, bleeding pattern, contraception, medication, and any symptoms. A pregnancy test, blood tests, and in some cases a gynaecological examination or ultrasound may be performed. Which examinations make sense depends on your situation.

Treatment depends on the cause. Sometimes it is mostly about observation and cycle tracking, other times about treating an underlying cause or adjusting contraception.

• Track your cycle for 2-3 months (date, duration, quantity, pain).
• Prioritise stable sleep and regular meals, if you can.
• Seek help if stress or eating/exercise has become difficult to balance.

The goal is not to "fix" the body yourself, but to gather information so you can quickly get the right help if needed.

If irregular menstruation is related to pregnancy or the postpartum period, body comfort can make a difference in everyday life. Some, for example, benefit from gentle support, especially when the body changes and regular bras can feel tight. One option could be a pregnancy and nursing bra with flexible support without underwire, such as the Gel-Support® Maternity & Nursing Bra, or a soft Sleeping Nursing Bra for night and rest. If you are in the postpartum period and need practical basic products bundled, the New Mum Care Pack may be relevant.