8 signs your periods are abnormal and you need to see the gynaecologist

These symptoms mean that a gynaec visit is due.

You were expecting your period on the 11th of this month, but it's the 8th and you have already started spotting. Should you be worried? Ladies, healthy periods are a sign that everything is working like clockwork in your body. So as much as we hate the cramps, the mood swings, the bloating and the carb craving, we really freak out when our periods are not on time. Sometimes, stress and underlying health problems can mess with your cycle, causing inconvenience. So any deviation from your usual monthly routine should make you suspicious; and to prevent more complications, it is important to pay your gynaecologist a visit. Here are eight signs that your periods are abnormal!

1. Cycles are too long or too short :

Commonly, women have a 28-day menstrual cycle. But cycle lengths can range from anywhere between 21 to 35 days according to Dr Veena Aurangabadwala, Gynecologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur. "Periods that occur in less than 21 days or are more than 35 days apart are considered abnormal," she says. "Bleeding occurring in less than 3 weeks or after more than 5 weeks of previous cycle is abnormal," adds Dr Gouri Gore, Gynecologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur.

2. Missed periods

Periods should ideally occur every month but some underlying health problems like polycystic ovaries can cause missed periods. In most cases, irregular or missed periods aren't treated as something serious. "Three or more missed periods in a row should be treated as a cause for concern," says Dr Aurangabadwala. Absence of periods for three months warrants a gynaecologist visit.

3. Periods that are longer than seven days

A single cycle of a normal, healthy periods last for five days, with heavier bleeding in the first three days. But if the bleeding goes on for more than seven days, it is considered abnormal says Dr Aurangabadwala. Here are natural remedies to make your periods come on time.

3. Periods that are shorter than three days

While extended bleeding should cause alarm, short periods is also a sign that something is off with your body according to Dr Gore. "Periods that last longer than seven days or that are shorter than three days are both signs of abnormal periods," she says. Here are 10 commonly asked questions about periods.

4. Flow that is lighter or heavier than usual

Dr Aurangabadwala says that occasional heavy bleeding is normal, especially for the first few months after inserting an intrauterine device or after medically postponed menses. "But bleeding in excess of 80 ml or lasting more than seven days in three or more cycles could indicate an underlying cause such as infection, platelet dysfunction, clotting abnormality, polycystic ovaries, thyroid abnormality, or uterine and cervical malignancies and rarely leukemia," says the doctor. Lighter periods don't always mean something is wrong but it could be a sign of being underweight, stress or PCOS.

5. Large blood clots

"Changes in colour and thickness of blood are often normal during menstrual cycles," says Dr Aurangabadwala. "During menstruation, the thick lining of your uterus breaks away. As you menstruate anticoagulants are released that break down thick menstrual blood before it leaves your body. During a heavy flow, blood is expelled faster and the anticoagulants may not have enough time to break the blood down, resulting in passage of large clots."

She warns that if the clots are larger than 10 rupee coin, it could be a sign of miscarriage, hormonal imbalance, enlarged uterus after delivery, uterine fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis.

6. Unbearable pain and nausea

Dr Gore says that some amount of pain is common in during periods. "But unbearable pain or pain that interferes with daily routine is abnormal and needs medical treatment. Painful periods could be due to underlying infection, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis or uterine anomalies," she adds."If the cramping and pain is accompanied by nausea, incapacitating the woman, it indicates abnormal periods," adds Dr Aurangabadwala.

7. Spotting between periods

Should you worry if you see spotting mid-cycle? "Some women experience abdominal pain and spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle, which coincides with ovulation and is considered normal," Dr Aurangabadwala says. So when should you start panicking? If the spotting is recurrent, you need to see your gynaec. "Intermenstrual spotting could be due to hormonal abnormalities, cervical or uterine polyps. It can also occur due to cervical lesions," says Dr Gore. Apart from that, presence of intrauterine device, infections or cervical neoplastic changes can also cause spotting according to Dr Aurangabadwala.

8. Painful bowel movements

Some women experience pain while passing stools during their periods. There's a sudden stabbing pain which can severely cause discomfort during bowel movements. "Painful bowel movements are characteristic of endometriosis," says Dr Gore. If the pain persists, it's important to seek treatment. Otherwise, the fear of evacuating the bowels could cause constipation in the long run.

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