It is normal for our periods to be a little irregular sometimes, especially when you are under stress or when you are starting on your menstrual journey. What if it is taking longer for your periods than usual? This could be a sign of oligomenorrhea, a condition where your cycle is longer than 35 days.
Why does this happen, and what does it mean for your health? We will understand the causes of oligomenorrhea and explore how it can impact your health. Let’s get started!
A] What is Oligomenorrhea?
Oligomenorrhea is the medical term for having infrequent menstrual periods. A normal menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days and lasts for four to seven days. Your period can range from every 21 days to 35 days and will still be considered normal. With oligomenorrhea, periods are unpredictable. You may often go for more than 35 days without periods. Instead of having it monthly, you may only have six to eight periods a year.
You might be wondering whether oligomenorrhea and PCOS are the same. Oligomenorrhea is the medical term for infrequent or irregular periods, often caused by stress, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuations. PCOS is a broader hormonal disorder that can include oligomenorrhea but also involves symptoms like ovarian cysts, excess androgen levels, and metabolic issues, leading to infertility and other health concerns.
B] Oligomenorrhea Symptoms and Signs
It is hard to define the symptoms of oligomenorrhea as all women experience the condition differently. However, any menstrual experience outside their monthly norm is generally considered irregular. Below are some most observed oligomenorrhea symptoms:
1. Acne
Acne often arises in individuals with oligomenorrhea, usually because of increased levels of androgens. This may result in chronic skin conditions with recurring facial and body acne. Fluctuations in hormones also cause acne; thus, the treatment should simultaneously target the patient’s skin and hormones.
2. Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge may vary with a change in consistency and colour. This symptom is sometimes cyclic, which may relate directly to hormonal changes. Such discharge should be monitored closely because it may indicate undiagnosed problems.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another menstrual symptom associated with oligomenorrhea, possibly due to the presence of ovarian cysts or other abnormalities in the reproductive system. The pain could be cramps or something even more severe. Observations of these symptoms may provide better insight into the condition.
4. Impaired Vision
Although it is rare, hormonal imbalances can also cause impaired vision. The vision becomes blurry, but this is only temporary. Any acute vision change should be presented to a healthcare provider for further evaluation if there are significant concerns.
5. Excess Hair Growth
Excessive hair growth, or hirsutism, is most commonly a consequence of increased levels of androgens linked to oligomenorrhea. This condition often involves unwanted facial or body hair and can strongly influence self-esteem.
In case you are facing any of these symptoms, it is better to see a gynaecologist and get started with the treatment, as it might affect your reproductive health. If you are looking for a private gynaecologist in London, Women’s Healthcare is here to help! We provide comprehensive services for women’s health and help them maintain reproductive health.
C] Causes of Oligomenorrhea
1. PCOS
PCOS is caused by hormonal changes that can affect the ovaries. Every month, ovaries produce eggs released during ovulation as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. With PCOS, eggs are either not produced or not released by the ovaries, leading to irregular and prolonged cycles. However, people confuse PCOS with oligomenorrhea; it is not the same, but PCOS can cause oligomenorrhea. While PCOS and oligomenorrhea are both complex endocrine disorders, oligomenorrhea has a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Androgen-Secreting Tumours
Androgen-secreting tumours can impact menstrual health by contributing to the causes of oligomenorrhea. These tumours produce excess male hormones and can disrupt the normal hormonal balance required for regular menstrual cycles. They can interfere with the ovaries’ ability to regulate the menstrual cycle properly. These increased androgen levels can lead to irregular periods and can also cause acne and excess hair growth.
3. Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body produces excessive cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels disrupt normal hormonal balance and affect pituitary and ovarian function. Cortisol interferes with the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, such as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This disruption can lead to irregular or infrequent periods.
4. Prolactinoma
Prolactinoma is a noncancerous tumour that causes your pituitary gland to make too much prolactin and too little oestrogen. Prolactin is the hormone needed for milk production after pregnancy. If the body produces more prolactin than required, it can cause irregular periods or no menstrual periods.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism may cause disturbances in the usual menstrual cycles, leading to oligomenorrhea. The thyroid gland plays a significant role in metabolism and hormonal balance. These two aspects are essential for a regular menstrual cycle. An overactive thyroid gland can easily disturb the menstrual periods, causing them to be either irregular or absent in some cases. Hyperthyroidism also causes other symptoms, such as unwanted weight loss, anxiety, and high heart rates. Addressing hyperthyroidism through proper treatment is essential to restoring hormonal equilibrium and regularising menstrual patterns.
6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, otherwise known as PID, is an infection affecting the female reproductive organs, leading to more severe complications such as oligomenorrhea. PID causes inflammation of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus, affecting their ability to function properly. This disruption often results in irregular menstrual cycles, as the reproductive system struggles to maintain normal processes. Patients who suffer from PID also have pelvic pain, fever, and abnormal discharge in the vagina, besides oligomenorrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent probable long-term damage to the reproductive system and facilitate regulation of the menstrual cycle.
D] Treatment for Oligomenorrhea
Once your healthcare provider finds out what is the cause of your oligomenorrhea, they will discuss treatment options for you. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. Lifestyle Changes
If oligomenorrhea is related to your lifestyle, such as your weight, exercise routine, or stress levels, you will need to make changes. If you are wondering how you can prevent oligomenorrhea caused by lifestyle, you need to start making changes like eating healthy, working out, and quitting smoking and alcohol. Making these changes can bring your periods back on track.
2. Birth Control
One of the oligomenorrhea treatment options is birth control. If your condition responds to certain hormones, you might have to try different types of birth control to manage your periods. There are different options, including pills, patches, rings, IUDs and Nexplanon. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which one is right for you.
3. Treating Underlying Issues
If you are experiencing oligomenorrhea as a result of another health condition, you may need to see a different doctor to ensure it is treated. For instance, if you are diagnosed with a thyroid condition, your primary healthcare provider or an endocrinologist can help you find the right medication. Once the condition is managed, you will likely notice that your symptoms will likely resolve.
Conclusion
Oligomenorrhea may seem like just an irregularity in your cycle, but it can indicate deeper health concerns. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments is important for safeguarding your reproductive and overall health.
If you have irregular periods, seeking professional care from a professional gynaecologist is important for proper assessment and treatment. At Women’s Healthcare, our team of skilled gynaecologists are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal reproductive health. Schedule a consultation with us, and let us help you achieve better reproductive health.
Neha Goel
Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.