Menstrual Cycle Alterations During Adolescence

When a girl first menstruates, she often has an irregular cycle. This is because her body still has to get used to this new phase. In this article , we’ll tell you everything you need to know about changes in the menstrual cycle during adolescence. 

Is it normal to have an irregular menstrual cycle?

Many women go to the gynecologist because they have irregular periods. In most cases, however, this is not a sign of a health problem or disease.

A period lasts between three to 8 days, with an average of 5 days. The time between each menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, only 15% of adult women have regular menstrual cycles.

A woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular if she doesn’t have a period every 28 days, if it lasts only one day or more than seven days, if she doesn’t have a period for a whole month or more, or if she has several periods in one month.

An irregular menstrual cycle can be caused by:

• anemia
• hormonal problems
• stress
• extreme weight loss
• eating disorders
• a birth
• a serious illness such as cervical cancer

It can also be caused by organic lesions, disorders of the genitals or endocrine diseases. In addition, pre-menopausal women may experience changes in the menstrual cycle.

If you are concerned, see your gynecologist. He or she will suggest some tests to find out if the alteration is harmful or not. You can also ask your gynecologist about the amount of blood you are losing.

Your blood loss is abnormal when you need more than eight pads or tampons a day. This can cause anemia.

Are alterations common during adolescence?

The answer is a resounding yes. For example, an adolescent may have periods every two months or twice a month or suffer from amenorrhea (the absence of a menstrual period) for several months without being pregnant.

Her period can also last between two days and a week. The first period is often irregular, but in most cases it becomes more regular in the first or second year. However, it can also remain erratic for the rest of her life.

What influences a teenager’s menstrual cycle?

An adolescent’s menstrual cycle is influenced by the development she is going through and her overall growth. That is why irregular periods are more common than most people think.

In addition, we cannot ignore the fact that the hormone level fluctuates a lot. This directly affects the frequency and duration of menstruation and blood loss.

Certain habits can also cause changes in the menstrual cycle during adolescence. So many changes are involved in this phase. These changes are also sometimes accompanied by unhealthy habits. 

For example, if an adolescent does a lot of sports, follows a strict diet, takes diet pills, takes drugs, is depressed or constantly stressed, she may suffer from alterations in the menstrual cycle.

One cannot know when an irregular menstrual cycle becomes regular (if it ever does).

Women have irregular cycles until about the age of 20. In this phase, amenorrhea is normal because the woman’s body and hormones change so that she can become a mother.

 Conclusion

Since it is normal for the menstrual cycle to be irregular during the early years, don’t worry. However, it is always a good idea to see your gynecologist if you are concerned, especially if you suffer from:

• severe pain in your lower abdomen and back
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• fatigue
• severe cramp
• excessive sweating during your period.