my menstrual cycle irregular due to hormonal imbalance?How should I manage periods coming every 2–3 months? - #16650
am a student, 18 years old. I have not been pregnant and have not had children. I have not yet started a family. I am generally healthy but concerned about possible hormonal imbalance.Age: 18 years old Gender: Female
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Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See at your age there are chances of hormonal alterations or physiological variation. Even there are some chances of pcos too I suggest you to please get following tests done for confirmation Serum ferritin Serum prolactin Serum tsh Serum estrogen Serum progesterone Urine analysis Pelvic USG Rft Lft Crp Serum RBS Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity. Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Hello Lima By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that Having periods every 2–3 months (infrequent or irregular cycles) at your age can sometimes be due to hormonal imbalances, but it’s also common for some young women, especially in the first few years after starting periods.
-Possible Causes - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a common cause of irregular periods in young women. - Stress or lifestyle changes:Exams, changes in routine, or weight fluctuations can affect cycles. - Thyroid issues: Both overactive and underactive thyroid can cause irregular periods. - Other hormonal changes:Sometimes, the body takes time to settle into a regular cycle.
What You Can Do- - Track your cycles: Note when your periods start and any symptoms. - Maintain a healthy lifestyle:Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and manage stress. - See a doctor:If your periods remain irregular, or you have other symptoms (like excessive hair growth, acne, weight changes, or very heavy bleeding), it’s a good idea to consult a gynecologist.
Investigations - 1. Blood Tests: - Hormone Levels: Tests for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones to check for imbalances. - Thyroid Function Tests: To assess if your thyroid is functioning properly (TSH, T3, T4). - Prolactin Levels:High prolactin can affect menstrual cycles. - Fasting Insulin and Glucose Levels: To check for insulin resistance, which is common in conditions like PCOS.
Thank you
Hi,
Irregular menstrual cycles every 2–3 months in an 18-year-old can be due to hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, thyroid issues, or stress.
Basic management includes regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining ideal body weight, and stress reduction.
Get evaluated for hormone profile (thyroid, prolactin, LH/FSH), pelvic ultrasound, and complete blood count.(Start with these tests, no need for costly tests as others would advise)
Track cycles and symptoms; seek medical advice if periods are consistently irregular, very light, or absent for more than 3 months.
Early assessment helps rule out treatable causes and prevent future complications.
Dr Nikhil Chauhan, Urologist
Hormone tests (Day 2–5 of cycle if possible)
Thyroid profile
Prolactin
FSH, LH, Estradiol
Total testosterone
DHEAS
Fasting insulin & glucose Lower abdominal Ultrasound
At 18 years old, irregular periods every 2–3 months are very common and often related to stress, hormones still settling, or PCOS. With a few tests, we can identify the cause clearly.
Hello,
Irregular cycles at your age are common, may indicate causes like: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Thyroid High prolactin levels Stress, weight changes, poor sleep Nutritional issues (low iron, poor diet) Intense exercise or low body weight
Most causes are treatable once identified. So please do these tests;
1. Thyroid profile 2.prolactin, fsh, lh test 3.Fasting glucose/HbA1c 4.ultrasound pelvic 5.Lipid profile Please check these and notify us or a gynaecologist in person.
I trust this helps Thank you
Irregular menstrual cycles, such as having periods every 2–3 months, can indeed be caused by hormonal imbalances. At 18, it’s important to understand that cycles are still maturing and some irregularity can be normal. However, if you consistently experience very irregular cycles, it’s worth considering underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances, or other hormonal disruptions. First, keep a detailed menstrual diary noting the dates, flow patterns, and any accompanying symptoms like pain or emotional changes. This information will be valuable for any healthcare professional assessing your situation.
A comprehensive medical evaluation may include a physical examination, blood tests for hormone levels (such as estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and possibly insulin), and in some cases, imaging like an ultrasound to look at the ovaries. Normal lifestyle factors, like stress or significant changes in weight (either loss or again), diet, and exercise routines, can also impact menstrual cycles, so consider these as well. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness or regular physical activity may help regulate cycles if stress is a contributing factor.
For managing the cycle irregularity, a healthcare provider may recommend hormonal contraceptives, which can help regulate periods. Be cautious with self-diagnosing or using herbs and supplements advertised for hormonal balance — they may not be effective or safe. In some cases, if other symptoms are present, or the irregularity is severe or worsening, it would be recommended to see a gynecologist or endocrinologist for further evaluation. If you notice more serious symptoms, such as extreme pain, very heavy bleeding, or sudden changes in cycle regularity, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
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