Banafsheh Kashani, MD: Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Banafsheh Kashani, MD

One of the signs and symptoms of infertility in women is irregular menstrual cycles. And for women looking to conceive, there are several things they should do if they notice their cycle fluctuates.

Women should assess their periods when they are not on any contraception or hormones, like birth control pills.

It is important for women to note the very first day of their period from 1 cycle to the next. This should be done for a couple of cycles using the calendar method or 1 of the many available apps to track periods.

Regular periods come every 25-35 days or so.

“If you’re noticing that you go from having 1 period and it takes another 50 days to get your next period, that’s prolonged and there are reasons that could happen,” Banafsheh Kashani, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN, said in a recent interview with HCPLive®.

Irregular cycles can be due to conditions related to a thyroid abnormality, other hormonal disruptions, and a very common condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women would need to talk to their providers to get the proper testing and work-up for.

It is important to note that irregular menstrual cycles can be expected when a woman’s period first begins in life and when they are coming to an end.

To hear from Kashani, watch the clip below.