I’m worried about my periods

Irregular periods can be unsettling at any stage of life, and often because they imply some sort of problem with the ovaries or womb.

The commonest cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome which, in spite of its name, is not dangerous and responds very well to medication (usually tablets). It is really important to always exclude other conditions such as premature ovarian failure (where egg numbers are declining), and thyroid or other hormone disturbances which require other specific treatments. Sometimes the problem can be in the womb, such as polyps, fibroids, infection, or adhesions.

The approach to the problem of irregular periods is therefore investigation by blood tests and scans, and a specialist view depending on the results and whether and when fertility is desired.