Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Irregular menstruation


When to make a doctor’s appointment

Make an appointment to see a doctor if:

  • Persistent erratic pattern after having been regular
  • Bleeding for more than seven days
  • Soaking through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
  • Periods less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Severe pain during period

Description

Missed, delayed, or inconsistent periods or menstrual bleeding patterns that are out of the ordinary.

When to seek immediate medical care

See a doctor right away if:

  • You suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons.

When to make a doctor's appointment

See a doctor if:

  • Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days, and you're not pregnant.
  • Your periods become irregular after having been regular.
  • You bleed for more than seven days.
  • You bleed more heavily than usual or soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two.
  • Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
  • You bleed between periods.
  • You develop severe pain during a period.