Overview
Is your period always late—or sometimes doesn't come at all? Maybe it arrives unexpectedly, lasts too long, or feels unusually heavy or light. Irregular menstrual cycles are common, but they're also a signal that your hormones may be out of sync.
Rather than guessing or trying to "track it better," it's worth understanding what might be happening beneath the surface—and how to restore hormonal balance.
Why do people experience irregular menstrual cycles?
Your menstrual cycle is tightly linked to your body's hormone levels, especially estrogen, progesterone, and the signals from your brain that regulate ovulation. When those hormones are imbalanced, your cycle may become unpredictable.
One of the most common causes is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can disrupt ovulation and lead to irregular, missed, or prolonged periods. Other causes include thyroid disorders, elevated prolactin, extreme stress, insulin resistance, or significant weight changes (either gain or loss).
Hormonal contraception, menopause, and certain medications can also affect menstrual regularity. In some cases, underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids may also play a role.
When should you talk to a doctor about irregular periods?
It's time to speak with a clinician if:
- Your cycle is consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
- You frequently skip periods or haven't had one in 3 months or more
- Your period suddenly becomes unusually heavy, painful, or light
- You're trying to conceive and struggling with irregular ovulation
- You've noticed new acne, hair growth, or weight changes alongside cycle changes
These signs suggest a possible hormonal or metabolic cause that deserves further evaluation—not just symptom tracking.
How Meto Can Help
At Meto, we take a hormone-first approach to irregular menstrual cycles. We start with comprehensive lab testing to evaluate possible causes—including PCOS, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, elevated prolactin, or other hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation and cycle timing.
If testing reveals a condition like PCOS or hypothyroidism, your matched specialist will build a personalized treatment plan that may include hormone regulation, cycle tracking, or medications to support ovulation and hormonal balance.
Even if your labs appear normal, Meto's clinical team—including nutritionists and health coaches—can work with you to regulate your cycle naturally through targeted lifestyle changes and stress reduction strategies.
You can start with a virtual consultation to get clarity on your symptoms and receive expert guidance—without the wait.
