Menstrual Irregularities Among Women: A Literature Review

Abstract

Menstrual cycles are considered irregular when their duration is less than 21 days or more than 35 days, and they are characterized by unusually light or heavy bleeding. These irregularities are typically caused by hormonal imbalances, which alter the menstrual pattern and are associated with various health conditions. Given these implications, irregular menstruation is a significant indicator of women’s overall health. This review aims to clarify the definitions and types of menstrual irregularities, discuss their prevalence, identify risk factors, and explore their broader impact on women’s health. A thorough search of the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases was performed. The study included articles published in English from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the epidemiology and health impacts of menstrual irregularities. Articles that were reviews or duplicates were excluded to ensure data accuracy and integrity. This review highlighted that irregular menstrual cycles are linked to various health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. These irregularities can also lead to complications like anemia, osteoporosis, psychological challenges, diminished quality of life, and infertility. Additionally, menstrual irregularities increase the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Understanding the factors contributing to menstrual irregularities is crucial for developing preventive measures and treatment strategies. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.