Menstrual Dysfunction (Irregular Periods) – Overview
Menstrual periods typically last between 4 and 7 days. Usually, women’s periods occur every 28 days – normal cycles can come between 21 and 35 days.
- Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
- Menstrual flow is heavier or lighter than usual
- Periods that last longer than 7 days
- Pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting during periods
- Bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause or following sex
- Missing 3 or more periods in a row
- Amenorrhea – when a women’s periods have stopped completely. Going over 90 days without a period is considered abnormal unless you are pregnant, menopausal or breast feeding.
- Oligomenorrhea – infrequent periods.
- Dismenorrhea – painful periods and severe menstrual cramps. Some discomfort during periods is normal.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding may apply to a variety of menstrual irregularities, including: a heavier menstrual flow; a period that lasts longer than seven days; or bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
Menstrual periods typically last between 4 and 7 days. Usually, women’s periods occur every 28 days – normal cycles can come between 21 and 35 days.
Menstrual Dysfunction – Specialists

Dr Ruchira Singh
MBBS, MD, MRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist – Clinical Director of Gynaecology at Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Dr Mamta Pathak
MBBS, MRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist – Specialist in Minimal-Access & Office-Based Gynaecology

Mr Yousri Afifi
PhD, MD, MRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist & Endometriosis Specialist

Ms Pallavi Latthe
MD, FRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist & Subspecialist in Urogynaecology
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