Periods 101
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Why period pants are perfect for anyone who has irregular periods
If you suffer from irregular periods, you know just how stressful it can be never knowing when you’re bleeding. Well, stress no more. Here at Mooncup, we’ve got the perfect solution for anyone who has an irregular period: our reusable period pants. But before we go into just how amazing our pants are, let’s take a look at what counts as an irregular period and why they happen…
What is an irregular period?
Putting it simply, you have an irregular period if the length of your menstrual cycle (the gap between your period starting) keeps changing, whether that means it’s early, late or not at all.
Generally speaking (and we’re being very general here), a menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, however we’re all different so there’s nothing to worry about if yours regularly lasts a few days longer or shorter than this. Your period can be considered irregular when your cycle routinely comes and goes when you’re not expecting it and your cycle shifts in length considerably.
Knowing your menstrual cycle and how to tell if your periods are irregular will help you understand your body much better. Your cycle may be classed as irregular:
- If it regularly shifts in length, e.g. from 28 to 31 to 25 days
- If it’s shorter or longer than whatever is ‘normal’ for you
- No bleeding or excessive bleeding
Basically, ‘irregular’ means whatever isn’t ‘regular’ for you. Read our blog on getting to know your flow for tips on tracking your period.
The 28 Day Myth
We’ve already mentioned that the ‘average’ menstrual cycle is around 28 days. However, it’s important to remember that this is a numerical average and a rough estimate based on how long people’s menstrual cycle lasts. If you regularly have a period that lasts around the same length of time and don’t experience excessive bleeding (or no bleed at all), then there’s probably nothing to be concerned about.
What causes irregular periods?
Predictably, there’s lots of reasons why you may be suffering from irregular periods. Here’s a list that definitely doesn’t cover them all…
- Puberty - your period can often be irregular for the first year or two
- Early pregnancy
- Extreme weight loss or weight gain
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive stress
- PCOS
- Thyroid problems
- Menopause
- Perimenopause
- Some hormonal contraception such as the pill or an IUS
- Endometriosis
- Uterine polyps or fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
When should I see a GP about my regular periods?
If you’ve always had slightly irregular periods (like we talked about above) or you’re going through puberty, you probably don’t need to see a doctor. However, it’s important to see a GP if anything is out of the ordinary for you and your cycle or if you fall into any of these categories:
- You’re under 45 and your period has suddenly become irregular
- Your periods happen more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days
- Your periods last longer than 7 days
- There’s a big difference between your shortest and longest cycles - we’re talking more than 20 days
- You’re trying to conceive and have irregular periods
As always, it’s best to get it checked out than ignore what’s going on and what your body might be trying to tell you.
Why period pants are perfect for irregular periods
So, as we’ve covered. Irregular periods are just that: irregular. So, managing them with the usual period care like pads, tampons or even cups can be time consuming, expensive and cause you extra stress and anxiety never knowing when to use them. But with period pants you can just pop them on like your regular undies and go about your day. Here’s a few extra reasons why they’re perfect for anyone who has irregular periods.
- They can be worn for up to 10 hours
- They work just like normal pants
- They’re discreet and comfortable - so there's no feeling like you’re a diaper that everyone can see!
Got a question about irregular periods or pants we haven’t answered? Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. We’re always happy to help! Here’s our email customercare@wearemooncup.com
