A regular menstrual cycle is one of the clearest indicators of hormonal health. When it becomes irregular, absent, or unpredictable, the underlying reason matters — especially if you are trying to conceive or suspect a condition like PCOS or thyroid disease. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we find the cause. From ₦5,000.
A normal cycle is between 21 and 35 days, consistent from month to month. Here's what warrants investigation.
Frequent bleeding — more than every 3 weeks — may indicate hormonal imbalance, uterine polyps, or thyroid dysfunction.
Hormonal blood tests + pelvic scanInfrequent periods suggest anovulation — failure to ovulate — most commonly from PCOS, thyroid disease, or significant stress.
PCOS screen + thyroid test + pelvic scanNo pattern whatsoever — sometimes 2 weeks, sometimes 3 months — is a significant finding requiring investigation.
Full hormonal workupAmenorrhoea (absent periods) once pregnancy is ruled out requires urgent investigation for PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, or hypothalamic dysfunction.
Urgent assessmentBleeding or spotting between expected periods — particularly after sex — may indicate cervical pathology, polyps, or hormonal disruption.
Pelvic scan + cervical assessmentA suddenly lighter period, or one that becomes scanty after years of normal flow, may indicate low oestrogen, intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's), or thyroid problems.
Hormonal + structural assessmentPolycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of irregular periods in women of reproductive age in Nigeria. It affects ovulation — eggs develop but are not reliably released, causing long, irregular, or absent cycles. PCOS is associated with weight gain, acne, excess hair, and fertility difficulties. It is diagnosed through a combination of pelvic scan (ovarian morphology), blood tests (LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, AMH, insulin), and clinical features.
Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) disrupt the menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism causes heavy, irregular, or absent periods; hyperthyroidism causes light, infrequent, or absent periods. A simple TSH blood test diagnoses thyroid dysfunction — and treatment reliably restores normal menstrual function.
Significant psychological stress, rapid weight loss, extreme exercise, or eating disorders disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary axis — the hormonal control centre for ovulation. This type of irregular period (functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea) requires lifestyle modification and, in some cases, hormonal support.
The ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. Symptoms include irregular then absent periods, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty conceiving. The earlier this is diagnosed, the sooner oestrogen replacement therapy can be started to protect bone and cardiovascular health.
Hormonal assessment + pelvic scan at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. By appointment from ₦5,000.