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Women's Health · Menstrual Health

Irregular Periods in Lagos?
Your Cycle Is Telling You Something.

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.

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Consultation availableHormonal blood tests availablePelvic scan same dayWalk-in · Akoka, Lagos
What irregular means

What Counts as an Irregular Period?

A normal cycle is between 21 and 35 days, consistent from month to month. Here's what warrants investigation.

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Cycles shorter than 21 days

Frequent bleeding: more than every 3 weeks, may indicate hormonal imbalance, uterine polyps, or thyroid dysfunction.

Hormonal blood tests + pelvic scan
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Cycles longer than 35 days

Infrequent periods suggest anovulation: failure to ovulate, most commonly from PCOS, thyroid disease, or significant stress.

PCOS screen + thyroid test + pelvic scan
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Completely unpredictable

No pattern whatsoever: sometimes 2 weeks, sometimes 3 months, is a significant finding requiring investigation.

Full hormonal workup
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No period for 3+ months

Amenorrhoea (absent periods) once pregnancy is ruled out requires urgent investigation for PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, or hypothalamic dysfunction.

Urgent assessment
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Spotting between periods

Bleeding or spotting between expected periods: particularly after sex, may indicate cervical pathology, polyps, or hormonal disruption.

Pelvic scan + cervical assessment
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Periods much lighter than usual

A 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 assessment
Common causes

Why Your Periods Are Irregular

PCOS: the leading hormonal cause

Polycystic 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, 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.

Thyroid dysfunction

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.

Stress, weight change, and exercise

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.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

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.

Our Irregular Period Assessment

A single consultation at Mascot Healthcare covers all the most important causes of irregular periods.

  • Full menstrual history: age of menarche, cycle pattern, recent changes
  • PCOS clinical assessment: BMI, hirsutism, blood pressure
  • Hormonal blood tests: FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin, AMH, testosterone (as appropriate)
  • Thyroid function test (TSH, free T4)
  • Fasting glucose and insulin if PCOS likely
  • Pelvic ultrasound scan: ovarian morphology, uterine assessment, endometrial thickness
  • Treatment: hormonal regulation, Clomid for ovulation induction, thyroid treatment, or referral
Questions

Irregular period FAQs

My period has been irregular since I stopped the pill. Is this normal?
Post-pill amenorrhoea or irregular cycles are common for 1–3 months after stopping hormonal contraceptives, the body needs time to resume its own hormonal rhythm. If cycles have not regularised after 3 months, or if they were irregular before you started the pill, a hormonal assessment is warranted.
Can irregular periods affect my ability to get pregnant?
Yes, irregular cycles usually mean irregular or absent ovulation, making natural conception more difficult. However, most causes of irregular periods (PCOS, thyroid disease) are highly treatable, and ovulation can be restored in most women with appropriate management.
I've always had irregular periods. Should I still get checked?
A lifelong irregular cycle is not 'just how you are'. It is most commonly PCOS, which has long-term metabolic implications beyond fertility (diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk, endometrial cancer risk). Getting a diagnosis and starting management early benefits your long-term health.

Understand Your Cycle. Take Control of Your Health.

Hormonal assessment + pelvic scan at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Same-day appointments when available.

💬 Book via WhatsApp 📞 0816 586 6252
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Last updated 16 October 2026.