Why does my period stop and start again?
A period that stops and starts again can be frustrating and confusing, but it’s not uncommon. There are several reasons why this might happen, and they range from hormonal fluctuations to underlying health conditions. Here's a breakdown of the possible causes:
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating your menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can lead to irregular bleeding patterns, including a period that starts and stops.
Estrogen dominance: If your body has higher levels of estrogen relative to progesterone, it can cause the uterine lining to build up too much, leading to spotting or a period that stops and starts.
Progesterone deficiency: If your body isn’t producing enough progesterone after ovulation, this can result in light bleeding or intermittent periods.
Hormonal imbalances may be caused by several factors, including stress, thyroid disorders, PCOS, or birth control methods.
2. Perimenopause
If you're in your late 30s or 40s, you may be in perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause. During this time, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to more irregular cycles.
Irregular periods: In perimenopause, you may experience periods that are heavier or lighter, shorter or longer, or that start and stop unexpectedly. This is because your body is adjusting to fluctuating hormone levels.
Spotting: It's also common to have spotting or bleeding between periods during perimenopause.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods. People with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, both of which can disrupt ovulation.
No ovulation: If you don't ovulate regularly, it can lead to periods that start and stop. You may have bleeding for a few days, then a break, and then bleeding resumes.
Unpredictable cycles: PCOS can cause cycles that are longer than usual or shorter, and periods may be light, heavy, or intermittent.
4. Stress
Stress can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones and affect your period.
Delayed ovulation: Stress can delay ovulation or cause it to happen inconsistently. This can result in a period that starts, stops, and then resumes as ovulation occurs.
Spotting: High stress can also cause spotting or light bleeding between periods, making it seem like your period has started and stopped.
5. Changes in Birth Control
If you’ve recently started, stopped, or switched birth control methods, this can cause irregular bleeding patterns, including periods that start and stop.
Hormonal birth control: Methods like the pill, IUD, implant, or injection work by regulating hormones to prevent pregnancy, but they can also affect the timing and flow of your period.
Spotting: Some people experience spotting or bleeding that starts and stops when they first begin using hormonal birth control or when they switch methods.
6. Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can affect your menstrual cycle. They can cause heavy bleeding, spotting, or periods that start and stop unexpectedly.
Fibroids: Depending on the size and location of fibroids, they can lead to irregular periods, including bleeding that starts and stops.
Polyps: These are growths in the lining of the uterus that can also cause similar symptoms, including spotting or intermittent bleeding.
7. Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid is responsible for regulating many functions in your body, including your menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can both cause irregular bleeding patterns.
Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can cause periods to be heavy, light, or irregular, including periods that start and stop.
Hyperthyroidism: On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can cause shorter, more frequent cycles or even missed periods.
8. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and abnormal bleeding. This can result in periods that start and stop, as well as other symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, or spotting.
9. Infections
Certain infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or cervical infections, can cause bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle. This might include spotting or bleeding that starts and stops.
Cervical issues: Conditions like cervical ectropion (a condition where the cells of the cervix change and bleed easily) can cause intermittent bleeding that may appear like a period starting and stopping.
Infections: If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or another pelvic infection, this could also affect your menstrual cycle and cause bleeding between periods.
10. Miscarriage
If you have recently been pregnant and experienced a miscarriage, the bleeding may not always follow a clear pattern. You could experience spotting or light bleeding, followed by heavier bleeding as your body clears the pregnancy. In some cases, the bleeding may stop and start during this process.
11. Diet and Weight Changes
Rapid changes in diet, exercise, or weight can cause hormonal imbalances that affect your menstrual cycle.
Weight loss: Extreme weight loss or very low body fat can disrupt your periods and cause irregular bleeding.
Dietary changes: A poor diet, especially if it’s lacking in essential nutrients, can interfere with your hormone levels, leading to periods that are light, heavy, or inconsistent.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional periods that start and stop aren’t usually a major issue, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice if:
The pattern becomes consistent (e.g., your periods are always irregular or stop-start).
You experience severe pain during your period, or during any unexpected bleeding.
You have heavy bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than normal.
You notice other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair growth, or mood swings.
A healthcare provider can help determine the cause through a physical exam, blood tests, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic tests.
Conclusion
Periods that start and stop can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, PCOS, fibroids, thyroid issues, or even birth control changes. If you notice this happening occasionally, it may just be a normal variation in your cycle. However, if it becomes a frequent issue or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions and get proper treatment.