Someone asked us:

Q. Hey there! Wondering if you could elaborate on some of the reasons someone might have an irregular period. In sex ed they always just said, “Oh, it’ll take a couple years to become regular.” Fifteen years later, it’s still completely unpredictable if I’m not on birth control. None of my gynos have ever seemed concerned, which makes me think that maybe this is somewhat common. But I still worry about it sometimes. Thanks!

Hi! Yeah, irregular periods are pretty common. Many women may have irregular periods at some time — or throughout their lives. Your period can change or become irregular because of things like medication, weight change, and even just stress. The list goes on and there’s really no way to know for sure why, but irregular periods are common and usually nothing to worry about. 

Like you mentioned, birth control can give you more predictable periods so if not having a regular period is driving you crazy, that’s always an option.

-Amy at PPFA