Diagnosis of Irregular Periods

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Diagnosis of Irregular Periods

Diagnosing the cause of irregular periods and subfertility is a thorough process. The Doctor will ask you about your recent cycles, carry out a physical examination and ask a list of questions to document your:

1. Menstrual history
   • Cycle characteristics and age menstruation began.
2. Obstetric history
   • Previous pregnancies, terminations, loss and infections (pelvic, puerperal sepsis).
3. Contraceptive history
   • When used last and any complications.
4. Sexual history
   • Frequency and timing, lubricants, douching, libido, dyspareunia, STDs.
5. Medical history
   • Ovarian cysts, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, vaccinations (rubella, varicella, hepatitis B & C, HIV), change in weight.
6. Surgical history
   • Appendicectomy, tubal or pelvic surgery, laparotomy, bowel surgery, caesarean sections, conization or loop excision.
7. Family history
   • Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, consanguinity, premature ovarian insufficiency.
8. Social history
   • Occupation, diet, drug history (prescription, non-prescription and recreational), smoking, alcohol, caffeine.

Following a comprehensive history and physical examination, the Doctor will recommend some tests to help identify or rule out known causes.