The regularity of your period can offer signs about other issues happening in your body. 

If something changes in your cycle, it may be your body’s reaction to an external change, such as stress or a new medication. Or it could be a sign of something more serious.

“Hormones are complex,” says Dr. Monica Selander, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Tidelands Health OB/GYN.

There are two main players in the hormone cycle of the female reproductive system: estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen’s role is to make the lining of the uterus a “nice, happy place” for the embryo to implant at the beginning of the cycle, Dr. Selander says. Progesterone maintains that lining. If a pregnancy forms at the end of the cycle, the progesterone sticks around, but if not, it drops off, which is what causes a period.

Testosterone, though often thought of as a “male” hormone, is something all people have in their bodies. It doesn’t do too much — unless it’s in excess.

What’s normal for each of these types of hormones varies by individual, so measuring hormone levels isn’t always the best way to check for issues. Your provider will want to know if your periods are regular, if you’ve experienced any excess hair growth or acne and if you’ve noticed any mood changes.

You should definitely talk to your provider if you’re experiencing irregular periods — periods that last for longer than a week, or you go months between periods — for more than three months. Periods can be sensitive to changes in lifestyle, medication or weight, but in those cases, it will usually go back to normal after a few cycles.

Dr. Selander also recommends using a period tracker app, which can provide data to determine your cycle’s regularity.

If you’re experiencing other issues, like abnormal hair growth or acne, it could be an imbalance in your hormones caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Your provider also can check for this condition.

If you’re experiencing any other unexplained changes, like hot flashes, mood swings or problems with sexual function, let your provider know. Your provider can check for thyroid problems or determine if you’re approaching menopause.

Always make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. This not only supports healthy hormones, but your overall health, as well.

“Diet and exercise are never the wrong answers, because they’re essentially no risk and no downside,” Dr. Selander says. “But it’s definitely easier said than done.”

Some medicines can help, but whether they’re the right choice comes down to a patient’s desires for reproduction.

“If they are someone who doesn’t want a pregnancy currently, it’s a lot easier,” Dr. Selander says. “It gives us a lot more treatment options.”

Different kinds of birth controls will prevent pregnancy, but also help balance out any hormonal irregularities you may be experiencing.

For patients who are trying to become pregnant, treatment can be more challenging. Lifestyle changes, including managing stress and getting enough sleep, in addition to eating well and exercising regularly, can be good first steps.