How do doctors check for irregular periods?

Testing: Irregular periods are either due to hormonal problems or anatomical problems. Your doctor can order appropriate tests to figure out your problem and correct the condition. Tests can include blood work and ultrasound.

Blood tests: Irregular periods are caused when your body's signals for ovulation and menstruation get confused by hormonal imbalances that can be related to your thyroid (TSH), pituitary (LH/FSH/prolactin), ovaries (estrogen/progesterone). Many external factors can affect the hormones: malnutrition, stress, obesity, for example. Hormonal contraception can help to regulate your periods, which is healthier.

Menstrual history: They take a menstrual history, which involves asking the woman pertinent and sometimes detailed questions about her cycles since she started menstruating. Based on the menstrual history, blood testing for endocrine problems often follows.