What may increase your risk for problems from missed or irregular periods?

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What may increase your risk for problems from missed or irregular periods?

Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
Menopause or perimenopause
Pregnancy
Recent gynecologic treatments or procedures:
- Abortion
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Lifestyle choices

Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
Drug abuse or withdrawal
Endurance athletics
Smoking or other tobacco use
Unprotected sex

Medications

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
Medications to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
Radiation therapy

Diseases

Cancer
Diabetes
Diseases that can affect hormone balance, such as:
- Adrenal disease
- Ovarian cysts
- Pituitary disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Thyroid disease
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	July 5, 2007

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Last updated:	July 05, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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