Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea is the medical term for infrequent or irregular menstrual cycles, defined as cycles longer than 35 days or having fewer than 9 periods per year. It affects 75-85% of women with PCOS and often represents one of the earliest noticeable signs of the condition, sometimes appearing in adolescence. Oligomenorrhea occurs because hormonal imbalances in PCOS—particularly elevated androgens and disrupted LH/FSH ratios—interfere with normal follicle development and ovulation. If you're experiencing consistently irregular cycles, especially combined with other symptoms like acne or excess hair growth, it's worth discussing PCOS screening with your healthcare provider.