Dhaka, Jan. 18 -- Have you ever faced a change in the duration of your menstrual cycle, even when you are neither pregnant nor close to menopause?

You are having what is called irregular periods when the menstrual cycle is outside of your regular duration. The menstrual cycle may last for 21 to 35 days, and the flow usually happens for two to seven days.

In the beginning, long cycles are common, which become shorter and more regular as the person ages. Each person has a duration that is normal to her, and if that changes, she may be suffering from irregular periods.

Let's get one thing straight. An irregular period doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. 9-14 per cent of women normally have irregular periods between menarche and...