Monthly periods are not the most exciting thing that happens to women, and no one really looks forward to it. However, they are an important part of your overall reproductive health. It is helpful if your menstrual cycle is regular and you know your dates so that you can plan dates and special occasions around that. Unfortunately, this may not hold true for all women as many have to deal with irregular periods or menstrual cycle. Let us find out more about irregular periods and how to deal with it.
Irregular periods are usually a sign of hormonal imbalance. A perfect menstruation cycle is 28 days long. So, anyone who gets their period on the 29th day has a healthy menstrual cycle. But if you get your periods in 21 days or before and if your periods last for more than 8 days, then you have an irregular menstrual cycle. Also, if you get late periods or miss your periods, then too you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to irregular periods in women. These factors or causes are often related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Stress during periods can prevent ovulation. The production of oestrogen and other reproductive hormones also gets disrupted due to high-stress levels. As a result, your uterine lining doesn’t get built the way it should and you don’t get your period on time.
A diet which is low in antioxidants can disturb the normal functioning of various hormones in a woman’s body. This can, in turn, be responsible for an irregular menstrual cycle.
For example, food high on stimulants like additives and pesticides can disturb the normal functioning of the adrenal glands and this can cause a rise in cortisol. High cortisol tends to hinder the normal functioning of many hormones including reproductive hormones.
It has been observed that stress or exertion caused due to over-exercising hinders the normal functioning of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands causing the periods to become irregular.
Research has proved that women suffering from thyroid issues often miss their periods or struggle with irregular periods.
Birth control pills have a direct effect on periods. It makes the periods lighter and in many cases, stops periods altogether.
This is a medical condition in which very small cysts appear in the ovary. Women suffering from this condition experience irregular periods.
If your body BMI falls below 18 or 19, you may experience irregular periods due to low body fat. The body fat helps in creating oestrogen, a hormone that’s essential for the normal functioning of the ovary.
A dramatic increase in weight in a short period too can affect the normal functioning of the body hormones. This includes sex hormones. This can be one of the causes for irregular periods.
Allergy to certain foods, such as undiagnosed gluten or celiac disease, can impact the body hormones. This also affects the normal functioning of the sex hormones which in turn can cause an irregular menstrual cycle.
A woman suffering from medical conditions like diabetes, fibroids, endometriosis, and sexually transmitted diseases is most likely to experience irregular periods.
It has been observed that when a girl first gets her periods, it takes some time to become normal. It is only with age that the menstrual cycle becomes regular in women. A teen needn’t be worried about irregular periods as it is a common phenomenon during one’s adolescent years.
Erratic periods once or twice a year is a fairly normal phenomenon. But if it is a regular affair, then it needs to be taken seriously as it could be a symptom of other diseases. It not only spoils your social life but also causes a lot of complications during your everyday routine such as work.
There are numerous home remedies for irregular periods that can help to improve the condition, such as:
Irregular periods treatment at home is the first thing you must try before opting for medicines. One must always consult a physician for any oral medication.
The following signs warrant a visit to the doctor:
There was a time when talking about one’s periods was considered taboo. However, today’s society is open-minded and is more accepting of talking about these issues openly. Women must not shy away from talking about periods and the problems associated with it. Remember, only talking and consulting can help you to get the right solution to your problem!