Should Irregular Periods Be A Cause For Worry?

Just getting your periods later than usual or earlier does not mean it is irregular. On average, your periods are expected to come in every 28 days, but a normal cycle can be anywhere between 21 and 35 days long. The menstrual cycle is a finely regulated one, with multiple hormones in play. They all have to work in a particular order for everything to go smoothly. If there are any issues with even one factor, then you may face issues- like painful periods, late periods, less flow, too much bleeding, etc. Stress can also play a major role. Some medications can also cause unwanted side effects. The various medical terms used include- amenorrhoea (absence of periods), oligomenorrhea (35 days or longer cycle, or fewer number of periods in a year), dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), or abnormal uterine bleeding within your cycle or an especially heavy period with too much bleeding respectively.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) And Irregular Periods

PCOS is caused by to excessive production of androgens or male hormones by the ovaries. The end result is that you may not get your period at all, or irregular periods become the norm. Ovulation is a hit-or-miss case then. Imaging shows fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, but the term ‘polycystic’ is a misnomer- the cysts present are not painful. PCOS has become one of the main reasons for women dealing with infertility. PCOS can be treated, and pregnancy is possible. So, fret not.

PCOS can begin any time after you have hit puberty. A familial history of PCOS, obesity, and other lifestyle issues can cause PCOS. Symptoms include an increase in hair growth all over especially the face, arms, chest, and abdomen. Irregular periods are a point of concern, along with insulin resistance, and darkening of skin or skin tags on the body.

Impact Of Weight Loss On Menstrual Irregularities

Obesity or being overweight can cause irregular periods. Weight maintenance is an important aspect many people fail to understand- you may not get your periods if you lose too much weight too quickly, or gain too much either. A low percentage of body fat can exacerbate irregular period problems.

Causes Of Irregular Periods And How To Treat Them

The list is particularly long- and there are many causes:

• Stress
• Major lifestyle changes
• Medication- blood thinners or birth control pills
• Endometriosis
• PCOS
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Thyroid issues
• Cancer of the uterus or ovaries
• Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
• Surgical scarring of tissue

The best ways to deal with irregular periods include:

• Eating healthy and nutritious food and maintaining your weight
• Birth control pills to be used under prescription only
• Changing pads every few hours to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome
• Getting enough sleep every day
• Getting enough sleep every day

Best Period Tracking Apps For Irregular Cycles

Download these – Ovia, Flo, Eve, Clue, Glow, Dot, Cycles, etc. There are many available. You can choose whichever you’d like.

Conclusion

Busy work days and a sedentary lifestyle can cause multiple health issues- foremost are hormonal ones. The endocrine system is delicately balanced and helps maintain equilibrium. When even one hormone does not fulfill its role properly, our health and daily routine get adversely affected. Staying active and eating well, resting every day, having good quality sleep, and dealing with stress in effective ways- these can all help us immensely, and not just with irregular periods alone.