All females have menstrual periods that last from four to seven days. A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. However, cycles that fall outside of this range are considered irregular. Irregular periods are a common issue affecting many women, characterized by infrequent periods, heavy or prolonged bleeding, light bleeding and cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
Any changes in your period cycle are a matter of concern. The symptoms can differ from person to person. The symptoms of irregular periods include:
- Irregular gaps between periods
- Periods that are significantly shorter or longer than usual
- Excessive cramping or discomfort during menstruation
- Heavy, light, or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty in conceiving
- Diarrhea or constipation problems
- Acne or other skin problems
If you face these symptoms you should consult to a healthcare provider.
Irregular Periods Causes
Many conditions or causes are responsible for having irregular periods, which also vary from person to person. Those causes include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgen, a male hormone. This hormonal imbalance disrupts the normal process of egg maturation and release. This hormone prevents or delays ovulation, causing irregular periods. People with PCOS may stop menstruating completely.
- Endometriosis: It’s a condition where the tissue of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It often attaches itself to your ovaries or fallopian tubes. It causes pain, abnormal bleeding and inflammation.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs. Bacteria enter your vagina and spread to the uterus and other reproductive parts. It’s often caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It can bother you with fever, pelvic pain in the lower abdomen and irregular or missed periods.
- Thyroid factor: The thyroid gland has a significant impact on the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect menstruation, leading to irregularities. For instance, hypothyroidism, characterized by decreased thyroid hormone production, can result in longer or heavier periods. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, may lead to shorter or lighter periods.
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids can significantly impact menstrual cycles. Fibroids can affect hormone production and this hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation, causing irregular periods.
- Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer: Irregular periods can happen due to uterine or ovarian cancer. Uterine cancer often causes heavy bleeding, while ovarian cancer can lead to skipped or light periods.
- Menopause: Menopause occurs after the age of 45. During this transition, the ovaries stop to producing eggs, which leads to changes in the menstrual cycle. Women entering menopause may experience lighter bleeding, skipped periods or in some cases, heavier bleeding.
- Birth control pills: Taking birth control pills can suppress ovulation, leading to changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. Some women may experience light bleeding or skipped periods when they take the pills. Also after stopping birth control pills, it’s common to experience irregular periods.
Other reasons for a late period are
- Prolonged stress
- Significant weight gain or weight loss
- Reproductive health issues like surgeries, scarring, blockages or abnormal growth of your ovaries, fallopian tube and uterus can be a reason for irregular periods
- A diet lacking essential nutrients
- Sleep deprivation leads to irregular menstruation
Best Foods for Irregular Periods
Your diet plan has the power to protect you from various health conditions. Some foods may help you to regulate your periods without putting in any extra effort.
- Ginger
Ginger is very much beneficial for health and has numerous benefits, including regulating periods. As ginger is rich in vitamin C and magnesium, it helps to contract the uterus, which regulates periods.
- Papaya
Papaya is another effective food remedy for irregular periods. Regular papaya consumption helps to contract uterus muscles and regulate periods. The fruit’s carotene content stimulates estrogen hormone levels, which helps in menstruation.
- Pineapple
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain. It helps to shed the uterus lining, promoting the menstrual cycle. Also, pineapples generate red and white blood cells, which will improve blood flow.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has many essential nutrients like, folic acid, amino acid, salicylic acid, Vitamin A, C, E and B12. Aloe Vera is a natural hormone regulator. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with fresh aloe vera gel and consume it. This can help control hormonal imbalances and promote regular menstrual cycles.
- Turmeric
Turmeric’s medicinal properties make it a helpful remedy for irregular periods. To utilize its benefits consume turmeric with warm milk and honey. This natural remedy can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate period cramps.
- Carom seeds
Carom seeds are good for irregular periods. Boiling carom seeds in water and drinking it can stimulate the uterus and prevent menstrual cramps and pains due to its anti-spasmodic properties.
- Parsley
Parsley is a herb that increases the blood flow in the pelvic area. Boiled parsley water or parsley tea can help you have regular periods.
Treatments for Irregular Periods
Treatments for irregular periods depend on the type of problem you are facing.
Medications
Medications are the first preference for the treatment of irregular periods. The medications include:
- Birth control pills: Hormonal birth control pills can effectively regulate menstrual cycles, making them more predictable. These medications contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone, which manage your menstrual flow.
- Progestin-Only Pills: Progestin-only pills, or mini-pills, contain only progestin to regulate menstrual cycles.
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists: GnRH agonists suppress estrogen and progesterone production, temporarily stopping menstrual cycles. They’re used to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
- Metformin: Metformin treats type 2 diabetes and also it’s useful to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Clomiphene: Clomiphene stimulates ovulation in women with fertility issues and regulates menstrual cycles.
Surgeries
In some cases, surgeries are important to remove the unnecessary growths that contribute to irregular periods.
- Endometrial Ablation: This procedure removes the uterus lining to reduce or stop menstrual flow.
- Uterine artery embolization: It is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the uterus. This treatment is often used to treat uterine fibroids.
- Ovarian drilling: A laparoscopic surgery creating small holes in the ovaries to stimulate ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles.
- Myomectomy: Surgically removes uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy or irregular periods.
- Hysterectomy: Surgically removes the uterus, eliminating menstrual periods. A hysterectomy is only required when your uterus has been severely damaged.
Others precaution
- Maintaining healthy body weight: Having an excess body weight or weight loss can impact your menstruation. Losing weight is better for PCOS patients because it reduces insulin levels. This leads to lower testosterone levels and an increased chance of ovulating.
- Lifestyle changes: Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you to maintain a balanced period cycle. Proper diet and sleep, and doing yoga for stress relief are valuable procedures that you can follow.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- What are irregular periods?
Answer: Unpredictable period cycles which are shorter or longer, lighter or heavier are called irregular periods.
- What causes irregular periods?
Answer: PCOS, thyroid disorder, PID, endometriosis, fibroids, weight gain, hormonal imbalance are the causes of irregular periods.
- What are the symptoms of irregular periods?
Answer: Unpredictable period gap, light or heavy bleeding, prolonged or short period, excess period cramps and many.
- Best food for irregular periods?
Answer: Ginger, papaya, pineapple, aloe vera, turmeric, carom seeds and parsley can be useful in irregular periods.
- Can pcos cause irregular periods?
Answer: Yes, it can be a cause of irregular periods.