What are irregular periods?
A normal period cycle takes a gap between 21to 35 days. If it takes less than 21 and more than 35 days, then we call it as an irregular period. This is a very common problem these days. Also, infrequent periods, heavy or prolonged bleeding and light bleeding fall under this category.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
Though it can vary from person to person, still here are some common points related to the symptoms of irregular periods
- Unpredictable menstrual cycle gap
- Shorter or longer period duration than usual
- Excess abdominal pain or period cramps
- Heavy or too less bleeding
- Feeling fatigue
- Emotional distress like stress or depression
- Infertility
- Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation
- Acneon face
Irregular Periods Causes
Irregular periods happen due to various causes, which include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:In the condition of PCOS, ovaries generate more androgen (male hormone) than normal, which harms the process of advancing the eggs. High androgen help to grow the ovarian follicle, but the follicles don’t release mature eggs and with time it turn into cysts. Which causes irregular periods. Estrogen or progesterone imbalance can lead to irregular periods. Weight gain, hair loss, acnes, excess body hair are the symptoms.
- Thyroid Factor:Thyroid gland has animpact on the menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism means the less production of thyroid hormone can cause of longer or heavier period. And hyperthyroidism, which releases more thyroid production can cause shorter or lighter periods.
- Uterine Cancer Or Ovarian Cancer: Both the condition can be responsible for irregular periods. Uterine cancer causes heavy bleeding and due to ovarian cancer, one may face skipped or light period.
- Menopause:When the ovaries stop producing eggs then you entered in your menopause. It generally starts after 45 years age. In this condition you will face light bleeding, skipped periods or sometimes heavy bleeding.
- Uterine Fibroids: It’s a kind of tumor that develops in your uterus. It can cause of heavy or irregular periods.
- Endometriosis: It’s a condition where the tissue of uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It causes pain and inflammation.
- Birth Control Pills: Having birth control pills suppresses your ovulation.Some may face light bleeding or some mayskip their periods also. You may have irregular periods after stopping the pills.
Other Irregular Periods Causes Are
- Stress
- Excess weight gain or weight loss
- Not having a proper diet
- Sleep deprived
Irregular Periods & Pregnancy
Irregular periods & pregnancy both have a strong impact on each other. Irregular periods can create obstacles for pregnancy. In a normal menstrual circle, ovaries release eggs that are fully developed. But with the condition of irregular periods, your ovulation can be uncertain. Due to this, you will face difficulties in conceiving and it’s very hard to know when you are most fertile. Pregnancy time hormonal changes can also lead to irregular periods. Like after a fertilized egg implants in uterus, your body continues to produce progesterone, which prevents menstruation. One can still conceive with irregular periods. But, sometimes due to the causes of irregular periods it has a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
Treatments for Irregular Periods
Treatments for irregular periods depend on the type of problem you are facing. The treatments include:
- Birth control pills – Hormonal birth control pills can regulate your cycle and make-it more predictable.
- Maintaining Healthy Body Weight – Having an excess body weight or weight loss both can impact your menstruation. If PCOS patients lose their body weight it’s better for them because it reduces insulin levels. This leads to lower testosterone levels and an increased chance of ovulating.
- Hormonal Medications – Doctors will suggest you some medications for your hormonal balance. Like progesterone supplements are used to regulate your periods. It control the heavy flow and stop irregular periods. Also, if you are a thyroid patient doctors will prescribe you medicines to control your hormonal issues.
- Surgical Treatments – Surgical treatments for ovarian cancer, uterine fibroid and endometriosis are an option right now if your doctor suggest.
- Lifestyle Changes – Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you to maintain a balanced period cycle. Proper sleep, health-conscious foods and yoga for stress relief are valuable procedures that you should follow.
Diagnosis of Irregular Periods
Your doctor will gather all information regarding your period dates and period pattern, family history, previous health conditions or surgeries. May suggest you some blood tests to check your hormone levels. A pelvic ultrasound is needed to identify ovarian cysts, uterine fibroid, pcos problems. If you are experiencing irregular periods& pregnancy problem you should seek medical help.
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, 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.
- Does irregular period affect fertility?
Answer: Yes, it creates difficulties in conceiving.
- How are irregular periods diagnosed?
Answer: Medical history check, blood test and ultra sound are done to diagnosed irregular periods.
- How can I manage my irregular periods?
Answer:Through exercise,yoga, healthy food, proper sleep and stress release you can manage your irregular periods.
- Can pcos cause irregular periods?
Answer:Yes, it can be a cause of irregular periods.
- Does stress impact your periods?
Answer:Yes, it does.
