Women worry about their health and fertility when they have period problems. This adds to their stress. Women gain agency when they learn what causes their periods to be irregular. They can seek better medical care, make educated choices about their reproductive health and more when they know these 15 causes of irregular periods.
Period problems are a common source of stress for women of childbearing age. This medical issue makes your period come and go at odd times. In general, a period lasts between twenty-one and thirty-five days. Periods happen to most women every two to seven days. It may be a symptom of irregular menstruation if these patterns change. This condition covers many issues, including the possible causes of irregular periods. It includes changes in the timing, duration, frequency, and flow of periods.
Common Causes of Irregular Periods
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones have to change in order for menstruation to begin. Many things that happen during the month are controlled by the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. For some women, having these hormones out of whack could make their periods hard or even make it impossible to get pregnant. A turn could be too short or too long.
Heavy or light periods are possible. These issues are often caused by conditions. For example, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid diseases. These conditions disrupt the needed hormonal balance. This leads to irregular menses that can harm fertility and health.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress greatly affects the regularity of menstruation cycles. This is important. Stress, whether mental or physical, may throw off hormone levels. These imbalances cause periodic irregularities. While the body is under stress, it makes the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol may mess up the production of oestrogen and progesterone, which can make periods less regular.
Lessen their effect by using stress-reduction techniques. Among these practices include meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. They could be useful for hormone regulation. This in turn leads to more consistent menstrual cycles.
Weight Fluctuations
Big changes in body weight can disrupt hormonal balance. This can cause irregular periods, which is a following symptom of hormonal disruption. Both gaining and losing weight can block oestrogen production. Oestrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle. A healthy weight is key. Consistent physical activity and a healthy diet are the keys to keeping it off. Having regular periods and good reproductive health in general depend on it.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Several hundred thousand women have polycystic ovarian syndrome. One of the signs is an excess of hormones, which could affect the period. This imbalance could cause symptoms like irregular periods. Increased testosterone levels linked to this condition can cause an irregular menstruation cycle. Diet and exercise changes are common for PCOS patients. This is to bring back regular periods. It also includes medical interventions. For example, hormone therapy restores hormonal balance.
Thyroid Disorders
To a great extent, the thyroid gland is crucial. It regulates the metabolic rate, the menstrual cycle, and ovulation. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are disorders. An overactive thyroid marks them. They may cause irregular periods. Hormonal equilibrium is what they manipulate to get this effect. Finding thyroid disorders early and treating them are essential. They restore regular periods and ensure well-being.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
Before the age of 40, the ovaries stop producing an egg. Some terms for this condition include early menopause. They are primary ovarian insufficiency and premature ovarian failure. This leads to less oestrogen. It often causes irregular or absent periods. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to treat POF. It helps to manage symptoms. It also cuts the risk of long-term health issues from early oestrogen loss.
Uterine Abnormalities
Menstrual blood that isn’t normal could mean that there is a problem with the uterus. In this group are diseases like adenomyosis, tumours, and polyps. Several medical conditions might cause symptoms. This includes period pain, extremely long periods, and unpredictable bleeding. It is the patient who determines the therapy’s efficacy. Surgical intervention may be necessary in extreme cases.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis manifests over an extended period of time. The uterine lining and similar tissues develop in environments outside of the uterus. This tumour often causes problems with pregnancy, heavy periods, and bleeding that doesn’t make sense. Managing pain may be part of the treatment plan for endometriosis. They may include hormones to suppress endometrial tissue growth. They may also include surgery for more advanced cases.
Birth Control
Hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, or shots, may change the way you bleed. Implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are two of them. Some women have lighter, regular periods. Others may have irregular bleeding or amenorrhoea. Discussing these outcomes with a healthcare provider can help. It can aid in picking the best birth control method. The person should base this choice on their health and preferences.
Excessive Exercise
High physical activity can disrupt the menstrual cycle. It can cause irregular periods or amenorrhea. This often happens due to low body fat, energy deficiency, and stress. These can disrupt hormonal balance. You must find a balanced approach to exercise. It supports health but does not hurt menstrual regularity. This is key.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia might affect the regularity of menstruation. Hormonal disruptions, severe weight loss, and starvation are common symptoms of these disorders. Several problems might throw off the menstrual cycle. Eating problem recovery is of the utmost importance. This is very important for the health of your period. The health of your mind and body depend on it.
Chronic Diseases
Diabetes and celiac disease are chronic conditions. They might affect the regularity of menstrual cycles. They do this by influencing hormones and other physiological processes. Good management of these conditions is often done with medication. For example, with birth control pills to regulate periods. It also involves diet and lifestyle changes. It can help improve menstrual regularity.
Medications
Some drugs may change how often and how strongly you have your periods. This happens a lot when you take medicines that change your hormones or gut. One example of this type of drug is an antipsychotic. Another is a tranquiliser. If your cycles change in any way, you should see your doctor. This is after taking a new drug. Their plan for your care might need to change because of this. Allow yourself to request help when you require it. Don’t forget how precious your life is.
Environmental Factors
Some drugs and toxins can mess up the way endocrine systems work. They can cause endocrine changes and cycles that come and go. Being aware of and reducing these exposures is key. It is an important step in keeping hormones balanced and periods regular.
Age
Hormones fluctuate during puberty and perimenopause. They can cause irregular periods. This happens as the body adjusts to changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Irregular periods during these life stages are often normal. But, knowing the causes of irregular periods can bring peace. They are often due to hormonal changes. But understanding and tracking these changes can help find any health issues. They may need medical attention.
Understanding the many causes of irregular menses is the first step. It leads to effective management and treatment. For those seeking guidance and support, specialised healthcare providers can help. These providers work at comprehensive wellness centres like Highlander Wellness Centre. They offer personalised care and treatment plans. These are for people struggling to get pregnant due to irregular periods. The plans tailor to individual health needs and reproductive goals. They include advice on ovulation and the best time to try to get pregnant.
Fight Irregular Periods with Treatment from Highlander Wellness Centre
At Highlander Wellness Centre, we know that irregular menses can have many causes. Each cause needs its own treatment. We are a company incorporated in Singapore. Our services are holistic. They include guidance on human nutrition, herbal science, and fertility massage. They aim to fix the root causes of irregular periods. We focus on the whole body and mind. We aim to restore balance and improve reproductive health. You are welcome to talk to our professionals at Highlander Wellness Centre. Let’s make a plan for your health and well-being.