A menstrual cycle consists of all the days from the beginning of one period to the first day of the next. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but this can vary from month to month and from person to person. If your periods last between 24 and 38 days, it is still considered to be regular periods. Irregular menstruation is when the interval between period cycles changes and you get your periods sooner or later than usual.
Causes of irregular periods:
Finding out the cause is the first step in treatment for irregular periods. Some of the common causes are as follows:
Hormone Imbalance:
Girls who have recently started menstruating or women who are approaching menopause are most likely to experience hormone imbalances. Due to an excess presence of hormones like progestin and/or estrogen which regulate the lining of the uterus, heavy bleeding may be experienced.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):
In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries produce a considerable amount of androgens, which are male hormones. In the ovaries, small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can form. These are frequently visible on ultrasonography. Ovulation may not occur regularly due to hormonal changes that prevent eggs from developing. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may experience irregular periods or cease menstruation entirely.
Stress and lifestyle issues:
Significant weight loss or gain, dieting, changes in physical activity level, travel, illness, and other interruptions in a woman's daily routine can all affect her menstrual periods.
Fibroids or uterine polyps:
Uterine fibroids are tumours that attach to the uterine wall. One or more fibroids, ranging in size from an apple seed to a grapefruit, may be present. Although harmless, these tumours can cause excessive bleeding and pain during periods. If the fibroids are large, they may put pressure on the bladder or rectum, creating discomfort1.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects the female reproductive system and is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the vagina during sexual contact and subsequently travel to the uterus and upper genital tract. Bacteria can also get into the reproductive tract through gynaecologic procedures, childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion. Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, irregular periods, pelvic and lower abdominal pain, fever, sickness, vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms of PID.
Irregular periods treatment:
You can try a number of treatments for irregular periods at home to help your cycle return to normal. The best treatment for irregular periods backed by research are listed below:
Yoga:
A variety of menstrual problems can be successfully treated with yoga. 35 to 40 minutes of yoga per day or five times per week, may aid in hormone and menstrual cycle regulation. Yoga may also aid in the natural treatment of premenstrual symptoms. In addition to reducing monthly pain and emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression in women with primary dysmenorrhea, yoga has also been found to improve women's quality of life.
Exercise:
Exercise can help you lose weight, which can help you manage your menstrual cycle. It might also help you feel better before and throughout your period. It has plenty of other health benefits that can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight, and it's frequently prescribed as part of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment plan.
Vitamin supplements:
An analysis of a 2015 study linked low vitamin D levels to irregular cycles, which suggested that taking vitamin D might improve menstruation. Some foods, such as milk and other dairy products, as well as cereal, are fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D can also be obtained via the sun or by supplementation. Those who are trying to conceive are frequently given B vitamins. They may help regulate periods, but further research is needed to support these claims.2
Before starting on any home remedies for irregular periods, consult your gynaecologist first so you can understand the cause of your irregular periods. There are several medical treatments for this but it depends on why your periods are irregular in the first place. For example, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control if the irregularity is due to PCOS. However, if it is due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), you will be treated for PID instead!
Period irregularities can also be caused by certain medications and health problems. A doctor will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest better medical treatment for irregular periods in such a case. People who want to get pregnant but have irregular periods should watch when they ovulate and consult a doctor.3
1 - Abnormal Menstruation (Periods); From Cleveland Clinic
(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods). Retrieved on 18.04.2022
2 - How to Get Regular Periods Naturally: 8 Home Remedies for Irregular Periods; From Healthine
(https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/irregular-periods-home-remedies). Retrieved on 18.04.2022
3 - Why Is My Period So Random?; From WebMD
(https://www.webmd.com/women/why-is-my-period-so-random). Retrieved on 18.04.2022
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