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Women Wellness
What Are the Main Causes Of Irregular Periods? Let's Uncover 8 Causes And the Best Treatment Options!
Irregular periods, though common, can be frustrating. But what are the main causes of irregular periods? They can be caused by many alarming factors, from hormonal fluctuations during puberty and menopause to certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Normally, a woman's menstrual cycle occurs about every 28 days, but changes can happen during different life stages, like puberty or perimenopause. This is why recognising irregular periods involves noticing significant deviations from this typical pattern. These can include consistently shorter than 21-day cycles or longer than 35 days, missed periods altogether, unusually heavy or light bleeding during periods, or unpredictable spotting between periods.
Also, the prevalence of irregular menstrual cycles among women varies significantly, ranging from 5% to 35.6%. Thus, tracking your menstrual cycle using a calendar or period-tracking app can help identify any irregularities and patterns, which can then be discussed with doctors.
To begin with, understand these eight of the most common reasons for irregular periods and know about the practical treatment options, including traditional and more advanced approaches, to help you get your menstrual cycle back on track.
Table Of Contents
1. What Are the Main Causes Of Irregular Periods? 8 Major Reasons
2. How Can I Solve My Irregular Periods? 11 Treatment Options
3. Dietitian’s Recommendation
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
What Are the Main Causes Of Irregular Periods? 8 Major Reasons
Irregular periods can result from various factors rooted in hormonal imbalances and physiological conditions. Let’s understand these underlying causes of irregular periods to help individuals recognise changes in their menstrual cycles, indicating a broader health issue:
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in the essential estrogen and progesterone levels, crucial hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, commonly cause irregular periods. These fluctuations can occur due to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where hormonal disturbances lead to irregular ovulation and menstruation patterns. PCOS is characterised by the presence of small cysts on the ovaries, which disrupt hormone production and can result in irregular periods, along with symptoms like excessive hair growth and infertility.
2. Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can impact menstrual regularity. The thyroid gland helps regulate hormones throughout the body, including those involved in the menstrual cycle. Thyroid disorders can lead to imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels, affecting the timing and flow of menstrual periods.
Also Read: 8 Common Menstrual Irregularities: Causes, & Treatment Options
3. Extreme Weight Changes
Significant fluctuations in body weight, whether due to rapid weight loss or gain, can eventually disrupt the delicate hormonal balance involved in menstruation. In cases of excessive weight loss situation, the body may reduce estrogen production, leading to irregular or absent periods. Conversely, excess body fat can produce higher estrogen levels, also affecting menstrual cycles.
4. Excessive Stress Levels
High levels of physical tension or emotional stress can impact the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, the three key components of the hormonal system that regulate the menstrual cycle. Stress can disrupt hormonal production and balance, such as essential estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular periods or even the relevant absence of menstruation altogether.
Also Read: 4 Common Menstrual Problems Nearly Every Woman Faces
5. Chronic Illness Or Medications
Certain chronic conditions, like specific-stage diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect hormone levels and contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, medications such as antipsychotics or chemotherapy drugs may interfere with hormonal regulation, impacting menstrual regularity.
6. Uterine Conditions
Structural abnormalities or growths within the uterus, such as fibroids (non-cancerous growths) or polyps (abnormal tissue growth on the uterine lining), can cause irregular bleeding and disrupt the menstrual cycle's regularity. These conditions can alter the uterine environment and affect hormone interactions necessary for normal menstruation.
Also Read: Why Is My Period Blood Black And Thick? | ToneOpCare
7. Perimenopause
The natural transition period causing menopause, typically occurring in women in the late 40s to early 50s, involves fluctuating hormone levels as the ovaries slowly decrease their production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can result in irregular menstrual cycles before menstruation ceases altogether.
8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
An infection of the female reproductive organs, eventually caused by often heard sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, can lead to inflammation and scarring. PID can disrupt normal hormone production and interfere with the menstrual cycle stages, resulting in irregular periods, among other symptoms.
Also Read: Why Is Hair Wash In Periods A Taboo? | ToneOpCare
How Can I Solve My Irregular Periods? 11 Treatment Options
Resolving the issue of irregular menstruation can involve several scientifically backed and unique approaches beyond the standard treatments. Consider these advanced and alternative methods for reference:
Method | Work | Potential Benefits |
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy | Replaces missing or imbalanced hormones with natural plant-derived hormones like those produced in the body. | It may regulate the menstrual cycle, improve PMS symptoms, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. |
Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese medicine involves inserting specific thin needles into specific points on the body. | It may regulate hormones, improve uterine blood flow, and reduce menstrual cramps. |
Functional Medicine Approach | It identifies the underlying causes of irregular periods through personalised assessments. | Addresses root causes like stress, nutrient deficiencies, and gut health for long-term management. |
Adaptogenic Herbs | Herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola help the body adapt to stress. | It may improve stress response, regulate hormones, and reduce PMS symptoms. |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | It is found in fatty fish and some plant sources. | It may reduce inflammation, improve hormonal balance, and alleviate menstrual pain. |
Inositol Supplements | A sugar-like molecule with potential hormonal effects. | It may regulate ovulation, improve insulin sensitivity, and alleviate symptoms of PCOS. |
Nutritional Genomics | Analyses individual genetic variations to create a personalised diet plan. | It aims to identify dietary patterns that optimise hormonal health and menstrual regularity. |
Probiotics and Gut Health | Live bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. | It may improve hormone metabolism, reduce inflammation, and regulate menstrual cycles. |
Phytotherapy | Uses plant-based medicines to address health concerns. | May utilise herbs like Chasteberry or Black Cohosh to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS. |
Mind-Body Techniques | Practices like yoga, meditation, and stress management. | It may reduce stress hormones, improve sleep quality, and promote hormonal balance. |
Low-Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) | It uses low-power lasers to stimulate healing and reduce pain. | Emerging research suggests the potential for LILT to reduce menstrual cramps. |
Dietitian’s Recommendation
I recommend a balanced diet to help regulate irregular periods. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, selected lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include required omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish and flaxseeds to support hormonal balance. Maintain a healthy weight and reduce processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine intake, as these can disrupt hormones.
A low-glycemic diet can help stabilise blood sugar levels for PCOS. Additionally, try seed cycling: Eat ground flax seeds and fresh pumpkin seeds during the first half of your cycle, plus sesame and sunflower seeds during the second half. These dietary changes can help improve menstrual health and balance hormones.
Dt. Aditi Upadhyay
The Final Say
This concludes that hormonal imbalances, health conditions, lifestyle choices, reproductive issues and more can cause irregular periods. Significant weight changes, high levels of stress, and intense physical activity can also affect your hormones and lead to irregular periods. Chronic illnesses, certain medications, and conditions like uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease can play a role as well.
Thus, after knowing these causes, you can make early diagnoses and treat irregular periods, as it is important to have a thorough medical evaluation and a personalised treatment plan.