The problem of irregular periods is medically termed as oligomenorrhea. It is a common issue in women and there are a number of factors that might cause it. Some of the causes might be eating disorders, weight gain or loss, menopause, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalance, liver diseases, miscarriage, anemia tuberculosis, etc. Lifestyle choices like increased exercise, smoking, high consumption of caffeine, travel, stress, and medication abuse can also trigger oligomenorrhea. Birth control pills might be responsible for this disorder. Irregular periods also become common at the time of menopause.
Some tips backed by science are listed below which can help you with irregular periods.
-
Maintain a healthy weight
A woman’s menstrual cycle is affected by her body weight. Although the exact relation of body weight and menstruation is not totally clear, it is often seen that changes in weight can lead to irregular menstruation. If a woman suddenly loses or suddenly gains weight, it is possible and likely that she would undergo changes in her menstrual cycle as well. The best way to maintain regular periods is to always aim for a healthy and steady bodyweight.
-
Practice yoga
Since ages, yoga has proven to be an effective way to treat different menstrual issues. Practicing yoga for about half an hour a day for three to four days a week can help control your hormonal levels and put a stop to irregular menstruation. Periods pain, menstrual cramps and emotional symptoms related to periods like depression and anxiety have been seen to be reduced by yoga. It also improves the quality of life with women. Women who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea feel extreme pain before and during their menstrual periods, and yoga can help you relieve this pain.
-
Exercise regularly
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a disorder that might lead to menstrual irregularity. To cure PCOS, it is important that a woman achieves a healthy body weight. For this, regular exercise should be done.
Working out stretches your muscles and relaxes your body, and increases our body strength. It can help you gain an ideal body weight, which can in turn help with your PCOS.
-
Include varied vitamins in your daily diet
A research paper published a few years ago showed that a low level of vitamin D can be a cause of irregular periods. It is therefore suggested that a woman should have an adequate amount of vitamin D in her diet to regulate menstruation. It has also been seen that a good level of vitamin D can be effective to treat irregular periods in women who suffer from PCOS.
There are numerous benefits of vitamin D which include lowering the risk of certain diseases, reducing depression, and helping with weight loss. Sun is the natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D has also been proven to reduce the risk of premenstrual symptoms. A study conducted in 2011 concluded that women who had sources of vitamin B in their diet had a lower risk of PMS.
What to eat to regulate your irregular periods?
-
Ginger
Although there isn’t any hard proof to testify for this fact, ginger is used as a home remedy for treating irregular menstrual cycles. Ginger also has many other health benefits related to menstruation. Taking Ginger for about a week before periods can help you relieve the physical and behavioral symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Pineapple
Pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain, which is often claimed to soften the inner lining of the uterus. This can help in regulating your periods, although this has not been proven as of yet. However, this property of the fruit has made pineapple a popular home remedy for treating menstrual issues effectively.
-
Drink apple cider vinegar daily
The results of various studies indicate that consuming around 10 to 15 milliliters of apple cider vinegar every day can help restore regular ovulatory menstruation in women who suffer from PCOS. Apple cider vinegar can also help you lose weight and control your blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an effective treatment option for women who suffer from PCOS. It has been seen that cinnamon can reduce menstrual pain and bleeding significantly and relieve women of nausea and vomiting linked with primary dysmenorrhea. That is why it has become a beneficial remedy for many menstrual issues.
When should you see a gynecologist for irregular periods?
If a woman has been constantly going through irregular periods, abnormally heavy or light periods, bleeding between menstrual cycles, frequent spotting and abnormal bleeding, she should fix an appointment with a gynecologist immediately. Sometimes, structural problems and scarring in the uterus or fallopian tubes may be responsible for irregular periods. In cases like this, the gynecologist can recommend surgeries to rectify these problems. A female should consult an experienced and skilled gynecologist for irregular periods if she experiences abnormal or irregular periods.
You should immediately visit your gynecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Abnormally heavy bleeding which causes you to change your pad or tampon within a couple of hours.
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Severe pelvic pain or cramps
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina with a foul smell
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Nipple discharge
- Unusual growth of body hair
Treatment for Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Treatment options for irregular periods vary with the cause of the problem Some of the treatment options available to treat such menstrual cycles are listed below.
- Treatment of the root cause: Treating the underlying problem which causes irregular periods can help you correct this problem permanently.
- Hormonal therapy: A woman’s menstrual cycle is regulated with hormones, like estrogen. Women who have irregular periods due to hormonal imbalances are suggested to undergo hormonal therapy to rectify this problem.
- Changes in lifestyle: In case a woman has bodyweight issues, eating disorders, mental stress, or is coping with any similar problems, improving the lifestyle would help her in treating irregular periods effectively. Adopting a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, quitting the usage of drugs, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating healthy can give great benefits.
Irregular periods are a serious problem if they persist for a long time. You should talk to your gynecologist about problems like irregular and abnormal periods, PCOD, PCOS, etc. and clear all your concerns and doubts about them. It is best that you discuss treatment alternatives depending upon your condition in time before the problem becomes worse.