Causes of Menstrual Irregularities in Women

What causes irregular menstrual periods in women?

When a girl reaches puberty (usually between the ages of 8 and 13), her body and mind begin to change and evolve in many ways. Hormones in the body initiate new physical growth, such as the breasts starting to develop. About 2 to 2.5 years after the breasts start to develop, a girl’s first menstrual period( period )occurs.

The onset of menstruation is the time from the first day of bleeding in one month to the first day of bleeding in the next month. For example, if a girl’s first bleeding is on May 8 and the first day of her next bleeding is on June 2, her menstrual cycle will last 24 days (from May 8 to June 1).
Women should normally have their period about once every 30 days, lasting three to seven days. After a few years of having a period, they develop a cycle. Some women can even predict when they will get their period. The amount of blood lost during each period varies from woman to woman. Some women have heavier periods from the start, and some have really light periods that you don’t feel at all.

Why do periods become irregular?

Irregular periods are a type of bleeding that is abnormal compared to previous periods and can include anything from late periods to early periods, very light bleeding to very heavy bleeding.
If you don’t usually experience premenstrual symptoms, but now you’re experiencing cramping, bloating, and severe headaches, you could also consider your period irregular.

Causes of Irregular Periods

1- Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body releases different levels of hormones that cause her period to stop. In some cases, before her period stops completely, she may experience less bleeding or a delay. If you suspect you are pregnant, see your gynecologist.
2- Stress
Stress is the most common cause of irregular periods. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has a direct effect on the body’s production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. If you have high levels of cortisol in your bloodstream, the timing and amount of your period will change.
3- Diet
Another common cause of irregular periods is the foods you eat and, more importantly, your weight. If your diet is high in carbohydrates or you have gained weight, your body will produce different levels of certain hormones. This problem also occurs in women who are losing weight.
4- Exercise
The body needs energy for menstruation. If you burn a high amount of your energy at the gym and through exercise, there is nothing else left for your body to consume during menstruation.

Also read: The role of progesterone injections in the treatment of menstrual irregularities.

5. Birth control pills
It may take a few months for your body to get used to the dose of hormones that birth control pills put into your body.
6. Alcohol consumption
The liver helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle by metabolizing estrogen and progesterone. Alcohol consumption can damage the liver and interfere with its ability to metabolize female hormones.
7. Polycystic ovary syndrome
This condition causes cysts to form on the ovaries that interfere with normal ovulation. Other symptoms of this condition include excess hair growth, weight gain, dandruff, and infertility. These conditions include endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and heart disease.
8. Menopause
Like pregnancy, your body’s hormones change during menopause. Irregular periods can start as early as 10 years before menopause.
9. Taking Medications
If you have recently been sick and have to take medication, your period may be a day or two later. The main reason for this is that most medications interfere with the way your body produces estrogen and progesterone.

Dealing with Irregular Periods

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan that includes hormonal birth control pills or supplements, stress-reducing activities, dietary changes, and an exercise program.