Are your periods late, or don’t you have a regular cycle of menstruation? If your period shows up early before the time it should be, arrives later than your expected day, or doesn’t show up for quite a few months at all, then it could be a sign of irregular periods. That isn’t all, there are various signs and reasons that your menstrual cycle can be considered irregular. 

Around 14% to 25% of women of childbearing age experience irregular periods. Irregular periods are more common than you think and can be caused by factors like stress, food intake, the consumption of contraceptives, poor health care, lifestyle factors, and a few other reasons. This blog will discuss the potential causes of irregular periods, when to consult a doctor, and easy lifestyle adjustments that could help regain equilibrium. Find out the hidden messages your body might be giving you by reading on!

What is an Irregular Period?

The menstrual cycle is considered irregular when there is heavy or light flow, the period cycle is not between 21 days and 35 days, and there is unbearable pain, discomfort, or irregularities in the flow of blood while menstruating.

Menstruation is a regular and mandatory process in the female reproductive system where the lining of the uterus is shed when the fertile egg is released after the ovulation phase. The menstrual cycle is the course of events that occurs while the body is preparing for pregnancy. So, when the process of menstruation is interrupted or not consistent then it’s considered as irregular menstruation or irregular periods.

Causes of Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can be caused by various factors that a person goes through on a daily basis, and these should be taken into account. These are the following causes of irregular periods:

• Hormonal Imbalances such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), thyroid factors such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and high prolactin levels.
• Lifestyle factors also contribute to irregular periods in the forms of stress, excessive and aggressive exercise, travel, poor diet, eating disorders, and sudden weight changes.

• Medical Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Medications and Birth Control methods such as hormonal contraceptives, abortion, and certain medications like antidepressants and steroids

• Natural causes could also be a factor resulting in irregular periods, including puberty, miscarriage, post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause.

Symptoms of Irregular Periods

One should keenly notice the changes in their behaviour and the sickness they go through to understand and to check if they’re having irregular periods. Sometimes, the signs can be normal, but if they persist, then they should be taken into account. A few common symptoms of irregular periods are:

• Missed periods
• Extensive menstrual cramps
• Back pain, cramps, or stiffness
• Acne and facial hair growth
• Excessive hair growth in body part
• Nauseousness
• Headaches
• Breast soreness and heavier breasts
• Loose stools
• Mood swings
• Bloating
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Acne breakout

Sometimes, you can also notice a few changes in your period cycle, which might be symptoms of irregular periods. it includes:

• Your period intervals are either more than 35 days apart or less than 21 days.
• Missing three or more consecutive periods.
• Bleeding (menstrual flow) that is significantly lighter or heavier than normal.
• Duration of periods exceeding seven days or less than two days.
• The intervals between cycles vary by over nine days or more. For instance, a cycle lasts 28 days, next month it’s 37 days, and the next month it’s 29 days.
• Periods followed by immense pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Bleeding or spotting that occurs after menopause, in between cycles, or following sex.
• Soaking up one or more sanitary pads or tampons within a single hour.

If you are having the above symptoms for a prolonged period, then it is advised that you should consult a medical practitioner to analyse your health and get a healthy menstrual cycle.

How are irregular periods diagnosed?

A few tests are conducted to diagnose irregular periods before treating it as it’s related to the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle; thus, irregular periods blood tests can help you to take appropriate medications and treatments.

How are irregular periods treated?

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment for irregular periods may include hormone therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgery to treat fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Antibiotics can also be given if irregular periods are caused by infection. Applying a heating pad on the abdomen can relax the muscles and reduce pain while having periods.

Foods to treat irregular periods

Indian foods have natural remedial value, which helps them treat and prevent many diseases and infections. There are a few foods that are good for irregular periods and help regulate them. We’ve listed them below:

• Papaya is packed with enzymes and nutrients, and it helps regulate menstrual flow and aids digestion.

• Pineapples are is rich in vitamins and nutrients, so they help in regulating menstrual cycles due to the presence of bromelain.

• Fennel seeds have a lot of medicinal value and exhibit antispasmodic properties which help in relaxing the muscles around the uterus and reducing discomfort and pain during periods.

• Leafy greens are rich in vitamins, calcium and iron help in regulating hormones and lead to painless and regular menstrual cycles.

• Nuts and seeds are loaded with fiber and minerals that help in improving menstrual health.

• Fatty fishes are stocked with omega-3 fatty acids, which are best for irregular periods.

• Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can help in reducing inflammation, which results in a painless and regular menstrual cycle.

• Dark chocolate contains magnesium and antioxidants and helps in regulating hormones.

A few other foods that help your body maintain a healthy and regular menstrual cycle are whole grains, legumes, ginger, flaxseeds, turmeric, walnuts, coriander seeds, carrots, cinnamon, raisins etc., These foods can be consumed as per your wish and drink at least 3.5 litres of water per day while having periods. 

Foods to avoid while having irregular periods

Some foods can prevent irregular periods, while a few foods can increase the pain, discomfort, and irregular periods. You should be mindful while taking these foods to have a healthy menstrual cycle.

These are the foods that you should avoid to have less painful and healthier menstrual cycles.

How to regulate periods naturally?

Irregular periods can be treated naturally by making lifestyle changes that support your body’s natural rhythm, here are a few ways that help to regulate your periods.

• Examine your diet – Take into account food intake, if you are taking the right mix of nutrients that are required for your body.

• Maintain a healthy diet – Calculate your BMI and maintain a healthy weight because being overweight can cause painful and irregular periods.

• Exercise regularly – Keeping your body active can help you maintain a healthy body, painless periods and regulate the menstrual cycle.

• Adopt healthy sleeping practices – Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and hormonal balance.

• Stress management – Maintaining your mental health can also help in regulating your periods.

A woman’s general health depends on having regular menstrual cycles, and you should know which doctor to consult for irregular periods. A gynecologist should be consulted if irregularities in the menstrual cycle persist. They could provide comprehensive care by specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of menstrual health. At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, the history spans more than 90 years, and having assisted in more than one million healthy childbirths in Chennai, we are notable for our proficiency in obstetrics and gynaecology. Our hard-working doctors are dedicated to giving women the power to make knowledgeable decisions about their health. To get individualised treatment and advice if you’re having irregular periods, make an appointment for a consultation with one of our knowledgeable professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could someone with irregular periods become pregnant?

Yes, however ovulation prediction might be more difficult. The odds of getting pregnant might be increased by using ovulation predictor kits or seeing a doctor.

Do irregular periods affect fertility?

Yes, irregular ovulation can make it more difficult to get pregnant, but with medical help, many women with irregular periods are still able to conceive.

Is it typical to miss a period occasionally?

Indeed, travel, dietary changes, and stress can all contribute to sporadic missing periods. However, a doctor should be seen if you skip periods frequently.

Are irregular periods and PCOS always related?

Not all the time. Period irregularities are frequently caused by PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), but they can also be brought on by stress, thyroid problems, or lifestyle changes.

Does a lack of sleep affect the menstrual cycle?

Indeed, sleep deprivation can interfere with the production of hormones, including those that control your menstrual cycle, which may lead to irregular cycles.