Irregular Periods Causes

Every woman experiences irregular periods sometime or the other. For some, it is a one time thing whereas for others, it can last a long time. Any kind of irregularity in the periods is a big concern, but the real question is, when do we really need to worry about a missed period?

Before we start with the causes, it is important that we know exactly, what does the irregular cycle signify. Every woman has a unique cycle, for some it may last 28 days while for others, it can last 35 days. Some women experience a light flow or some spotting, others experience a heavy flow. A typical period lasts about 3 to 7 days. Now, irregular periods are characterized by a missed period or a period which is early or late. Also if a woman has unusually heavy or scanty bleeding or two periods in a cycle, then also it is termed as an irregular or missed period.

Causes

The causes are many and not all are worrisome. We know that hormones regulate periods, so anything that interferes with the hormones cause a hormonal imbalance which leads to irregular menstruation.

• One of the common causes is stress. It is one of the main culprits for this problem. If you have been worried, over worked or angry before your period, chances are that you will experience an irregular menstrual cycle.
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss can also result to this irregularity. Diet plays a very vital role in regulating periods.
• Another potential reason is excessive exercise. This causes a sudden decrease in body fat which in turn leads to a missed period or very scanty spotting instead of a regular period.
• Girls who have just begun menstruation, experience irregular menstruation for up to one year or more. Missed periods after menarche are nothing to worry about, it's part of the normal body process.
• In some women, the onset of menopause can lead them to experience this problem. This too is perfectly natural and there is no reason to be worried.
• Pregnancy can be another reason for a missed period. So if you missed a period after sexual intercourse, its best to first rule out pregnancy. To prevent unplanned pregnancy, it is wise to use contraceptives. There can be changes in the menstrual cycle after pregnancy.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking are also considered as potential causes. Drug abusers also experience an irregular menstrual cycle. Also, changes in the routine of consumption of oral contraceptives can be one of the reasons.
• Certain STDs also show irregular periods as a symptom.
• Medical conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and uterine abnormalities are another causes, these require medical attention. Another such condition is inflammatory bowel disease.

Treatment

One thing that all women should do is maintain a chart to keep a track of their periods, by doing this they can ascertain if a pattern is visible. This can help you calm your worries and rule out any silly worries. If there is a serious problem like excessive bleeding for a long time, severe menstrual cramps in two or more periods etc, then consult your physician. Maintaining a healthy diet will keep you fit and will also help regulate your hormones. If you exercise excessively, change your workout routine and reduce the intensity of the workout. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, get yourself treated for the same. Try to live a stress free life. If you are stressed, meditate or do some activity that you enjoy to cope with stress. Get regular health checkups done and consult a physician if you suspect something serious.

By now, you must have realized that irregular periods cause unnecessary stress in some situations and one doesn't need to worry every time. So keep a track of your diet and live a healthy life. Remember, worrying about irregular periods can also lead to irregular periods!