Menstrual Irregularities - What Should You Do To Manage It?
A regular menstrual period is when you bleed for 5-6 days every month. A normal cycle is 11-13 menstrual periods every year. An irregular menstrual period is when there are less than 10 or more than 14 menstrual periods in a year.
Initially, when a teenage girl reaches puberty, the menstrual cycles are a little irregular. It takes a few months to a couple of years before the hormones are balanced and the cycles come in regular intervals.
Peri-menopausal women have extremely irregular periods, ranging from mere spotting in some months to severe bleeding and muscular cramps in the next few months. As a woman approaches menopause, there are wide fluctuations in hormones that cause the irregularity.
Other Causes Of Menstrual Irregularities-
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Excessive weight gain or weight loss. Obesity has been found to cause menstrual irregularities.
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Persistent physical exhaustion.
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Illness.
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Increase in exercise. Heavy exercise and endurance regimes are known to cause missed or irregular periods.
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Travelling, differences in temperature and weather conditions can affect periods.
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Contraceptive pills and other birth control medications.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Other medical issues with the pelvic organs.
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Inadequate rest and sleep.
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Indulging in too much of processed or fried food.
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Breastfeeding can cause menstrual irregularities and regain normalcy after it has been stopped completely.
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Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia has been known to cause menstrual irregularities.
Treatments-
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A balanced diet which includes enough proteins, calcium and vitamins.
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Abstinence from caffeine and alcohol.
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Light but regular exercising.
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Take some medication after due consultation with a doctor.
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Abstain from smoking or consuming tobacco in any form.
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Take vitamin and folic acid supplements.
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Get yourself checked for blood sugar or cholesterol.
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Maintain an optimum body weight.
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In case of missed periods for over 2 months, do a home pregnancy check up or visit the gynaecologist.
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Stay away from situations that stress you and attempt to control your anxiety. Cultivate an activity that you enjoy, be optimistic and enjoy life. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!