It is no secret that periods are no fun. From having to keep spare menstruation pads handy to the literal physical pain of cramps, periods can be a real pain. But did you know that your menstrual cycle can also tell you when something is wrong?
Many women experience irregular periods at some point in their lives. This can be caused by different factors, ranging from stress to serious health conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of irregular periods and what you can do to treat them.
What is an irregular period?
An irregular period is any type of bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle. This can include spotting between periods, missed periods, or bleeding that occurs more frequently or less frequently than usual.
There are a number of different symptoms that can be associated with an irregular period. Some women may experience irregular bleeding, which can be either heavy or light. Others may have longer or shorter menstrual cycles than usual, and some may even skip periods altogether. In addition, some women may experience imbalances in their hormone levels, which can lead to mood swings, irritability, and other symptoms.
Common Causes of Irregular Periods
1. Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and our reproductive system is no exception. When we are feeling particularly stressed out, it can lead to irregular periods.
So how does stress cause irregular periods? Well, it all has to do with the hormones in our body. When we are stressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. This hormone can interfere with the production of other hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which are responsible for regulating our menstrual cycle.
This hormonal imbalance can lead to all sorts of problems, including irregular periods. So if you are feeling extra stressed out lately, it might be time to take a break and try to relax. It could do your body (and your period) a world of good.
2. Certain types of medication
Are your periods becoming unpredictable soon after a new medicine regime? There are a variety of medications that can cause irregular periods. For example, birth control pills contain hormones which can disrupt your natural cycle and cause irregular bleeding – particularly in the first few months of use.
Some medications such as blood pressure medication and those used to treat diabetes, seizure disorders, and even some cancer or anti-depression treatments can also cause hormonal disturbances. In these instances, your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage or prescribe you with different medications.
3. Fertility disorders
There are many different types of fertility disorders, and each one can cause irregular periods. Some common fertility disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility, as well as other symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and irregular bleeding. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can cause heavy bleeding and pain. Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that can rupture and cause severe pain.
If you have any of these conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
4. Pregnancy
It is common knowledge that women who are pregnant usually experience no menstruation. But did you know that some women can still menstruate throughout their pregnancy?
There are a number of reasons why pregnancy can cause a woman to miss her period or experience irregular periods. One of the most common is that the fertilised egg implants itself in the uterine wall, causing the body to produce Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone signals to the body that pregnancy has occurred, and can cause changes in the levels of other hormones, such as progesterone. These hormonal changes can interfere with the normal menstrual cycle and cause a woman to miss her period. In some cases, pregnancy can also cause the uterine lining to thin, making it less likely that menstruation will occur.
So if you notice that your periods are becoming irregular and are sexually active, you may wish to take a pregnancy test.
Find Out What Your Cycle is Telling You
It is the time of the month – or is it? Your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insights into your overall health. By tracking your menstrual cycle, you can identify potential health concerns early on and take steps to address them. At the same time, every woman has a unique menstrual cycle, and each one tells a different story.
If you are trying to conceive, irregular periods can make it difficult to predict when you will ovulate. This can make it hard to time intercourse correctly. However, through a fertility specialist, you will be able to pinpoint the cause of your irregular periods and find the right treatment option for you. As an obstetric and gynaecology clinic in Singapore, The O&G Specialist Clinic offers a wide range of services to help diagnose and treat menstrual disorders and fertility disorders.
Contact us to find out more, or schedule a virtual consultation with us today.
