What you need to know:
- Menstrual cycles can be said to be irregular if they are less than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
- Irregular menstruation can be caused by stress, certain medications, or excessive exercise.
- In addition, irregular menstruation can also be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and excess weight.
During the menstrual cycle, changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone will cause changes in the uterine lining. Then, if the egg is not fertilized, the uterine wall will collapse and come out with blood, causing menstruation.
In general, the menstrual cycle will occur at the same time each month. Menstruation will occur every 21-35 days and the volume of blood released is around 30-80 ml.
However, an unhealthy lifestyle and certain conditions can cause an abnormal menstrual cycle.
What are the signs of irregular menstruation?
Here are the signs of an irregular menstrual cycle:
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Irregular menstruation occurs if it is less than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
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The length of menstruation varies each month.
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No menstruation for three consecutive periods.
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The blood that comes out is very heavy, so it lasts more than seven days.
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The blood that comes out is small for a short time.
Causes of irregular menstrual cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by lifestyle or health conditions, such as:
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Stress Excessive stress can interfere with the part of the brain that controls the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
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Excess weight Being overweight can affect estrogen and insulin levels, and this can interfere with a normal menstrual cycle. In addition, weight gain can also be a sign of PCOS and hypothyroidism, two conditions that can cause irregular menstrual cycles.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Irregular menstruation is a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where cysts grow in the ovaries. This condition can increase androgen levels, which are male sex hormones, above normal levels.
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Excessive weight loss Excessive dieting that reduces weight in a short time can affect the menstrual cycle. Lack of calories can interfere with the production of hormones needed for normal menstruation.
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Certain medications Hormone replacement therapy drugs, thyroid drugs, antidepressants, epilepsy drugs, ibuprofen, aspirin, and chemotherapy drugs can interfere with the therapy cycle.
You can also experience irregular menstrual cycles if you are using hormonal contraception.
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Endometriosis This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside it. In addition to causing irregular menstrual cycles, this condition can also cause excessive stomach cramps and heavy bleeding during menstruation.
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Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are a condition in which muscle tumors develop in the uterine wall.
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Perimenopause or puberty Age can also affect the menstrual cycle. During puberty, unstable hormone levels cause irregular menstrual cycles.
In addition, the perimenopause stage occurs 4-8 years before menopause occurs. At this time, menstrual cycles can become longer or shorter, before stopping altogether when menopause begins.
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Cervical cancer Irregular menstruation can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
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After giving birth or breastfeeding Sometimes hormones will be unstable after you give birth and then breastfeed your child, so that
Tips for maintaining a regular menstrual cycle
Usually, an abnormal cycle occurs after giving birth, breastfeeding, puberty or perimenopause does not need to be treated. Here are some lifestyle changes that can be applied to maintain a normal cycle.
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Implement a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, adequate rest, and a balanced diet.
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Track your menstrual cycle with an application such as Plans to get to know the pattern.
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Avoid extreme diets and lose weight slowly.
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Manage stress with adequate rest and other relaxation techniques.
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Use contraception (KB) according to doctor's advice.
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Consult a doctor if you start to notice irregular menstrual cycles.
However, if you need to see a doctor, doctors generally treat irregular menstruation in the following ways:
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Low-dose birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone to restore normal cycles.
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Metformin or insulin can be prescribed to facilitate ovulation.
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Drug or surgical action will be needed for conditions such as cervical cancer, endometriosis, thyroid problems, PCOS and others.
Please remember, you should consult a doctor first before taking medication to treat menstrual problems.
Source:
Cadman, B., & French, M. (2023, November 28). Missed period on birth control: Causes and more. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322141
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 8). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
NHS UK. (2022, July 22). Irregular periods. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/