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Hi, I'm Jaci Salley, a Holistic Nutritionist and Personal Trainer dedicated to helping you achieve balance through whole, natural foods and exercise. My journey in holistic nutrition and wellness coaching has fueled my passion for empowering others to take charge of their health. I believe in a …
FAQs:
What are Irregular Periods?
Irregular menstruation, also known as irregular periods, is a condition characterized by abnormal variations in the frequency, duration, or amount of menstrual bleeding. It can result from various causes, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, or underlying medical conditions.
What is Considered an Irregular Period?
It is considered an irregular period when menstrual periods typically last four to seven days and occur roughly every 28 days. Examples of irregular periods include periods that occur fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, missing three or more periods in a row, and menstrual flow that’s much heavier or lighter than usual.
Does Irregular Periods Mean Infertility?
Having an irregular menstrual cycle does not necessarily mean you can’t get pregnant. Depending on the underlying cause of the irregularity, there may or may not be an effect on your ability to get pregnant. If you’re trying to get pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can help pinpoint any health issues and recommend the next steps.
Is it Hard for Girls with Irregular Periods to Get Pregnant?
Yes, women can get pregnant with an irregular period. However, the ability to get pregnant decreases significantly. The disadvantage is ovulation becomes difficult to determine. The pregnancy success rate of a healthy woman with a regular cycle is 30%. Studies show this decreases exponentially if periods are off by ten days or more.
Does Sex Make Your Period Irregular?
Sex does not directly delay your period. However, pregnancy from sex puts your period on hold until after childbirth. Sexual activity raises oxytocin and endorphin hormone levels, leading to bonding and pleasure. But sex does not impact the reproductive hormones that direct the menstrual cycle. A missed period might make you jump straight to the possibility of pregnancy, and while that can be a possibility, there are also other common reasons for a period to not show up when you’re expecting it. Take this quiz to explore some of the reasons why you might have missed your period.
Will Breastfeeding Cause Irregular Periods?
New or first-time mothers have many questions about their bodies. One is whether they will have their period while breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed your child, it can delay your period after birth. However, this is not always the case, as some mothers may have irregular periods. The hormone prolactin is responsible for preventing menstruation. When you breastfeed, the levels of this hormone are high in your body. Because of this, you will probably not have your period or will experience only some light spotting while breastfeeding. Meanwhile, some women get their period a few weeks after giving birth, even if they are breastfeeding. Once you start weaning your baby off breast milk, you can expect to get your regular period back.
Are Irregular Periods Bad?
Irregular periods are usually not harmful. However, persistent or long-term irregularity may raise the risk of other conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia. Blood contains iron. If periods are heavy or frequent, a person may lose enough blood to cause an iron deficiency.
Does Birth Control Help Irregular Periods?
One common treatment for irregular periods is hormonal birth control. Why? It’s because, in addition to being highly effective at preventing pregnancy, several birth control methods are proven to have medical benefits, including treating irregular, heavy, severely painful, or unusually long periods. The hormones in combination with birth control mimic the body’s estrogen and progesterone, usually helping the body to have periods that occur on a reliable schedule. You will generally know when your period will start and stop. In addition, the low dose of hormones from birth control keeps the uterine lining from growing too thick. This means women who suffer from heavy or painful periods may find relief when taking birth control. When there isn’t as much lining to shed, there is less potential for painful cramping.
Can Anemia Cause Irregular Periods?
Well, one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia is having heavy periods regularly. Experiencing heavy periods commonly leads to blood loss over a long period, depleting your body’s iron storage. So iron deficiency anemia can be caused due to excessive menstrual bleeding. While heavy periods mean a lot of flow, irregular periods can mean fluctuations in the consistency of how often your period comes, how long it lasts, and changes in the flow every time you get your period. Over time, low hemoglobin means your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen to carry around your body, affecting your body’s overall blood flow. This can result in irregular periods.
What Doctor to See for Irregular Periods?
A gynecologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive system. Your reproductive system is responsible for pregnancy and menstruation. Gynecologists are involved in your reproductive health from puberty through menopause. A gynecologist can also treat certain conditions affecting your rectum, bladder, and urethra depending on how it relates to your reproductive system.
Types of Irregular Periods
The timing and length of your cycles are not the only red flags that your period is irregular. It's important to pay attention to these other signs that something may be off with your health or your hormones.
1. Too-Light Bleeding
Bleeding very little or no bleeding at all (known as amenorrhea) with each menstrual cycle is atypical. Light or absent bleeding can result from being very underweight or very overweight. If you are overweight, losing weight might help make your periods more regular. If you are underweight, gaining weight can help restore and regulate your menstrual cycle. (Slow and steady weight change is the healthiest way to get there.)
2. Mid-Cycle Spotting
Hormones are often the cause of spotting between periods. Your hormones could be affected by your birth control medication, fertility drugs, or a thyroid disorder. Fibroids and polyps in your reproductive tract can also lead to regular spotting.
3. Too-Heavy or Extended Bleeding
Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row OR contains clots that are as big as a quarter or larger is abnormal, according to ACOG. So is a period that lasts more than seven days. Excessive bleeding, or menorrhagia, is a common concern, affecting up to one-third of people who menstruate. Though common, you should see an OB-GYN or health care provider to discuss these issues. Heavy periods can be a sign of a fertility issue or a health problem, including fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis.
4. Severe Cramps
You should never ignore extreme period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea. Conditions that could affect your fertility and overall health could be to blame, including fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection in your reproductive organs).
How to Identify Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are when your menstrual bleeding is suddenly different in length and recurrence based on what you're used to. The consistency of your periods is more necessary than the length of your periods. The following are indications of irregular menstruation.
1. The quantity of days between periods minimizes or increments.
2. Every month, you don't bleed for the same number of days.
3. You have abnormal uterine bleeding (your periods become heavier or lighter, and you spot/bleed between month-to-month cycles).
4. Spotting between periods, bleeding for more than a week, a period that abruptly stops, or is exceptionally excruciating, or unusually heavy periods are instances of menstrual cycle alterations.
5. You have a medical illness or lifestyle trigger. Irregular menstrual cycles and unusual uterine bleeding can be brought about by hormonal imbalances, as well as issues like endometriosis, hypo or hyperthyroidism, PCOS, and uterine fibroids. Going off stress and birth control can likewise toss your lead to irregular periods.
Causes of Irregular Periods
There are many causes of irregular periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions. Certain health conditions are associated with missed menstrual periods. They include:
1. Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus. The tissue often attaches itself to your ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may cause abnormal bleeding, cramps, or severe pain before and during your period.
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. It’s typically caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI). Bacteria enter your vagina and spread to your uterus and upper genital tract. Symptoms of PID include a heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, irregular periods, and pelvic pain.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome: In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your ovaries make large amounts of androgens, which are a type of hormone. This hormone prevents or delays ovulation, causing irregular periods. People with PCOS may stop menstruating completely.
4. Primary ovarian insufficiency: This condition occurs in cisgender women under age 40 whose ovaries don’t function as they should, causing missed or irregular periods. It can occur during treatment for cancer with chemotherapy and radiation or if you have certain autoimmune conditions.
5. Thyroid or pituitary gland disorders: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and other thyroid or pituitary gland disorders affect your hormones. This causes your period to be irregular.
6. Bleeding disorders: You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding if you develop a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
7. Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer: Certain cancers can affect a person’s menstrual period. Changes may include bleeding that’s heavier than usual or missed periods.
Certain medications, complications of pregnancy, or breastfeeding (chestfeeding) may also cause your period to be irregular. Other causes include:
1. Birth control pills: Most birth control pills contain a combination of hormones. The pills prevent pregnancy by keeping your ovaries from releasing eggs. Going on or off birth control pills can affect menstruation. You may have irregular or missed periods for up to six months after discontinuing birth control pills.
2. Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners).
3. Miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg implants outside your uterus).
Surgery, scarring, or blockages in your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
Complications of Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are usually not harmful. However, persistent or long-term irregularity may raise the risk of other conditions, such as:
1. Iron deficiency anemia: Blood contains iron. If periods are heavy or frequent, a person may lose enough blood to cause an iron deficiency.
2. Infertility: Irregular periods can result from anovulation, which is when the body does not release an egg. This can mean a person has difficulty getting pregnant.
3. Osteoporosis: Ovulation is a source of estrogen, which helps to keep the bones strong. If a person often does not ovulate, they may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis due to having less estrogen.
4. Cardiovascular disease: Similarly, a lack of estrogen can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Endometrial hyperplasia: If a person has irregular periods for a long time without treatment, it may raise the risk for endometrial hyperplasia, which is when the uterus lining becomes unusually thick. This increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Treatment for Irregular Periods
Having irregular periods from time to time is common and does not require treatment. Irregularity due to puberty, perimenopause, or contraception also does not typically require treatment. The potential treatment recommendations may include:
1. Hormone therapy: Birth control that contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone can help raise hormone levels, which can counteract the effects of not ovulating. It can also make bleeds regular and easier to manage or reduce the symptoms of conditions such as PCOS, which may improve quality of life.
2. Reaching a moderate weight: Both a lack of body fat and having excess body fat can impact menstruation. For those with PCOS who have higher body weight, maintaining a healthy weight can lower insulin levels. This leads to lower testosterone levels and an increased chance of ovulating.
3. Nutritional therapy: If a person wants to lose or gain weight or has an underlying condition that affects their nutrition, they may benefit from help from a dietitian. They can help a person understand the type of diet that will help with their unique circumstances and support hormone health.
4. Mental health treatment: If irregular periods are related to stress, anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder, a doctor may recommend psychological support. For many, this usually involves talk therapy with a psychologist. A multidisciplinary team will help with regular therapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups for those with eating disorders. People with severe underweight may need treatment in the hospital.
5. Additional medications: Depending on the underlying cause, people with irregular periods may benefit from certain medications. For example, a doctor may prescribe metformin for people with PCOS. This is an insulin-lowering oral drug for type 2 diabetes, which can help ensure ovulation and regular periods.
20 Effective Foods for Irregular Periods
If you’re thinking of what to eat if periods are not coming, below is a list of superfoods you must include in your diet plan:
1. Leafy Greens
Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins, leafy greens help regulate hormones and promote a healthy menstrual cycle.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, which help regulate hormones, and useful foods to regulate periods.
3. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which help balance hormones and reduce the risk of irregular periods.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
5. Legumes
Legumes are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
6. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate hormones, and are the best foods for irregular periods, and improve menstrual health.
7. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain compounds that help regulate hormones.
8. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
9. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans, which help regulate hormones.
10. Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
11. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
12. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and magnesium, which help regulate hormones.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric has certain warming properties that treat any imbalances in the hormonal system, due to which periods get regular. Its antispasmodic nature helps reduce cramping and it has anti-inflammatory properties too.
14. Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds are amongst the foods that regulate periods. Soak a teaspoon of coriander seeds in a glass of water, and boil it till half the water is evaporated. Strain the mix and then drink it multiple times a day, most preferably thrice. Continue this for a few days and you will see tremendous improvement in your menstrual health.
15. Carrots
Carrots contain a lot of vitamins and minerals that ensure the proper functioning of the hormones responsible for menstruation. Carrot juice must be a part of the diet for irregular periods.
16. Fennels
This scented spice triggers menstruation. And if you suffer from stomach cramps during periods, then fennel seeds can relieve that too, being an antispasmodic.
17. Cinnamon
People suffering from irregular periods can also benefit immensely from taking cinnamon.
18. Unripe Papaya
Stress is an important reason why people suffer from irregular periods. If you wish to regularise your periods that have resulted from undue stress, then taking unripe papaya would be the best bet.
19. Grapes (Raisins)
Raw grapes are known to be one of the best foods if you have irregular periods.
20. Green Tea
Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Research has shown that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea a day can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual pain.
Supplements to Regulate Irregular Periods
Many women take supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help with symptoms of PMS; however, not all supplements have been shown to help. Below is a list of supplements for which studies have demonstrated some scientific evidence for benefits, although, with all of them, more research is required. Check with your doctor to ensure there are no risks with you trying these supplements. Some supplements may interact with medication.
1. Vitamins B6 and B1
a) May help with PMS.
b) Reduces pain, cramps, and mood disturbance.
c) Do not exceed 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily or 100 mg of vitamin B1.
d) Best if combined as a multi-B vitamin, not as a single nutrient.
e) Avoid high doses of vitamin B6 (more than 50 mg per day) and prolonged use, as this can cause nerve toxicity such as tingling, burning, and shooting pains.
2. Vitamin E (natural alpha-tocopherol)
a) May help reduce pain and menstrual blood flow.
b) Dose: 200 IU vitamin E daily; commence two days before periods and continue for three days from onset of periods.
c) May cause gut upset.
d) Avoid high doses over 400 IU daily.
3. Vitamin D
a) May help regulate your cycle, relieve muscle pains, and improve moods.
b) Dose: 1000 IU daily or more; check with your doctor, who will advise a suitable dosage for your needs.
c) Vitamin D toxicity is rare and may occur when taking very high doses of vitamin D. This results in raised blood calcium levels leading to feelings of malaise, loss of appetite, feeling thirsty, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion.
4. Magnesium
a) Relieves menstrual cramps.
b) Improves premenstrual mood changes, especially irritability and anxiety.
c) May help with muscle relaxation, muscle cramps, and sleep.
d) Dose: 300 mg one or two times daily (best taken at night with calcium).
e) May cause diarrhea and loose stools; reduce dosage if this occurs.
f) May cause palpitations.
g) Avoid if you have renal problems.
h) May lower blood pressure and cause heart arrhythmia, drowsiness, and weakness in high doses.
5. Calcium
a) May help with PMS.
b) Reduces menstrual cramps, fluid retention, mood disorders, and food cravings.
c) Dose: 1200 mg daily.
d) May cause constipation and flatulence.
e) Avoid if you have renal disease or suffer high blood calcium levels.
f) May interact with blood pressure and heart tablets.
6. Zinc
a) May help relieve menstrual pain, cramping, and depression.
b) May aid the immune system.
c) Dose: 30 mg one to three times daily.
d) May cause nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
e) Avoid long-term use.
7. Fish oils
a) May relieve menstrual pain, cramping, and depression.
b) Dose: 1 g taken one, two, or three times daily.
c) May cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset.
d) In high doses, may ‘thin’ period blood (this may be useful if you suffer dark, thick menses).
e) Avoid if allergic to seafood.
How to Fix Irregular Periods Naturally
Looking to regulate your periods? Many at-home remedies can help.
1. Practice yoga
Practicing yoga 35 to 40 minutes a day, 5 times per week, may help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. Yoga may also help reduce premenstrual symptoms.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Changes in your weight can affect your period. That’s why it’s important to maintain a moderate weight. People who menstruate and are obese are also more likely to have irregular periods and experience heavier bleeding and pain. This is due to the impact that fat cells have on hormones and insulin.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise can help control weight, which may, in turn, regulate menstrual periods. It may also reduce pain before and during your period.
4. Spice things up with ginger
Although it’s often used as a home remedy for irregular periods, there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that ginger can treat irregular periods. However, it has been found to help relieve PMS symptoms.
5. Add some cinnamon
Cinnamon may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual bleeding and pain. It may also help treat PCOS.
6. Get your daily dose of vitamins for a healthy period
Low levels of vitamin D may increase your risk for period irregularity. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement can help regulate your menstrual cycle. B vitamins may also help reduce PMS and regulate menstrual cycles.
7. Drink apple cider vinegar daily
Drinking 1/8 cup (15 grams) of apple cider vinegar a day may help regulate menstruation in people with PCOS.
8. Eat pineapple
Pineapple is believed to help regulate periods, though there’s little scientific evidence to support this claim. An enzyme in pineapple (bromelain) may help relieve some PMS symptoms, such as cramps.
How to Get Pregnant with Irregular Periods
Eating healthy, getting plenty of exercise, and developing good sleep hygiene may help you regulate your cycles. As long as you're ovulating, you have a good chance of getting pregnant.
One effective way to get pregnant with irregular cycles is to forgo trying to detect ovulation and just have sex frequently throughout your cycle. Some couples find timing sex for pregnancy stressful. This approach avoids that stress. You won't be trying to have sex when you get a positive ovulation test result. Instead, you'll just have sex, frequently, all month long (ideally, every other day).
With this method, you don't have to worry about missing ovulation. If you're having sex three to four times a week, you're very likely to have sex on a fertile day.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Irregular Period Specialist Near Me
One of the most important decisions in a woman’s life is the choice of her OB-GYN. They will be there for more than just 9 months of a pregnancy. They will be your health partner for all the stages of your life. It is important to choose a doctor you trust completely and has your best interests in mind. Here are seven factors to consider when choosing a gynecologist.
1. Ask for Referrals
The best place to start is to find out who your friends and family trust. Ask around and see who they recommend. You should also try and determine the type of treatment or experiences they had if they are willing to share this information. In addition, inquire with your general or family doctor for their recommendations. Make a list of a few you like the best and move on to do some research.
2. Check Out Their Credentials
After you have accumulated a few names, take time to review their credentials. A doctor can have a license to practice and still not have all the necessary credentials. The OB-GYN you pick should be board-certified with no history of any disciplinary reports or malpractice suits.
3. Review Their Experience
Your reproductive and sexual health should be protected and treated by a doctor with experience in the areas you need or may need in the future. If you may be susceptible to high-risk pregnancies, certain cancer risks, and other related conditions you need to find a doctor with the exact experience you need. It is helpful to read online reviews. However, keep in mind that some people are never satisfied and look for trends and not just one negative review.
4. Look Into Your Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance, this is a practical consideration. It is a good idea when choosing a doctor to confirm they are within the network with your insurance company. Coverage may be a deciding factor and will also help to narrow the candidates. You can still pick a doctor out of network but you need an understanding of what any out-of-pocket costs will be.
5. Research Their Hospital
Not only are you choosing a doctor, but you are also choosing a hospital. The quality of the hospital will speak to the overall care you will receive. You will not just be seen by the doctor, but also by nurses and other staff. Make sure the hospital has a good reputation. Distance is often a factor as well. You may be taking frequent trips to this hospital and it should be convenient to get to and not too far away.
6. Can You Be Completely Honest With Them?
Other than their experience, this may be the most important factor to consider. You must establish a relationship with your gynecologist where you can be completely honest with them.
Your doctor not only treats the most intimate areas of your body but is also privy to intimate details. If you cannot be truthful in sharing concerns then this is not the right doctor. You should also consider their gender. Do you want a female gynecologist? Not all women do, but it is worth thinking about and choosing someone you can openly communicate with.
7. Are They Open to Discussing Issues Important to You
In addition to their honesty, their communication style is important. Your doctor should listen to you and address all your concerns. What are their goals and practices for pain management? How available are they after hours? Whatever your concerns or wishes are you need to find an OB-GYN who will patiently discuss each one.
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