Why is My Period Irregular, and How Can I Fix It?

Most people think that the struggles related to periods last only for 4 days. But the truth is, for many women, it is a 28-day guessing game. Will it come too early? Too late? Will it last for days or barely show up? And the worst nightmare - will I even get my periods?

A regular period is not just about marking a date on the calendar. It is a sign of balance and good hormonal health. If your periods have been all over the place, let us figure out why and how you can get them back on track.

What is an Irregular Period?

A menstrual cycle is the number of days between the first day of one period and the first day of the next. On average, this cycle lasts 28 days. However, it is normal for some women to have cycles as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. As long as your period follows a consistent pattern within this range, it is considered regular.

An irregular period is when the cycle does not follow a predictable rhythm. This means:

• Periods that come too early (less than 21 days apart) or too late (more than 35 days apart).
• A cycle length that changes drastically from one month to another.
• Skipping periods entirely or going months without bleeding.
• Spotting between periods, even when you are not due.
• Heavy bleeding, which means needing to change pads or tampons every hour.
• Your periods last longer than 7 days.
• There is extreme light flow or spotting, and it barely needs a pad or tampon.

What are the Conditions Related to Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are more than just a scheduling hassle. They can sometimes indicate underlying health concerns such as:

• Amenorrhoea: A condition when periods stop entirely for 90 days or more unless due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. It can also refer to delayed menstruation (not starting by age 15-16 or within three years of breast development).
• Oligomenorrhea: A medical term for infrequent periods where a cycle lasts longer than 35 days or occurs fewer than six to eight times a year.
• Dysmenorrhoea: Severe period pain and cramps that interfere with daily life. While mild discomfort is normal, excessive pain may indicate underlying conditions like endometriosis.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Unusual bleeding patterns, including bleeding between periods, excessively heavy flow, or prolonged periods lasting more than seven days.
• Anaemia: Heavy or prolonged bleeding may cause iron deficiency, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.

What are the Causes of an Irregular Period?

Some of the common causes of an irregular period are:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal condition that disturbs ovulation and leads to irregular cycles, acne, weight gain, and fertility challenges.
• Stress and Anxiety: High stress levels can disturb hormone production and lead to delayed or missed periods.
• Weight Fluctuations: Sudden weight loss or gain can affect oestrogen levels, leading to irregular cycles.
• Ovarian Cysts: Irregular ovulation may contribute to the formation of fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, which sometimes causes pain and hormonal imbalances.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with menstrual cycles. Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, causing heavy periods, while hyperthyroidism speeds it up, leading to light or missed periods.
• Birth Control and Medications: Certain contraceptive pills, hormonal therapies, and medications can alter healthy cycle regulation.
• Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding.
• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, celiac disease, and other health issues may impact hormone balance and cycle regularity.
• Endometrial Cancer: Long gaps between periods or consistently skipped cycles can lead to abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Osteoporosis: Irregular cycles lead to low oestrogen levels, which can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid, or insulin levels can impact the cycle.
• Perimenopause: The transition to menopause can cause cycles to become unpredictable before they stop altogether.

How Are Irregular Periods Diagnosed?

Gynaecologists use a combination of medical history, physical exams, and tests to diagnose irregular periods. Here’s what to expect during an evaluation:

• Menstrual History Review: Your doctor will ask about cycle length, flow, pain levels, and any noticeable changes. Keeping a period tracker can help provide accurate details.
• Physical and Pelvic Exam: A routine check-up helps detect abnormalities in reproductive organs.
• Blood Tests: Hormone levels (oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and prolactin) help identify imbalances affecting your cycle.
• Ultrasound Scan: Imaging checks for PCOS, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or uterine polyps.
• Endometrial Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample from the uterine lining is taken to check for conditions like endometrial cancer.

If your periods have been irregular for more than 3 months, it is best to consult a doctor to prevent further complications.

What Can You Do to Regulate Your Periods?

The following are some ways to regulate your cycle:

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can unbalance hormone levels, leading to irregular cycles. Practise relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to keep stress in check.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight or overweight affects oestrogen production, which plays a key role in menstrual regulation. Aim for a well-balanced diet and a stable weight to keep your cycle on track.
• Exercise in Moderation: Staying active is beneficial if you want to manage your hormones and periods naturally. Opt for balanced exercises like walking, swimming, or strength training.
• Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Ensure your meals include protein, iron, folic acid, and essential vitamins. Leafy greens, nuts, eggs, paneer, chicken, tofu, chickpeas, and avocados support hormonal and reproductive health.
• Try Herbal Remedies: Instead of popping pills, add a hormone-balancing brew to your everyday routine. This Ayurvedic tea uses 11 herbs, such as spearmint, ashwagandha, shatavari, peppermint, ginger, and more. It is a clinically proven and certified brew that regulates your cycle naturally.

FAQ's

1. Can I get pregnant if my periods are irregular?

Yes, but irregular cycles may make it harder to track ovulation. If you are trying to conceive and have irregular periods, consult a doctor for guidance on improving ovulation and fertility.

2. What can I drink to have regular periods?

You must drink all-natural hormone-balancing brews made with 11 Ayurvedic herbs, such as peppermint, stinging nettle, ashwagandha, lodhra, shatavari, lemongrass, spearmint, ginger, cinnamon, and more.

3. Is it okay to have irregular periods?

It's okay and normal to have occasional irregularities due to stress or certain lifestyle changes. But frequent disruptions in your cycle mean irregular menstrual cycles and indicate the need for attention.