The experience of irregular periods can vary from person to person, with some experiencing it occasionally while others face it more regularly. Though in most cases these aren't harmful, it's important to delve into the reasons behind such irregularities. Here are some of the most common culprits.
1. Stress Is a Major Culprit 🧠💔
Stress tops the list as the most common cause of irregular periods. The body's stress hormone, cortisol, directly influences the production of estrogen and progesterone, two key sex hormones. An excess of cortisol in your bloodstream can lead to shifts in the timing and flow of your menstrual cycle.
In a complex chain of events, the hypothalamus in the brain signals the pituitary gland, which in turn signals the ovary, and finally, the ovary signals the uterus. This process ensures a normal menstrual cycle. However, the hypothalamus, located adjacent to brain areas influencing emotions, can be negatively affected by stress, shutting down this signaling process. From an evolutionary perspective, high-stress situations are not ideal for pregnancy, leading the body to shut down these processes as a precautionary measure.
2. Diet Plays a Significant Role 🥗🍔
What you consume, and more specifically, your weight, can impact the regularity of your periods. Consuming a diet rich in unhealthy carbs or experiencing sudden weight changes can cause your body to produce varying levels of certain hormones, altering when you ovulate.
Substantial weight loss can have a profound impact on the menstrual cycle. To maintain a regular cycle, your body fat percentage should ideally be between 17 to 22 percent. Evolutionarily, a state of starvation isn't conducive to maintaining a healthy pregnancy, leading the system to shut down when weight drops significantly.
3. Too Much Exercise Can Be a Problem 🏋️♀️💪
Excessive exercise can potentially cause irregular periods. Our bodies need energy to menstruate. If you're burning excessive energy in the gym, there might be insufficient energy left for menstruation.
Drastic changes in weight and excessive exercise can lead to decreased body fat, resulting in decreased production of hormones such as leptin, contributing to irregular periods.
4. Birth Control Pills and Their Effects 💊💡
It may take several months for your body to adjust to the hormones delivered by birth control pills. Light or non-existent periods can be a side effect of low-dose birth control pills. Once you stop taking the pill, your periods may take a few months to return to normal. If you notice amenorrhea (absence of periods) once you stop taking the pill, it could be an indication of an underlying hormonal problem that was masked by the pill. In such a case, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Common Cause 🚺🚑
PCOS, which affects up to 5 million people with uteruses in the U.S., causes cysts to form on the ovaries, interfering with regular ovulation. Symptoms can include hair growth, weight gain, dandruff, and infertility.
PCOS is complex and entails more than just missed periods. Anovulation, or the absence of ovulation, is one of the characteristics of this disorder. If an egg is not released from the ovary, the uterine lining does not shed and can lead to a heavy and lengthy period when it finally does.
6. Menopause: A Natural Phase of Life 👵💖
Just like pregnancy, menopause occurs when hormone levels in the body start to shift. Irregular periods can start up to a decade before menopause sets in, typically around your late 40s or early 50s. As a person approaches menopause, ovulation becomes sporadic, leading to similarly sporadic periods.
7. Medications and Their Interactions 💉💊
Taking certain medications can also affect your period. Aspirin, Coumadin, ibuprofen, naproxen, birth control pills, Depo-Provera, Nexplanon or Implanon, Mirena IUD, and thyroid medication can all potentially disrupt your menstrual cycle.
8. Pregnancy: A Period-Free Phase 👶💕
Pregnancy halts menstruation. A period occurs when a prepared uterine lining fails to implant a fertilized egg. Hence, it's impossible for someone to have periods during pregnancy. If you suspect you might be pregnant, consulting a doctor for confirmation is crucial.
9. Jet-Set Life and Time Zone Changes ✈️🌎
Traveling across different time zones can disrupt your period. Your menstrual cycle affects and is affected by your body's circadian rhythms or internal clock that controls its sleep-wake cycle. Any disruptions in this internal clock, like a trip overseas, can subsequently cause changes in your period's normal schedule.
Addressing Irregular Periods: Here's What You Can Do 🙌🌈
An occasional irregular period is typically not a cause for concern (unless, of course, you suspect an unwanted pregnancy). However, regular periods are generally a sign of good health and balanced hormones. If you've been missing your period for more than six months, a consultation with your healthcare provider is necessary.
Hormonal options like birth control pills or progesterone are commonly used to regulate and balance periods. Some may also opt for acupressure or homeopathic alternatives to regulate their menstrual cycle. Remember, whenever in doubt, consult with your doctor. As Dr. Ross says, "Always better safe than sorry, especially with irregular periods."
Further Causes of Irregular Periods
While stress, diet, exercise, birth control, PCOS, menopause, medications, pregnancy, and jet lag are all common causes of irregular periods, there are other reasons as well.
10. Underlying Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause irregular periods, including thyroid disorders, diabetes, celiac disease, and heart disease. For instance, the thyroid gland, located in the neck, regulates metabolism by controlling the production of proteins and body's use of energy. Thyroid disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including irregular periods.
11. Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Uterine fibroids or polyps are benign growths that can occur in the uterus. They may cause heavier or prolonged periods. In some cases, they can also result in spotting or bleeding between periods.
12. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, typically on other parts of the reproductive system such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This can cause a number of symptoms, including pain, infertility, and irregular periods.
13. Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, occurs when the ovaries stop working normally before a person is 40. It can lead to irregular or missed periods, infertility, hot flashes, and other symptoms.
14. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the phase before menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, and this can lead to irregular periods. Perimenopause usually starts in a person's mid- to late-40s and lasts until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
15. Breastfeeding
After giving birth, breastfeeding can delay the return of regular periods. This is because breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, causing irregular menstruation or even amenorrhea, the absence of periods.
16. Certain Cancer Treatments
Some treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause irregular periods or even stop them altogether. In some cases, this effect can be temporary, but in others, it may be permanent, leading to early menopause.
Conclusion
Experiencing irregular periods can sometimes be stressful and worrisome. However, it's important to remember that it's relatively common, especially during certain phases of life such as puberty and menopause. In many cases, irregular periods are not a cause for concern.
Nevertheless, if you notice a persistent change in your menstrual cycle or if your irregular periods are causing distress, it's important to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes. Your menstrual health is an essential part of your overall well-being, so it's important to feel comfortable discussing it with your healthcare provider.