Oligomenorrhea is a medical term for irregular menstrual periods. For women, the infrequent period can be concerning.
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique. A woman’s period has a menstrual cycle range of 21 to 38 days. Most women’s menstrual cycles last four to eight days. The menstrual cycle length varies from month to month, especially when a woman is undergoing puberty, hormone imbalance, breastfeeding or menopause. Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand different changes in your health.
Signs of Irregular Periods
- Blood flow that is heavier or lighter than the usual routine
- The time between each period changes most often
- The duration of the menstrual cycle lasts more than eight days
- Painful periods along with nausea, cramping, vomiting
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
- Low energy, tiredness, fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Large blood clots in the menstrual cycle
- Changing sanitary pads more frequently
- Waking up at night to change pads
- A menstrual cycle that lasts more than a week
Causes of Irregular Periods
The irregular menstrual cycle can have different causes ranging from depression to various medical conditions. Some of them are as under:
1- Hormone Imbalance
The hormones estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormones are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. The disruption in the menstrual cycle can cause irregular periods. An excess of these hormones may cause heavy bleeding. Irregular periods among young girls are casual. During puberty, the body undergoes significant changes. In some cases, it takes several years to regulate the periods.
2- Menopause
Irregular periods are frequent among women who are very close to menopause. During that time, hormone levels begin to fall. The duration of periods may get further and further apart until an individual stops having them entirely.
3- Lifestyle Factors
Gaining or losing unexplainable weight, poor dietary choices, no physical exercise, poor sleeping patterns, or other disruptions in a woman’s daily routine may cause her irregular periods.
4- Pregnancy or Breast-feeding
A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy. Better to do a pregnancy test before jumping to conclusions. Breastfeeding mothers can also get delays in the return of their menstrual cycle after pregnancy.
5- Medications
Some hormone medications, birth control pills, antipsychotics, anti-epileptics, or anti-inflammatory drugs may also cause irregular periods.
6- Birth Control Methods
Not just birth control pills but IUDs, implants, and rings may also cause irregular periods.
7- Excessive exercise
Too much exercise may cause irregular periods or stop them for some time.
8- Endometriosis
It is a condition in which cells that usually grow inside the uterus start growing outside of it. The endometrial tissues often attach themselves to the ovaries or sometimes grow in the lower digestive tract or the area of the uterus. Endometriosis may cause irregular periods, cramps, or pains before or during the periods.
9- Underlying Health Conditions
A few underlying health conditions may be a cause of irregular periods.
a- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In PCOS, the ovaries make excessive amounts of androgens, which are male hormones. Sometimes women with PCOS have irregular periods or stop menstruating thoroughly.
b- Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland generates hormones that may influence metabolism, heart rate, and various other bodily activities. Hyperthyroidism causes an overproduction of hormones, whereas hypothyroidism causes an underproduction of hormones. Periods can be mild or heavy due to thyroid dysfunction. It can also delay ovulation.
c- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. Symptoms of PID include vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, irregular periods, pain in the abdomen area, and vomiting.
d- Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. There can 78be one or more fibroids that may be as small as an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit. They can cause heavy bleeding, pain, or irregular periods.
e- Uncontrolled Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes may also cause irregular periods. The interaction between blood sugar levels and hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
f- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
POF occurs in women under the age of 40. With premature ovarian insufficiency, ovaries stop functioning frequently. The menstrual cycle stops just like menopause.
A few Complications With Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are not harmful. However, long-term irregularities may create some complications, such as:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: If periods are heavy, a woman may lose enough blood to cause iron deficiency.
- Infertility: When irregular periods occur, a woman’s body does not release enough eggs. That means that she can have difficulty getting pregnant.
- Osteoporosis: Estrogen is necessary for bone strength. Ovulation produces estrogen. A woman who does not ovulate sufficiently increases her chances of developing osteoporosis.
Treatment For Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are casual, so it does not require any treatment. The treatment depends on what is causing the irregularities. Probably women don’t do therapy for irregular periods unless they bother them.
1- Medications
Medications are the most common treatment that a physician may suggest.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Iron supplements
- Hormone replacement injections
- Hormone Therapy (HT): Doctors often prescribe birth control pills, containing estrogen and progesterone to help control irregular periods.
- Over-the-counter painkillers lessen the pain or cramps.
2- Lifestyle changes
Extreme changes in weight management gaining or losing may affect the menstrual cycle.
Managing stress with the help of meditation or yoga may help to relieve pain or cramps.
3- Surgery
Sometimes structural problems in the fallopian tubes, thyroid disease or PCOS are the causes of irregular periods. A doctor may suggest surgery to correct any structural problem.
4- Nutritional Therapy
This therapy can help an individual understand the type of diet that will help to reduce the symptoms and support hormone health.
5- Hijama Cupping Therapy
Hijama Cupping Therapy is an alternative, traditional medicine used by several cultures throughout history. The procedure is done by making shallow incisions at the targetted body parts and then removing toxic blood through suction.
Hijama cupping therapy is one of the oldest and the most effective ways to alleviate pain in several conditions, especially menstrual disorders including irregular periods, painful periods and PMS. Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common factors for menstrual irregularities. Hijama has been proven to assist the endocrine system in maintaining balanced estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Hijama treatment can also provide deep relaxation to the body, allowing it to perform at its best. Hijama cupping therapy is a natural, safe, and efficient method of treating most menstrual abnormalities. Sunnah points are one of the best points to target for hormonal imbalance.
Hijama cupping therapy promotes the flow of healthy blood throughout the body. It also helps with ovulation especially, when women deal with PCOS. Healthy blood flow decreases heavy periods and reduces painful menstrual cramps. Hijama cupping therapy removes toxic substances from the body that not only regulates menstrual irregularities, but strengthens the immune system, and reduces the blockage of fallopian tubes.
Several studies have shown that Hijama cupping therapy is very effective for several health conditions such as headache, backache, muscular pains, arthritis, menstrual cycle-related problems like dysmenorrhea, menorrhea, irregular periods and PMS.
A study aimed to investigate the use of Hijama cupping therapy among women of reproductive age. The survey was carried out in three cupping centres in Palestine, over three months, from September 2018 to December 2018, including all females of reproductive age who have been using cupping as a treatment for their menstrual problems. There were three main findings of this survey. Firstly, Hijama cupping therapy showed significant improvements in menstrual cycle-related issues. Secondly, an expressive reduction in muscular pain and migraine after Hijama cupping therapy. Thirdly, convincing satisfaction among patients was demonstrated after Hijama cupping therapy.
Diet for Irregular Periods
Nutritional deficiencies, overeating or undereating can wreck the hormones. So, avoiding certain foods and eating some others can boost the hormones and may help to regulate the periods to get them back on track.
- A low-carb diet plan can be both, helpful and harmful. Carbs are partially processed by the thyroid, so a low-carb diet can influence the hormones related to menstruation. A low-carb diet can also help to control weight.
- Research from 2009 suspected that too much fibre intake may affect ovulation.
- Vitamins B1, B6, D and Vitamin E are considered essential to regulate ovulation. Vitamins may help to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce muscular pains, fatigue and confusion.
- Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc and Fish oil may relieve menstrual cramps, depression and anxiety.
- Healthy doses of nutritious, healthy fats are good for overall health.
Best Food for Irregular Periods
- Ginger: Ginger is beneficial for enormous health problems including irregular periods. It contains gingerol that helps lower inflammation, facilitates hormonal imbalances and regulates the monthly occurrence of periods. Drinking a cup of ginger tea with a dash of lemon and honey on an empty stomach in the morning helps to fasten the metabolism. Unripe Papaya: Adding unripe papaya to your diet, especially close to your periodic cycle, helps contract the muscles in the uterus and helps the bloodstream flow frequently from the vagina.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice is an amazing remedy to regulate the periodic cycle and reduce excess weight. Having aloe vera with one teaspoon of honey before breakfast may regulate menstruation by helping you manage that hormonal imbalance. Try to avoid aloe vera juice during periods because it may increase uterine contractions.
- Turmeric: It is a miraculous home cure that can be used in various circumstances. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects, which aid in uterine cramp relief. Try turmeric with warm milk and honey to naturally pre-empt your periods. Take it every day until your menstruation arrives.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is necessary for both our kitchen and our health. It regulates blood flow to the uterus and may be used to treat irregular periods. During periods, it may alleviate abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. To get the finest results, mix a teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a glass of milk and drink it.
- Apple cider vinegar: In women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, consuming apple cider vinegar can help regulate menstrual cycles and hormones. You may also lose weight and have decreased blood sugar levels and insulin. Apple cider vinegar is bitter drink it by mixing it with honey to mask the taste better.
- Pineapples: Pineapple includes bromelain, an enzyme. It aids in the removal of the uterine lining, which initiates your periods. This fruit also boosts the synthesis of red and white blood cells, which aids in blood circulation.
Natural Ways to Get Regular Periods
1- According to recent research, women who regularly exercise are less likely to have menstruation pain, cramps, and mood swings. We don’t know why exercise helps with PMS, but studies show that it can release ‘happy’ hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which could explain the advantage.
2- Yoga may also be an effective treatment for several menstrual issues. Yoga helps to reduce menstrual pain, depression, and anxiety and improves the quality of life.
3- Stress reduction techniques should be practised more often. Deep breathing techniques, meditation and yoga are effective stress management methods.
4- Maintaining a healthy weight may help to reduce irregular periods.
5- Insufficient sleep can also lead to irregular periods. Because the circadian rhythms in your sleep-wake cycle also help to regulate your menstrual cycle (which is why shift workers often struggle with irregular periods). It’s critical to monitor not only the quantity of sleep you’re getting but also the quality of sleep in terms of going to bedtime and having a comfortable night’s sleep.
6- Hijama cupping therapy and acupuncture aid with the irregularities of the menstrual cycle.
Best Home Remedies For Irregular Periods
Besides taking the medication first, try some home remedies. Home remedies don’t have side effects, results are always incredible. Let’s share some of the most effective and reliable home remedies to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Remedy no#1
- Ginger Powder
- Ghee or mustard oil
- Cumin seeds
- Turmeric
Boil water in a pan, add all the ingredients and drink water.
Remedy no#2
- Curry leaves (Kari Paata)
- Carom seeds (Ajwain)
- Fenugreek seeds (Methi dana)
- A stick of Cinnamon
Boil water in the pan. Turn off the stove, and put all the ingredients together. Let them soak in water for 15 to 20 minutes and drink it.
Remedy no#3
- Methi Dana (Fenugreek seeds)
- Ajwain (Carom seeds)
- Kalonji (Black seeds)
- Espagol (Psyllium Husk)
Take all the ingredients in equal proportion. Grind them until it turns into a powder shape. Take one spoon in the morning empty stomach with a glass of lukewarm water.
Home remedies or lifestyle modifications can get your periods back on track. Therapies like Hijama cupping therapy, acupuncture, yoga and meditation may support more than medication. Some of the most effective medicines are indicators of a healthy lifestyle. You’ve heard it before: eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. If you’re concerned about your irregular cycles, consult your doctor.
