Is your irregular period a warning sign of something serious?

Time of India

a day ago

Irregular periods are something that many women face at different times in their life. Sometimes it's a missed period and sometimes it comes early or too late. However, it may not look like a big problem but it often leaves women wondering if they should be worried or not.
As a doctor I have treated many women and I know how difficult irregular periods can make you feel. That's why today, I'll explain everything about irregular menstrual cycles. I'll explain why they happen, what they mean, and when to see a doctor. Continue reading the article to get better, clear answers and proper advice.
What is an Irregular Period?
An irregular period means that your periods are not coming at the same time every month. Your periods could be early, late, missed, or come with too much or too little bleeding.
However, one or two changes are normal but if it happens every month then it may be a sign that your body needs proper care.
Why Do Periods Become Irregular?
Periods can become irregular when there is a change in the hormones that control your cycle. This can happen due to many reasons and some common causes of irregular periods are:
● Stress or emotional changes
● Sudden weight gain or weight loss
● Too much exercise
● Poor diet or not eating enough
● PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
● Thyroid problems (overactive or underactive)
● Hormonal imbalance
● Starting or stopping birth control
● Breastfeeding
● Menopause or puberty
● Certain medicines or health conditions
Is It Normal or Something Serious?
Sometimes irregular periods are just a normal part of life.
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Additionally, stress, changes in your routine, or even travel can make your cycle a little late for sometime.
Additionally, your period may get back to normal by itself.
But if your periods are late, too heavy, or missing for months then it might be a sign of something serious. The reason can be PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or a thyroid problem. In short, if you experience this rarely then it's okay. However, if it happens a lot then it's a good idea to consult a doctor.
How are Irregular Periods Diagnosed?
Doctors will ask you about your health, daily routine, and period history to understand why your periods are not regular. Additionally, they may also suggest some tests, including the following:
● Blood Test – This will help to check your hormone and thyroid levels.
● Ultrasound – This helps to look at your ovaries and uterus if you may have PCOS.
Irregular Periods Treatments
Here are some common treatment options for irregular menstrual cycles:
➔ Lifestyle Changes: It's important to change your lifestyle by eating healthy, doing exercise, and managing stress to manage your periods.
➔ Medications: Your doctor may give you birth control pills or other hormonal treatments to balance your cycle.
➔ Other Health Conditions: If you have conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems then it's important to treat them. This will help to make your periods regular and normal.
➔ Surgery: In some cases your doctor might recommend a surgery. However, this may be needed for serious conditions like endometrial problems.
Tips for Managing Your Menstrual Health
Here are some easy tips you can follow to maintain your menstrual health:
● Track Your Cycle: It's important to track your periods and see if there's any changes in your cycle.
● Eat Healthy: Include fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your diet. It's important to avoid too much sugar or caffeine.
● Exercise: You can do light exercises, like walking or yoga. This can help to balance your hormones.
● Manage Stress: Try relaxing activities like meditation to reduce your stress.
● Drink Water: It's important to keep yourself hydrated to reduce bloating and cramps.
● Get Enough Sleep: Try to get enough sleep to keep your hormones balanced.
Irregular periods can happen due to many reasons like stress, food habits, or health problems. It's important to follow some simple steps like eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, and staying calm to manage your periods. If your periods are still irregular then it's best to talk to a doctor.
(Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior Gynecologist and Co-founder of RISAA IVF)
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