Lifestyle Changes Associated With Irregular Periods

Menstrual cycle isn’t always like clockwork. While some women get their periods right on schedule every 28 days, other women’s cycles aren’t so predictable.

Every woman is different -- including her periods. Some happen like clockwork, others are unpredictable. On average, a woman gets her period every 24 to 38 days. If you are a young woman and experiencing irregular periods, like missing out one in three months without being pregnant, then you should visit your gynecologist as it could be a serious concern.

It's fairly common to experience irregular periods from time to time - lifestyle changes and environmental factors such as shift work can make you late but absent periods (amenorrhea) especially at the early age should always be checked out. Below mentioned are some of the most common reasons by Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Expert from Mother's Lap IVF Centre for irregularity of period.

For Teenage Girls, Irregular Periods Could Act as a Time Bomb
Researchers have warned that if erratic menstrual cycles persist later into the teen years, girls should see a specialist to determine if they are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).

‘Exercising too much can throw off the timing of menstrual bleeding and sometimes stop it. It’s common for endurance athletes to have missed periods.’

Stress: One reason of your absent period could be your stress. Severe stress can have a major affect on your periods. High levels of physical or emotional stress hormones such as cortisol in your body interfere with menstrual hormones surges, resulting in a cycle that delays or that just stops.

Excessive exercise: Working out is good but if you exercise too much, or do it aggressively then your hormones will be disrupted in a similar way when you're stressed. Working out excessively without taking in enough calories can cause disruptions. If you are an avid gym-goer or athlete and you have very little body fat, there is a good chance you will begin to skip periods and have anovular cycles too.

Excess or less body weight: We know that not every fat is good, but some fat is essential. If your body weight sinks too low, you may stop ovulating. Being too thin also prevents pregnancy. In the same way excess weight can leads to obesity thereby increasing your chances of having diagnosed with infertility. Keep a watch on your weight; too much or too less body weight disrupts your cycle.

Overuse of Oral Contraceptives may Cause Blood Coagulation, Cardiovascular Diseases
Among several other health complications caused by oral contraceptives, breast tenderness and skin allergies have become prominent.

You may have PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is very common today especially at young age due to lifestyle habits. It's an endocrine disorder that has many symptoms, such as lack of or irregular periods, 'cysts' on the ovaries, fertility issues and weight gain. It can also cause excess body hair, acne, thinning hair and depression. Not everyone shows all these signs, however - it affects women in different ways. If untreated, then it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions such as Type-2 diabetes and heart problems; so don't ignore it!

You could be going through Pre-mature menopause: The menopause is something that we associate with older women, but premature ovarian failure (POF) can happen to younger women, too. The exact cause of POF remains undetermined but changing food habits, work cultures with increased pressure and high stress jobs are some of the reasons of your sudden menopause.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Do Not Make it Easy to go Through Menopause
Women who took vitamin D and calcium supplements were found to have the same number of menopausal symptoms as women who did not take the supplements.

Source-ANI

Time To Draw A Line Between Monthly Periods and Vaginal Bleeding
Prolonged or heavy bleeds can cause anemia, which may be particularly critical for those who are malnourished or have other underlying conditions, such as HIV.