Irregular Periods

If you have ever faced the problem of delayed, irregular or frequent periods, rest assured that you are not alone. Several women all across the world have experienced similar problems at some time or the other. Women usually have a regular monthly cycle.

When this is broken, that is, when your periods are too frequent (with less than 25 to 30 days gap between them), or...

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...if you skip or miss a monthly cycle, every now and then, your periods are termed as irregular.

In fact, there are many women who have also experienced bleeding between periods, which can be quite a confusing and perhaps even scary occurrence. One of the biggest problems in this case is that you never know when the bleeding may occur between periods. For example, your period may just finish, but you may notice that you are bleeding again, a week, two weeks or even three weeks later. In some women, the bleeding between periods could be a one off occurrence, but there are many women who face this on a regular basis, perhaps even every month. What makes is worse is that at most times, women not only see bleeding, but also go through the other symptoms of the menstrual cycle. This means that they probably go through bleeding between periods, cramping and pain, even when they are not menstruating. Hence, this could cause any woman to get quite worked up.

It is not uncommon for women to see bleeding between periods after going on the pill. In fact, there are many health experts who warn women that they may see bleeding between periods after the pill or IUD, especially for the first 3 to 6 months. This could be due to a change in hormonal levels, which causes the levels of estrogen to fluctuate. However, in case you suffer from irregular bleeding even after three months are up, then it is best for you to consult your doctor. Using certain pills could cause a women to go through the problem of bleeding between periods when on the pill. There are many women who could also face this because of taking emergency birth control pills.

Bleeding between periods, abdominal pain and cramping are not always a reaction to birth control methods. There could be a few other factors too, that can lead to bleeding between periods and pelvic pain or abdominal cramps in women. Some of the causes could be minor, but in some cases, women may have a major cause for concern at hands. Therefore, as soon as women experience bleeding between their periods, it is important for them to visit a doctor and undergo a few tests, to rule out the possibility of any major health condition. An early diagnosis of the problem also usually makes it easier to treat it.

Given below are some of the common factors that could lead to frequent bleeding in women:

Irregular periods can be caused by many reasons, some minor, and some severe, requiring medical intervention:

  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Amiscarriage
  • Pregnancy
  • Taking (or stopping) the pill
  • Excessive weight gain or loss

PCOs:

Many women suffer from polycystic ovaries (PCOs), a condition characterized by infrequent or missed periods, and accompanied by pain and discomfort. Sometimes there is excessive acne or growth of hair on the face, chest and abdomen.

The causes could be

  • Imbalance of hormones
  • Weight gain
  • Heredity

It also increases the risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or infertility. PCOs are generally treated by medicines to improve the hormonal balance, and in rare cases surgery may be involved.

Bleeding Between Periods And Fibroids

A uterine fibroid can be described as a type of a pelvic tumor, which is very common in women. Fibroids affect around 20% of those women who are in their childbearing years. However, at times, they can also be seen in women who are below the age of twenty. In some women, fibroids do not have any symptoms, but others may experience many symptoms of this condition, through bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, increased menstruation, painful intercourse and increased urination. In order to get this problem treated, women need to consult a doctor immediately.

This could be caused by various health or external situations such as:

  • Hormonal fluctuation, especially low thyroid levels.
  • Stopping or beginning oral contraceptives which contain estrogens.
  • Stress
  • An abortion
  • Sometimes intra-uterine devices (IUDs) can also cause spotting
  • Malignant cancers or certain vaginal infections
  • Injury to the vagina
  • Certain drugs to combat vaginal dryness

Irregular Periods After Pregnancy:

This is not an uncommon factor, but you need not worry. After childbirth, when your body is producing milk, the pituitary gland secretes larger quantities of a substance called prolactin. This suppresses the functions of the ovary, leading to missed or irregular periods.

However, if you miss out two or more monthly cycles, it is advisable to get yourself checked by a doctor to rule out another pregnancy.

Bleeding Between Periods And Cancer

Vaginal bleeding is one of the indications on cancer in women, especially those who are elderly. This occurrence could point towards either cancer, or pre-cancer in the cervix, the uterus or in some rare cases, the fallopian tube. This condition too, should be treated by a doctor without any delay.

Bleeding Between Periods and PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, more commonly referred to, as PCOS, is a condition affecting several women, in which a number of cysts develop in the ovaries. This problem is known to trigger off symptoms like spotting and bleeding, along with acne, weight gain and excessive hair growth. Most women suffering from PCOS generally have irregular menstrual cycles too. Studies show that there is a strong correlation between regular periods and pregnancy. Therefore, women with PCOS generally also experience fertility problems.

Irregular Periods After Pregnancy

Many women who have had regular menstrual cycles all their lives notice a change in their periods after pregnancy, they experience irregular periods after pregnancy and childbirth. Although this can be quite a concern for any woman, it is actually the body's natural way of preventing another pregnancy. The chances of irregular periods after childbirth are much higher in women who are breastfeeding, due to hormonal changes in the body. Nursing mothers who have irregular periods usually regard it as a way to avoiding another pregnancy. However, if there are repeated instances of bleeding between periods after pregnancy, it is best to check with a doctor.

Irregular Periods After Miscarriage

The body undergoes a few hormonal changes after a miscarriage, which could cause irregular periods. It may take some time for the body to come back to normal.

However, if you miss out two or more monthly cycles, it is advisable to get yourself checked by a doctor to rule out another pregnancy.

Unfortunately, there are many hormonal changes that take place in a woman's body, even when she goes through a miscarriage. Moreover, in order to reduce the risks of any infections or further complications, women are generally advised to take different types of medication. Hence, all these changes could lead to the problem of irregular bleeding after miscarriage, for about 3 to 6 months. However, after that, the problem should be rectified. However, if a woman notices frequent bleeding between periods after miscarriage, then it may be advisable to consult a doctor.

Irregular periods on the pill:

Usually taking the pill leads to a regular monthly cycle. But this is usually called a 'false regularity' induced by the pill, and could be upset by reasons such as:

  • If you forget your regular dose of the pill
  • Some antibiotics or medications (and sometimes even increased intake of soy), can hinder the function of the birth control hormone.
  • Too much stress.

Missed Periods And Frequent Periods

While a missed periods may denote pregnancy, it is not always so. Missed periods or frequent periods, can both be grouped under irregular periods, and could be caused by various physical and hormonal factors:

  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Severe emotional stress
  • Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia
  • Excessive physical exercise
  • Excessive intake of alcohol
  • Uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps or endometriosis.

Most women prefer to avoid medication that can help stabilize their periods, because of the different side effects that are associated with it, like nausea, dizziness and so on. Fortunately, there are many other home remedies and lifestyle changes through which they can improve their overall health and also make their menstrual cycle more regular. Of course, the most important factor for this is following a healthy diet and drinking a lot of water. Women should also ensure that they get an adequate amount of rest and exercise each day. There are certain yoga poses too, that could help them relieve many of their health problems; yoga experts usually talk about bhujangasana benefits for irregular periods, menstrual pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Yoga helps in all these conditions, but it is always best to consult a doctor first.

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