Suffering From Irregular Menstrual Cycle? Find The Right Cause To Regulate Your Menstrual Cycle!

Posted on Jul 02, 2007 | Comments 280

Irregular menstrual cycle refers to a change in regular menstrual periods or menses.

Menses is a natural way of cleaning of the uterus and vagina of sperm and bacteria that are carried. A menstrual cycle is measured from the start of one menses to the start of another.

Mostly it ranges anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Every woman usually has a certain cycle length that is rather constant but sometimes varies 1-2 days per month.

Remember that the onset of menses for every 35 days (regularly) is not considered as irregular menstrual cycle. However, irregular menstrual cycles can be either of short term or long-term irregularity.

Long-term irregularity can be anything from a cycle that changes in length from month to month to the experience of various abnormal symptoms such as heavy bleeding, no cycle for months for a period of time, very painful periods or ovulation.

Short-term irregularity can be due to any of the causes such as fatigue, stress, and over exercise which generally occurs infrequently. Irregular menstrual cycle has become common problem among women today. It is found that one out of every five women suffer with this problem. There are several reasons for a menstrual cycle to become irregular.

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycle

The cause of irregular menstrual cycle is mostly related to stresses, tension, ingested medications and caffeine, a substance that disrupt corpus luteum function or even act as anticoagulant blood thinners.

Remember that fluctuation in periods indicates the beginning of disturbance in the natural chain of hormonal events that manage menstruation.

Cigarette smoking is another reason for irregular menstrual cycles because it shortens the follicular phase. It also shortens the luteal phase if smoking is heavy. However, extreme alcohol intake is also a reason for irregular menstrual cycle.

The other common responsible factors for irregular menstrual cycle are:

significant weight gain or loss, over-exercise, breastfeeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome/estrogen dominance, poor nutrition, medications, chemotherapy eating disorders, hormonal imbalance, recent childbirth, miscarriage or uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endometriosis).

The occasional skipped menses cycle is not the only symptom of this problem. However, continued abnormality in period is also an indication of irregular ovulation and irregular menstrual cycle. If you notice this problem, then right away consult your gynecologist for appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Your gynecologist will refer to your medical history and conduct a physical examination. As irregular menstrual cycle is treated according to the cause, it is determined with a blood test, ultrasound and biopsy.

Often hormonal imbalance will be the major cause for irregular menstrual cycle, which can be treated with appropriate drugs or hormones. Surgical removal of polyps or fibroids may also be done, if required.

Treatment for irregular menses is also based on your plan for children. If you decide to have pregnancy, then a hormonal contraceptive or supplement will be prescribed to regulate your menstrual cycles.

Never get tense regarding slight change or variation in your regular menstrual period. More than 50 percent of healthy women have the problem of Irregular menstrual cycle. However, consult your gynecologist if you are always with irregular menses.

Some helpful links that clear your doubts regarding Menstrual Cycle:

Can Stress Impact The Menstrual Cycle?

Eating Disorders And Irregular Periods

What Is The Effect Of Abortion On Menstruation?

What Are The Medical Problems That May Cause Irregular Periods?

What Causes Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)?