The menstrual cycle irregularity is normal in most women. However, certain conditions need to be addressed. The menstrual cycle is a monthly process during which a woman’s body prepares for a potential pregnancy. The length of each phase of the cycle may vary from one woman to another and signify underlying health risks.
If your menstruation is irregular, you may have an underlying health problem.
What makes your period irregular?
Here are some of the common causes of menstrual cycle irregularity:
- Stress: Depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders can cause hormonal imbalance that leads to menstrual cycle irregularities. You may be stressed out due to work or school load, which may cause you to alter your diet and exercise routine. This lifestyle change may disrupt your menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Imbalance: A hormonal imbalance can lead to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that affects the reproductive organs and causes ovarian cysts and periods changes. Women with PCOS usually experience infrequent or absent periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, weight gain around the waistline, headaches or migraines, as well as depression or anxiety.
- Thyroid Issues: Thyroid problems are also a common cause of menstrual cycle irregularities. Studies conducted by researchers from Harvard University Medical School in Boston in 2010 found that women with thyroid disorders were more likely to experience irregular periods than those without such disorders. The study involved almost 1 million adult women and revealed that those who had thyroid gland issues were 2 times more likely to experience irregular periods than those who did not have any thyroid issues.
- Polyps: The presence of polyps in the uterus can affect a woman’s fertility as they interfere with ovulation or implantation once fertilization has occurred. Polyps are usually noncancerous growths on the inner walls of the uterus. They can cause a hormonal imbalance and affect the menstrual cycle.
- Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. The growth of such tumors is accompanied by a decrease in the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, which are hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
What causes irregularity in menstrual cycle?
The following are some of the common causes of menstrual cycle irregularities:
1) Stress: Stress can alter hormone levels in the body and interfere with ovulation;
2) Excessive exercise: Too much activity can lead to low levels of body fat which may result in irregular or skipped periods;
3) Hormonal imbalance: Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone control the menstrual cycle. If there is an imbalance in these hormones, menstruation may not occur properly;
4) Medications: Some medications such as birth control pills or antidepressants can cause hormonal imbalances that result in irregular periods;
5) Illness: An illness such as thyroid dysfunction or diabetes can cause hormonal imbalances which may lead to irregular menstruation.
While they are not usually serious health problems, they are sometimes signs of hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions that need more attention.
The normal menstrual cycle lasts from 28 to 35 days, depending on age, hormonal load, and the habits of each one.
For this reason, if the cycle is not common or presents some abnormality, it is advisable to consult the doctor to determine if it is due to any complication.
What is the Menstrual Cycle Irregularity You Should Not Ignore?
Taking into account that many do not know how to differentiate it, this time we want to share in detail the most 6 irregularities that should not be overlooked:
1. Absence of menstrual cycle for more than three months.
This is the most common cause of women’s concern about the first signs of irregular menstruation. The absence of menstruation for three consecutive months requires a medical evaluation, although there are some situations in which it is not necessary to go to the doctor:
1- If the woman has been pregnant within the past 6 months;
2- If a woman has previously had amenorrhea but has resumed normal menstruation;
3- If she is under 14 years of age.
In general, it will be necessary to consult a doctor if other symptoms accompany this situation such as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, or loss of weight without dieting. It may also occur because of excessive exercise or stress in your life, which must also be evaluated by your doctor.
There are many causes of menstrual irregularities due to hormonal imbalance, endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease, polycystic ovaries, adrenal gland disorder, or diabetes. Hormonal disorders may cause anovulation (lack of ovulation), oligomenorrhea (irregular periods), and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), but it is not necessary to have a hormonal disorder to experience these problems. It may be necessary to do a complete evaluation, including a physical examination, ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus, and blood tests. In some cases, laparoscopy is required to evaluate the pelvic organs. Once the cause of amenorrhea has been identified, you can begin treatment if necessary.
2. Clot formation
The menstrual fluid contains a small amount of blood. During the first phase of menstruation, this blood collects in the uterus under the influence of prostaglandins. If you are taking an oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, you may have an increased risk of clot formation if you do not use a barrier contraceptive method during intercourse. This can cause a blockage in your fallopian tubes and is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
It is not normal for menstrual bleeding to suddenly have large and abundant clots. These are only common for the first few days after giving birth.
3. Menstrual period with heavy and prolonged bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding, known in medical terms as menorrhagia, is common among women. Also, most have them at least once. Some even have them all the time. The menstrual blood loss is greater than 80ml (2.7 fl oz) in one cycle. In most cases, heavy bleeding occurs when a woman has her period for longer than seven days.
Most causes of heavy bleeding are not serious and can be treated with medication or surgery. Most causes of heavy bleeding are not serious and can be treated with medication or surgery. But you should see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- You have anemia.
- You have bruising and fever.
- You have severe pain in your abdomen or lower back.
- Your blood pressure drops significantly when you stand up from a sitting or lying position.
- Your blood tests show a significant increase in your blood iron levels. This is called microcytic anemia and occurs when the body does not absorb enough iron from the food you eat, even though the amount of iron in your body is adequate. You may also have this problem if you are taking medications that interfere with your ability to absorb iron or if you are carrying an extra chromosome (trisomy 21) that interferes with how your body absorbs iron.
A woman’s menstrual bleeding may be heavy and prolonged, causing her to bleed for more than seven days in one cycle, which is called menorrhagia. Most women with menorrhagia do not experience any symptoms of the condition and do not see a doctor until it has become severe enough to require treatment. Several other factors can cause menorrhagia, including:
- Polyps in the uterus (endometrial polyps) – can grow into abnormal areas where there should be no growths; this can result in heavy bleeding during menstruation.
- The uterus is swollen because of fibroids, ovarian cysts, tumors, or endometrial polyps.
If bleeding continues after these causes are ruled out, endometrial cancer may be responsible. A woman with endometrial cancer has abnormal changes in the lining of her uterus. The type of change varies from person to person.
If you have heavy bleeding for more than seven days in one menstrual cycle, see your doctor immediately. Heavy bleeding is a symptom of a uterine condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How much menstrual bleeding is abnormal?
It is very important to know how often you are bleeding, and the normal range for women is from 35-45 ml/day of normal menstruation.
4. Painful menstrual cycle irregularity
Painful menstrual cycle irregularity may be due to a hormonal imbalance and is a common reason for bleeding irregularities. The reproductive organs are controlled by hormones. When the levels of these hormones are out of balance, it can cause pain in the abdomen, irregular periods, or heavy bleeding. If this is the case, it is best to go to your doctor as soon as possible so that they can help you regulate your hormones again.
This condition is known as dysmenorrhea and it can become complicated to the point of disability. Painful menstrual cycle irregularity is the most common cause of dysmenorrhea.
5. Cervical polyps and cancer
One of the most common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding is cervical polyps. They are small growths or clusters of cells that form on the cervix, which is the entrance to your uterus. The cause of their formation is not known, but it could be due to infection or inflammation. Cervical polyps can also be caused by cancerous cells in your cervix; however, this is very rare. If you have cervical polyps, they will be removed during a colposcopy procedure with a special device called a colposcope. Polyps in your cervix can cause heavy bleeding because they prevent menstrual blood from flowing out easily through the cervix and into your vagina.
Cancerous cells in your cervix are usually caught early enough to treat before they become life-threatening, but if you have any of these symptoms:
6. Bleeding between periods
Menstrual bleeding between periods, also called menorrhagia, is the result of excessive menstrual blood loss. Menorrhagia can cause a great deal of pain and can result in other complications such as iron deficiency anemia, painful cramps, and even infertility. The cause of menorrhagia is not completely known. Some researchers believe that it could be caused by endometriosis or by inflammation in the uterus that affects blood vessels in the uterus. If you have this symptom, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Tips to regulate the menstrual cycle
The following are some of the common remedies to regulate the menstrual cycle:
1) Fertility Awareness Method: This involves monitoring various fertility signs such as body temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar dates to predict one’s fertility. This method is not very reliable as it does not take into account other factors that affect ovulation, such as stress and illness;
2) Herbal Remedies: Some herbs that may help to regulate menstruation include vitex, chaste tree berry, and agnus castus. However, there is no evidence that these herbs are effective in regulating menstruation;
3) Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be used to treat irregular menstruation by restoring balance to the body’s energy flow.
4) Supplements: Some supplements may help regulate menstruation by restoring hormonal balance;
5) Birth control pills: This option is often used when other methods have failed to restore regular periods. It involves taking a combination of synthetic female hormones which suppress ovulation and make the uterine lining unsuitable for implantation of an embryo.
Healthy Diet for Menstrual Cycle Irregularity
The best way to ensure regular menstrual cycles is to have a healthy diet plan that includes all foods from all food groups. The following are some tips for having a healthy diet plan:
1) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are essential for good health and balanced hormone levels;
2) Choose whole grains over processed ones as they help reduce inflammation in the body;
3) Consume lean meat products such as chicken instead of red meat as they contain less saturated fat;
4) Avoid foods containing high amounts of salt or sugar as too much salt can lead to water retention; while too much sugar can increase insulin levels in the body which may interfere with ovulation;
5) Include calcium-rich foods in your diet plans such as low-fat dairy products, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables like kale or collard greens;
6) Opt for low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese instead of ice cream when you crave something sweet;
7) Drink plenty of water and unsweetened tea to stay hydrated;
8) Keep a food diary to monitor your diet plan.
Once you have a healthy diet plan that supports your ovulation, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake.
Can your period be irregular after birth?
Yes, estriol is a small molecule and can be quickly metabolized by the body, so it’s important to take sensible precautions during pregnancy to protect yourself from any side effects.
Estriol is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus. It helps prevent miscarriage and also acts as an appetite suppressant, helping you feel less hungry.
Can your period be irregular while breastfeeding?
There are a lot of misconceptions about breastfeeding and periods. Some people believe that it’s impossible to have a period while you’re breastfeeding, while others think it’s perfectly fine. In reality, many factors can affect your period, including the type of milk you’re feeding your baby and whether or not you’re exclusively breastfeeding. If you have any questions about whether or not you can have a period while you’re breastfeeding, ask your doctor.
What is the ICD 10 code for Menstrual Cycle Irregularity periods?
- ICD 10 code: F53.3
The ICD 10 code for Menstrual Cycle Irregularity is F53.3. The ICD 10 code for menstrual cycle irregularity is used in the diagnosis of some disorders and diseases, which are related to irregular menstruation. The ICD 10 code for Menstrual Cycle Irregularity is used by healthcare professionals to classify menstruation disorders that are unrelated to other diseases or conditions, including medical conditions that may affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. An example of this would be a disorder that affects the function of the ovaries (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), which could be classified under F54.2 – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Menstrual cycle irregularity treatment
The treatment for menstrual cycle irregularity depends on the cause of the irregularity. If you have primary amenorrhea, you will need to be treated with a form of birth control pill or an intrauterine device (IUD). If you have secondary amenorrhea, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy. If you have menstrual cycle irregularity in addition to primary or secondary amenorrhea, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
When is it necessary to consult the doctor?
In summary, keep in mind that you should consult your doctor or gynecologist if:
- The vaginal fluids of the menstrual period are abundant;
- There is a prolonged absence of the menstrual period;
- Bleeds have a very strong or foul odor;
- Menstruation is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and fever;
- There is excessive excretion of blood clots;
- The menstrual period is late;
- During the period there is a strong feeling of fatigue;
Are you going through any of these irregularities? In reality, even if it seems like you can cope, the ideal is that you seek medical assistance. In this way, you will know if these complications have their origin in a more careful condition.
Request the pertinent exams and attend to the recommendations for their control.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to know the causes of irregularity which makes it impossible to control. Do not stress or panic and make sure you are aware of the changes in your body. If you have any doubts, consult a doctor or gynecologist.
Remember that the most important thing is to keep healthy and be aware of what happens in your body.
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