Menstrual health is a very regular and real aspect of women’s health that has a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.Often,it often remains a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma, especially in countries like India where menstrual health is still a taboo topic.
Menstrual irregularities, which refer to any changes in the normal menstrual cycle, are common and are regularly experienced by countless women across the world. These irregularities can manifest as missed periods, unusually heavy or light bleeding, or unpredictable cycle lengths. While some variations in menstrual cycles are normal, persistent irregularities may indicate underlying health issues that require immediate attention.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of menstrual irregularities, the impact they can have on a woman’s health, and the available treatments tailored to the needs of Indian women.
What is a Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a complex process controlled by hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. A typical cycle lasts between 21 to 35 days, with menstruation (which can be understood as the shedding of the uterine lining) occurring for 3 to 7 days. However, what is “normal” can vary significantly from one woman to another. Factors like age, lifestyle, and overall health can influence the regularity of periods.
Most Common Causes of Menstrual Irregularities:
A woman’s wellbeing, physical and mental health have a direct impact on her menstrual cycle. The reasons listed below are the most common causes of menstrual irregularities.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of menstrual irregularities. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and hyperprolactinemia can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular periods, missed periods, or even prolonged menstrual bleeding. In India, PCOS is particularly prevalent among young women and can have long-term effects on fertility if not managed properly.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors: High levels of stress, whether due to personal, professional, or societal pressures, can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance. In India, where societal expectations and family responsibilities can be significant, many women experience stress-related menstrual irregularities. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and rapid weight loss or gain can also affect menstrual cycles.
Birth Control and Medications: The use of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or injections, can lead to changes in menstrual patterns. Some women may experience lighter periods, while others might notice a complete absence of menstruation while on birth control. Certain medications, including those for epilepsy, depression, or chemotherapy, can also disrupt menstrual cycles.
Reproductive Health Issues: Conditions affecting the reproductive organs, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause irregular menstruation. These conditions may result in symptoms like heavy bleeding, painful periods, or irregular cycle lengths. In India, awareness about these conditions is growing, but many women still suffer in silence due to cultural taboos and lack of access to healthcare.
Age and Menopause: As women approach menopause (typically between the ages of 45 and 55), they may experience irregular periods due to fluctuating hormone levels. Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, is characterised by changes in menstrual cycle length, frequency, and flow. In younger women, conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can also lead to irregular periods.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, or adrenal gland disorders can affect menstrual cycles. For instance, poorly managed diabetes can lead to irregular periods due to its impact on blood sugar levels and hormonal balance.
Impact of Menstrual Irregularities
Menstrual irregularities can have a significant impact on a woman’s health.Apart from the inconvenience and discomfort of unpredictable periods, irregularities can lead to complications such as:
- Anaemia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding can result in anaemia, a condition characterised by a lack of healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Infertility: Hormonal imbalances and conditions like PCOS can affect ovulation, making it difficult for women to conceive.
- Emotional Distress: The uncertainty and discomfort associated with irregular periods can cause stress, anxiety, and depression in many women. In India, where menstruation is often considered a taboo subject, this emotional burden can be exacerbated by a lack of support and understanding.
- Chronic Pain: Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can cause severe menstrual pain, affecting a woman’s quality of life and daily activities.
Treatments for Menstrual Irregularities
Treatment for menstrual irregularities depends on the underlying cause. In India, where access to healthcare can vary widely, it’s important for women to seek medical advice if they experience persistent or severe menstrual issues.
At RPS Hospitals, our experienced team of gynaecologists focus on preventative care and holistic healing. Rather than focusing on strictly medical and surgical treatments, our team of doctors guide our patients to overcome menstrual irregularities through more mundane and natural methods.
These include:
Lifestyle Changes: Simple lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in managing menstrual irregularities. This includes adopting a balanced diet rich in iron and nutrients, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and practising stress management techniques like yoga or meditation, which are deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Medications:
- Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs can help regulate periods by balancing hormone levels. These treatments are particularly effective for women with PCOS or endometriosis.
- Thyroid Medications: If a thyroid disorder is causing menstrual irregularities, thyroid hormone replacement therapy can help normalise the cycle.
- Metformin: For women with PCOS, metformin (a diabetes medication) can help improve insulin sensitivity and promote regular ovulation.
Surgical Interventions: In cases where menstrual irregularities are caused by physical abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis, surgical options may be necessary. Procedures like hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or myomectomy can help remove abnormal growths and restore normal menstrual function.
Ayurvedic and Herbal Remedies: In India, many women turn to Ayurvedic treatments or herbal remedies to manage menstrual irregularities. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Aloe Vera are believed to help balance hormones and support reproductive health. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal treatment, as these remedies can interact with other medications.
Counselling and Support: For women experiencing emotional distress due to menstrual irregularities, counselling or support groups can provide much-needed relief. In India, where mental health awareness is gradually increasing, seeking help for anxiety or depression related to menstrual health is becoming more accepted.
Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a gynaecologist are essential for women experiencing menstrual irregularities. Monitoring hormone levels, tracking menstrual cycles, and undergoing periodic ultrasounds can help in early detection and treatment of any underlying conditions.
Menstrual irregularities are a common concern among women, and understanding the causes and treatments is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. In India, where cultural attitudes towards menstruation are slowly evolving, it’s important for women to feel empowered to seek medical advice and explore treatment options without stigma or shame. Remember that menstrual irregularities are a common experience among women. If you suspect your menstrual cycle to be irregular, please reach out to your gynaecologist immediately.