Synchronizing Your Cycle: Tips for Managing Menstrual Irregularities

For many women, the menstrual cycle is a regular phenomenon that comes and goes with little fanfare. However, for approximately one in five women in the world, the cycle is a constant source of anxiety and frustration due to its irregularity. These irregularities may be especially common during adolescence and the transition to menopause, stages in which the body undergoes significant hormonal changes.

Imagine not knowing when your period will arrive, facing months of absence followed by an unpredictable flow, or dealing with symptoms that seem unexplained. These are just some of the realities of living with irregular menstrual cycles. A "normal" menstrual cycle, for women who do not use any type of hormonal contraceptive or IUD, typically ranges between 24 and 38 days, but for those who suffer from irregularities, these figures are simply referential and their experience is far from predictable.

Irregularities can manifest themselves in various ways, from the absence of menstruation to cycles that change dramatically in length and nature. Your cycle can tell you if everything is working as usual or if your body is going through a change or when something is not as it should.

What are menstrual irregularities?

Menstrual irregularities refer to any deviation from the menstrual cycle considered "normal." For many women, these irregularities can include a wide variety of symptoms and patterns, such as:

Amenorrhea: The complete absence of menstruation, which may be primary (never having menstruated until age 16) or secondary (interruption of menstruation for more than three months in women who previously menstruated regularly). –

Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstruation, where cycles extend more than 35 days.

Menorrhagia : Extremely heavy or prolonged menstruations.

Metrorrhagia: Bleeding between periods or irregular bleeding.

Dysmenorrhea: Severe menstrual pain that can affect quality of life. These conditions may be symptoms of underlying problems or natural fluctuations in the body's hormone production. Understanding the specific causes is crucial to determining appropriate treatment and improving quality of life.

What could be causing your menstrual irregularities?

The menstrual cycle can be affected by a variety of factors, ranging from hormonal changes to underlying medical conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

Hormonal Imbalances: Most abrupt changes in the menstrual cycle are due to imbalances in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, and perimenopause.

A drastic gain or loss of a significant amount of weight can cause hormonal imbalances. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa can cause dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which causes changes in hormone levels and can cause periods to be irregular or stop altogether.

Stress and Lifestyle: Stress can significantly affect your cycle, as it interferes with the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, responsible for regulating reproductive hormones. In addition to factors such as extremely low or high body weight, excessive or insufficient exercise, and poor sleeping habits can also cause irregularities.

Medical Problems: Conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory diseases can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. Certain medications, such as blood thinners and psychiatric medications, can also influence menstruation,

Hormonal Contraceptives : Starting or stopping hormonal birth control (such as the pill, injections, or intrauterine devices) can often cause temporary variations in the menstrual cycle until the body adjusts.

What to do when our menstruation is disordered?

Managing menstrual irregularities involves combining medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support. Here are some effective strategies:

Medical Consultations: It is essential to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause or causes of the irregularities. Treatment may include hormonal medications such as birth control pills, hormone therapy, or medications to treat specific conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid problems.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a balanced diet can help regulate menstrual cycles. Reducing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga or therapy can also be beneficial.

Supplements and Natural Remedies: Some supplements with natural ingredients such as vinurnum, vitex (chasteberry), and vitamins B and D have shown benefits in hormonal regulation, prevention of menstrual cramps, spasms, lower back pain, and mitigation of menstrual symptoms.

Education and Awareness: Understanding your body and the factors that influence your menstrual cycle is essential. Using menstrual tracking apps or keeping a journal can help you recognize patterns and triggers.

Understanding and managing menstrual irregularities can be a challenging journey, but it's important to remember that you are not alone in this. There are resources available and effective strategies that can help you improve your menstrual health and quality of life.

Don't hesitate to seek medical support to address your concerns and consider lifestyle changes that may benefit your menstrual cycle. Additionally, sharing your experiences and learning from others can offer you new perspectives and emotional support.

Sources consulted:

What is "normal"?: duration and variation of the menstrual cycle (helloclue.com)

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Irregular periods can be common at first - Mayo Clinic News Network

Late period negative pregnancy test: Causes and is it common? (medicalnewstoday.com)