Navigating Hormonal Chaos: Effects of Irregular Periods on Body
Irregular periods can greatly impact the overall health of a person.
While often viewed as a mere inconvenience, the effects of irregular periods on body have far-reaching consequences.
On one hand, they can be a sign of something even more serious, while, on the other, irregular periods can lead to several health issues.
Having an appropriate management strategy is important to tackle irregular periods.
Let us look at the effects of irregular periods on the body and discuss what can be done to counter its effects.
What are irregular periods
Irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea) refer to inconsistent menstrual blood flow.
Some menstrual irregularities are expected at postpartum, menarche, or in the perimenopausal time.
However, under normal conditions, if a person reports menstrual cycles for more than 35 days for four to nine cycles a year, it is termed irregular periods.
It is estimated that 14-25 percent of women in the general population suffer from irregular periods.
Causes of irregular periods
Irregular periods are often associated with disorders that include:
- Polycystic Ovarian Disorder
- Androgen-secreting tumors
- Problems in the Hypothalamus (a part of the brain)
- Contraceptive pills side effects
Studies have shown that people with obesity, less sleep, and more exposure to stress were also more likely to suffer from irregular periods.
Poor quality sleep of less than five hours daily is associated with irregular menstrual cycles.
Moreover, menstrual irregularities are linked with high perceived physiological stress.
Furthermore, factors like smoking can also lead to irregular periods.
What do irregular periods do to your body
Irregular periods are not normal in the body and usually can result in side effects.
The following are some of the effects of irregular periods on the body that you must watch out for.
Infertility
Irregular periods are often related to more serious underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can cause infertility.
The hormonal imbalances causing irregular periods can also make pregnancy difficult.
Thickening of the uterus lining
Irregular periods causes an imbalance of the Estrogen and Progesterone levels in the body.
The imbalance of these critical hormones can cause gradual thickening of the uterine walls (Endometrial Hyperplasia).
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Sometimes, the thickening of the uterus lining can lead to Endometrial Cancer.
Moreover, studies have shown that those who experience irregular periods are more likely to develop Endometrial Cancer later in life.
Cardiovascular problems
A study by the American Heart Association found that women with irregular periods were more susceptible to cardiovascular complications.
Coronary diseases like heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), stroke, and heart attack were the cardiovascular ailments caused by irregular menstruation.
Psychiatric complications
Anxiety, seizures, bipolar disorders, and migraines are psychiatric complications of irregular menstrual cycles.
Most of these complications arise from hormonal imbalances caused by irregular periods.
How can I lower effects of irregular periods on body
Irregular periods can harm your body, but several ways exist to lower these effects.
The following simple tips can be used to minimize the effects of irregular periods on the body:
- Engaging in moderate exercise and maintaining a healthy diet
- Ensure you sleep for at least seven hours daily
- Engage in activities like listening to music to reduce stress
- Using contraceptive pills as directed by the physician
- Regular visits to your gynecologist for checkups
- Using Estrogen supplements like pills and creams
It is advised to consult your doctor for professional help to diagnose and treat the root cause of your irregular periods.
Takeaway
It is called irregular periods when a person reports menstrual cycles of more than 35 days for four to nine cycles a year.
Irregular periods are a sign of underlying several medical conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Excessive Androgen production, hypothalamic problems, smoking, and contraceptive pills are some of the causes of irregular menstrual cycles.
Infertility, cardiovascular syndromes, Endometrial Hyperplasia, Endometrial Cancer, and Psychiatric problems are some of the effects of irregular periods.
Engaging in moderate exercises, avoiding stress, and using Estrogen supplements are some measures to reduce the effects of irregular periods.
