Menstrual Disruptions: What Causes Irregular Periods
When the usual menstrual cycle exceeds 35 days and occurs four to nine times a year, it is irregular.
While irregular periods affect up to 25% of women, their causes are much more complicated to comprehend.
A thorough knowledge of what causes irregular periods can help recognize the causes promptly to seek medical help.
Let us have a look at the causes of irregular periods in detail.
What causes irregular periods
Clinically termed as Oligomenorrhea, irregular periods can be caused by various factors.
These causes can be classified into three main groups: physiological, lifestyle, and drug-induced factors.
Besides these factors, there exist several serious underlying medical conditions that are causes of irregular periods.
Let us look at each of these causes in greater detail.
Physiological causes
The following are the physiological causes of irregular periods:
Hormonal changes
The levels of hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone are important factors that determine the regularity of periods.
Any fluctuations that deviate from their normal levels can cause irregular periods.
Patients suffering from Cushing’s syndrome also report irregular menstrual cycles.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with irregular periods because it induces a hormonal abnormality in women.
Most women affected with PCOS have higher levels of Luteinizing Hormone and Androgens in the blood than healthy women.
Menstrual irregularity is a characteristic symptom of PCOS because of the elevated levels of LH and Androgens.
Thyroid disorders
Disorders of the thyroid, like Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism, can cause Menstrual irregularities.
Besides irregular periods, most patients who suffer from thyroid disorders are also affected by Polymenorrhea (shorter menstrual cycles) and Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding).
Endometriosis
The growth of the tissues of the uterine lining outside the uterus is called Endometriosis.
In many clinical cases, symptoms of irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea) were found in Endometriosis patients.
Bacterial infections
Bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis can cause certain vaginal infections.
Besides vaginal discharge, irregular periods were reported by many patients who were diagnosed with a bacterial infection.
Anemia
Anemia is when the blood has lower than normal red blood cells.
A study reported that menstrual irregularities were found in girls diagnosed with anemia.
Seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Lifestyle causes
The following are the lifestyle choices that can cause menstrual irregularity.
Diabetes
One of the most important reasons for diabetes is Insulin resistance.
Irregular and long periods are linked with the development of Insulin resistance, the main cause of Diabetes.
Obesity
Obese persons are often inflicted with irregular periods and absence of periods (Amenorrhea) during their reproductive years.
A higher frequency of irregular periods and an increased risk of developing PCOS is associated with higher body weight.
Hypertension
According to the American Heart Association, irregular periods are correlated with higher blood pressure (Hypertension) and higher cholesterol levels.
Long-term hypertension is also associated with an increased risk of irregular periods.
Stress
High stress levels can cause irregular periods in women but do not cause other menstrual problems such as menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhoea).
However, other causes must also be investigated before ruling out stress as the primary factor.
Drug-induced causes
Some medications that cause irregular periods are:
- Antipsychotic drugs can cause side effects like menstrual irregularities
- Hormonal birth control pills cause breakthrough bleeding during periods
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen can induce menstrual disturbances (a rare occurrence)
Seeking professional help
Dealing with irregular periods is difficult, especially when serious underlying issues cause them.
Asking for professional help not only allows you to diagnose the problem but also enables you to seek a long-term solution.
Hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications can address most issues related to irregular menstrual cycles.
Your treatment choice depends on the nature of the cause and the extent of damage inflicted by it.
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Takeaway
Having a comprehensive insight is crucial to knowing what causes irregular periods.
The causes can vary based on their types, which comprise physiological, lifestyle, and drug-induced issues.
Hormonal changes, Thyroid disorders, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and anemia are some of the most common causes of irregular periods.
However, unlike physiological issues, we can directly influence lifestyle causes like obesity, diabetes, and stress to deal with irregular periods.
Certain drugs like NSAIDs and Antipsychotic medications can have adverse side effects on your periods.
The key to healthy living is to consult your doctor about irregular periods and opt for viable treatment options.
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