Find out what’s throwing off your menstrual cycle…
Menstruation is a normal part of female life. It’s the body’s way of getting rid of unfertilized eggs and restoring a healthy reproductive balance. Sure, it’s one of the LEAST enjoyable parts, but it’s something all women have to deal with. But what happens if that “normal” becomes abnormal? Irregular periods can be a sign that something is serious wrong. Below, we’ve listed a few of the causes of irregular menstruation you need to be aware of:
- Stress – Just like stress can contribute to a lot of other health problems, it can be one of the causes of irregular menstruation. Stress can delay ovulation, decrease the production of the hormones needed for menstruation, and throw off your body’s regular cycle. For the most part, severe traumatic events are the form of stress most likely to disrupt your menstruation, but chronic stress can also play a role.
- Extreme weight loss – Fat is vital for a healthy body. Women with a too-low body fat percentage (BMI lower than 18 or 19) tend to have irregular periods. This is due to the fact that there isn’t enough fat to produce estrogen, the female sex hormone. Women with bulimia and anorexia are also at risk of irregular periods, as are those who undergo daily intensive exercise. Basically, anything that uses up too much energy or deprives your body of fat and calories could throw off your cycle.
- Poor diet – High intake of hydrogenated fat and refined sugar will do more than just cause you to gain weight—it can also lead to thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, and higher levels of cortisol. The result: reduced function of the endocrine system, leading to hormone imbalances. It’s vital to get foods rich in healthy fats, natural sugars, and antioxidants to keep your body working properly.
- Thyroid disorders –Thyroid disorders can cause the thyroid to stop producing the right amount of hormones, leading to a wide range of hormone-related problems. Thyroid disorders are believed to contribute to up to 15% of cases of irregular menstruation.
READ MORE: 20 Natural Remedies to Treat Lady Problems
- Contraceptives – That’s right, your birth control may be one of the causes of irregular menstruation. IUDs may not affect your hormones, but they can cause heavy bleeding and pain. Intrauterine systems and birth control pills will affect your hormones, and may lead to bleeding (spotting) between your periods. These bleeding problems are more common during early contraceptive use, but can continue for years.
- Gynecological problems – If you didn’t know you were pregnant, you’re suffering from ovarian or womb problems, or you had an early miscarriage, it could throw off your menstrual cycle. The result could be heavy bleeding.
- PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome is the growth of cysts on your ovaries. But it’s not just one cysts—it’s many. PCOS can lead to menstrual problems, irregularities, and abnormal ovulation. It may be the reason your period is coming in strange cycles every month.
- Food allergies – Hard to believe it, but food really CAN play a role in your ovary health. Food allergies—like gluten intolerance or celiac disease—can affect the production of hormones, leading to a hormonal imbalance. Food allergies and intolerances can lead to digestive health problems and nutritional deficiencies, potentially increasing the risk of adrenal fatigue, chronic inflammation, and causing health problems. If you notice ANY sensitivities to food, it’s better to avoid those foods until you’re sure they won’t affect your digestive health. They may be one of the causes of irregular menstruation.
