By: Annie Morgan
Ladies, our periods can be a mysterious phenomenon.
Some of us get them like clockwork – same time and duration each month.
But for other women – they never seem to know when their period is coming – and struggle to understand why they seem to always have an irregular period.
This can be frustrating for single women, and more serious for those who are married and trying to conceive a baby.
While there isn’t a one-size answer for why a woman’s period is irregular – there are a few factors that could be the cause.
Your Hormones Are Out Of Balance
Estrogen and progesterone are two major hormones that affect a women’s period.
When these hormones are out of balance – it can cause irregular periods.
Web MD reported:
“Changes in your body’s level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the normal pattern of your period. That’s why young girls going through puberty and women approaching menopause commonly have irregular periods.”
Women who have irregular periods are often put on birth control by their gynecologist or doctor to help them regulate their cycle.
Although, before you commit to being put on birth control, many health experts recommend you try natural methods first.
Your Weight
Being overweight truly affects all areas of the body – yes ladies – even our periods.
Carrying around excess weight can cause your period to be irregular.
At the same time, not eating enough calories can also disrupt your cycle.
This is especially true if your weight loss or weight gain happens quickly.
Sometimes, simply losing 20lbs (if you are overweight) – or eating enough calories (if you are underweight) is all you need to do to restore regular periods.
PCOS
Some women develop cysts on their ovaries often referred to as the “string of pearls” also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Other symptoms of PCOS include weight gain or obesity with difficulty losing weight and excessive facial and body hair.
Some women with PCOS even begin to experience “male like” baldness on their scalp.
You don’t need to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS – but if you notice these things taking place with your body – see your doctor.
The tricky thing about PCOS is there really isn’t a cure – and most doctors will want to put you on some type of steroid.
Again, healthy eating and exercise have been shown to help cure PCOS naturally.
Thyroid Irregularities
Some women discover through bloodwork their thyroid isn’t functioning properly – which is a major cause of period irregularity.
Medical News Today reported:
“A 2015 study found that 44 percent of participants with menstrual irregularities also had thyroid disorders.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause longer, heavier periods and increased cramping. You may also experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain.”
If you live a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly – and still seem to be experiencing weight gain and extreme fatigue – insist your doctor check your thyroid.
When To See A Doctor
Since every woman is different – every woman’s period will be different.
Most women get their period every 24-38 days.
However, if you notice you’ve gone a few months without a period, or are experiencing painful cramps or extremely heavy bleeding – it may be time to see a doctor.
Also – don’t negate the importance of a good night’s sleep and doing your best to manage stress!
When your body is stressed, it can definitely affect your body’s ability to have a regular period.
Ladies, have you ever experienced irregular periods?
If so, what did you do to help your body get back on track?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know 4 reasons that cause an irregular period!
