Normally, your period comes on specific dates and on specific days, but this may not always be the case. What are the causes of irregular menstruation?
The causes of irregular menstruation are many and many, and in this article we will review a list of the most important possible causes and factors that you should pay attention to.
Causes of irregular menstruation
Among the causes of irregular menstruation
1- Bad diet
A poor diet may cause menstrual irregularities, especially if a woman''s diet is poor in important nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics.
As women in this case often eat many foods rich in sugar, preservatives and additives, which are substances whose excessive intake causes major problems, especially in the thyroid and adrenal glands, affecting many natural processes in the body, including the menstrual cycle.
2- Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If a woman feels that her period is abnormally late, for the first time in her life, or if she notices only light spotting instead of her usual menstrual cycle, this may be an early symptom of pregnancy.
Other symptoms of pregnancy include morning sickness, constant tiredness and fatigue, tender breasts, nausea and vomiting.
The period of lactation usually witnesses the absence or irregularity of the menstrual cycle in women, and the reason is due to the hormone prolactin (milk hormone), which works to inhibit the production of female hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
3- Thyroid problems and disorders
One of the causes of irregular periods is the many thyroid disorders and problems, and although it may seem unlikely, many studies are starting to show that the main cause of menstrual disorders may actually be problems with the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing many important hormones for metabolism, which may also affect the balance of different sex hormones in the body.
These are some of the other symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism: sudden weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and irregular heartbeat.
4- Problems and diseases of the reproductive system
Infection of the female reproductive system with some diseases and disorders is one of the causes of irregular menstruation, and these are the most important cases and diseases that directly affect the menstrual cycle:
Polycystic ovary syndrome: This condition may be associated with a complete absence of a period or with alarmingly increased profuseness.
Uterine fibers: Uterine fibers cause irregular menstruation, complete absence, or presence in abundance with very severe pain.
Endometriosis: This condition causes several disturbances in the menstrual cycle, ranging from its complete absence or irregularity, to its presence for days longer than usual and in abundance with severe pain.
Uterine and endometrial cancers: One of the causes of irregular menstruation is uterine cancer, which may also cause bleeding during or after intercourse.
5- Excessive exercise
Some studies have found that excessive exercise by women is one of the causes of irregular menstruation to pay attention to.
Excessive exercise may cause an imbalance in some of the body’s hormones responsible for ovulation and menstruation.
Several studies indicate that women who engage in some extreme sports or those that require intense exercises such as ballet dance, amenorrhea is common among them.
6- Weight problems
Obesity contributes to irregular menstruation, as many studies have shown that obesity affects the levels of hormones and insulin in the body, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle.
Also, losing weight may be one of the reasons for irregular menstruation, as not entering enough amounts of calories into the body may cause problems with ovulation.
7- Contraceptives and some medications
The use of contraceptive pills or the hormonal IUD may cause irregular menstruation, and the woman may notice the appearance of menstruation (dribbling outside the time of the menstrual cycle).
There are also other drugs and pills that contribute to this phenomenon and affect the cycle, such as: hormone replacement medications, chemotherapy for cancer, antidepressants, blood thinners and thyroid medications.
8- Reaching or approaching menopause
In the few years leading up to menopause, the body may begin to gradually prepare itself for the next phase, including irregular periods.
This phenomenon usually begins in the forties of women and varies from one to another.
9- Tension
Several studies have indicated that a woman''s psychological state greatly affects her menstrual cycle, as the brain is also responsible for producing some important hormones for the menstrual cycle.
When a woman feels constant stress in her daily life, this may cause an imbalance in the brain''s ability to play its normal role in producing the necessary hormones.
Other causes of irregular menstruation
There are many other reasons for irregular periods as well, some of them are
Having diabetes and not getting the necessary health care.
premature failure of the ovaries
Hyperprolactinemia.
Infection with polyps in the uterus or thickening of the lining of the uterus.
Constant imbalance in hormones.
