Causes of Menstrual Irregularities
Women are complex creatures. We have the ability to procreate, the instinct to nurture and the power of intuition. With these gifts, however, come a great deal of hormonal imbalances that can dramatically effect our internal harmony. When this harmony becomes disrupted or stressed, it can effect our reproductive system and particularly, our menstrual cycles.
There are several causes for an irregular menstrual cycle. Irregularities can be attributed to anything from a slight stress in a woman's life, to a more severe underlying medical condition. When traumatic irregularities like pain, profuse bleeding or abnormal discharge are concerned, it is always wise to consult a physician.
Stress
Believe it or not, a woman's emotional state can drastically effect her menstrual cycle. In this instance, an irregular menstrual cycle can be a normal reaction to the emotional stress put on a woman's body. When we are not in harmony, our body's defenses go haywire, which causes abnormalities in the way it functions. Similarly, when we are stressed, our bodies become more susceptible to illnesses. Sometimes, isolating and addressing the source of certain emotional stress can help a woman's body regain its normal cycle. In addition, finding activities that bring calm to a woman's life, like exercise, hot baths or reading a good book can be a major stress reliever.
From my own personal experience, I am a healthy woman in her thirties. My menstrual cycles have been as predictable as are taxes and I have no underlying medical conditions. However, this year has been particularly stressful for me. It seemed as if there were a series of mishaps, disasters and confrontations that eventually took a toll on not only my overall health and energy, but recently, threw my menstrual cycle into a tailspin. After two months of prolonged (8-14 day) periods with excessive bleeding, clotting and intermittent spotting in between, I became very worried. However, not only did I not feel nor show symptoms of any illness, I knew in the back of my mind that I was stressed to the max. After pinpointing the most prominent factor in my recent stress and addressing the issue, almost instantaneously, all of my irregularities stopped. I have been regular ever since.
Diet
We all know that excessive amounts of fatty, sugary or salty foods can congest our bodies and result in many ailments and/or health issues. The same goes for the drastic effects that a diet can have on a woman's menstrual cycle. From spicy foods, caffeine, sugar, alcohol and even certain medications, the things we ingest can not only change the pattern of a menstrual cycle, but cause problematic complications like heavy menstrual bleeding and/or severe cramps. It is always best to eliminate an excess of certain foods or alcohol consumption prior to or during menstruation. Speaking with your doctor regarding the side effects of any medications you might be taking is also something to consider. Certain types of birth control can also cause irregularities such as light or missed periods all together.
Although we retain water during menstruation, drinking water is great for cleansing congestion before and during your period. Water helps to detoxify the body and keep it hydrated, which is imperative during menstruation. The more toxins a body has, the more difficult periods can become. Foods rich in iron, like raw spinach, can also help replenish iron levels depleted during heavy menstruation that can lead to anemia.
Premature, Peri or Just Plain Menopause
Most common in women in their fifties, menopause can cause extreme menstrual irregularities. Menopause is when a woman's reproductive system begins its process of shutting down and no longer facilitating the ability to reproduce. Symptoms of menopause may include missed periods, excessively long periods, spotting and even vaginal dryness. Although not as common, premature menopause can effect women as early as their thirties and perimenopause can effect women as early as their thirties and forties.
Underlying Health Issues
Unfortunately, it is very common for women to encounter health issueswith their reproductive systems. Non-Cancerous fibroids, endometriosis, chronic vaginal infections and certain cancers will most certainly cause menstrual irregularities. Extreme pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, vaginal odors, loss of tissue or fetal matter are all issues that should promptly be addressed with a doctor. Prolonged neglect of such symptoms could have life threatening results. It is always best to consult a physician when menstrual symptoms cause extreme discomfort, pain or impact your daily life.
With the grandness and complexity of a woman's body, comes a complexity of issues that are sometimes still a mystery to even health care experts. As women, we must listen to our bodies when they cry out. Irregular menstrual cycles may sometimes be just a nuisance, but they can also be an inner alarm system for an unknown intruder that could hinder our lives.