The menstruation is defined as monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of non-pregnant woman from the period of puberty to menopause. Stopped menstrual flow is a major indication for conceiving a child. The normal menstrual flow comes for 3-5 days and the normal cycle pattern range from 24-32 days.
The irregular menses is labeled when a lady suffers from the bleeding that is not related to the regular cycle, when periods are longer and heavier as compare to normal, when there is no or missed periods etc. When the time or gap between two periods is longer or shorter than that of normal or if there is any uterine bleeding, then also the condition falls under menstruation disorders or irregular menstruation. For a woman, both the ends (i.e. starting and ending of menstrual life is irregular and is considered as normal or physiological.
Causes of irregular menstruation
There are lot many causes, which can interfere with the regularity of the menstrual periods. Some of the important factors are described below.
Diet
The poor diet and extreme weight loss or weight gain can affect the hormonal levels in the body. A woman with bulimia and anorexia often complain irregular or no menstrual periods. If a woman is malnourished, she is more susceptible to have irregular menstrual periods. Excessive hot and spicy food may prolong the menstrual cycle along with the disturbance in digestive system. If one has it, she may also suffer from increased bleeding and very much pain during the menstrual flow.
Exercise
Intense or heavy exercises can make the body weak. This also causes the menstrual cycle to be irregular. Carrying heavy load and lifting the objects that is out of one’s strength may cause the pain and irregularity in menstrual cycle and so the flow.
Hormonal birth control
Many times, birth control pills and irregular periods of menstrual cycle go hand in hand. Woman’s body takes a while to adjust to the newer levels of hormones those are delivered by the hormonal birth control pills as a supplement.
Pregnancy
Woman’s body produces various levels of the hormones and certain new hormones when she becomes pregnant. Once, the pregnancy is achieved, the menstrual flow stops and the cycle disappears. This is considered as physiological, and is said to be normal being the major indication of conception. Even after baby’s birth, there may be irregularity in menstruation cycle and is considered as normal.
Stress
Latest researches now fully agree with the stress, being one of the major affecting factors for irregular menstruation. If the woman is worried, stressful, having anxiety or depression, she may miss the menstrual flow or may end up with profuse bleeding.
Lactation
It plays major role in menstruation. The cycle gets disturbed when one has lactation period. In majority of the cases, the menstrual cycle disappears during lactation.
Menarche and Menopause
This is again a normal physiological sign. When a girl attends her first period, it is quite natural to have irregularity in initial stages of menstrual flow with pain or discomfort in the body. In a same way, when a woman reaches her menopause phase, there will be irregularity in the menstrual flow.
Symptoms of irregular menstruation
Symptoms begin with very less or profuse bleeding. Bleeding occurs apart from the regular menses. The gap between two menstrual periods is either longer or shorter as compare to normal cycle. There is a pain in flanks, back just above the pelvic region. Change in mood and irritability is quite common.
Lack of interest, anorexia, insomnia etc is not uncommon in a woman suffering from irregular menstruation. Sometimes a woman passes hot flesh and this is the condition to be taken utmost care about.
Complication of irregular menstruation
Generally, a woman ignores her irregular menstrual periods thinking that they will be okay by next cycle. Sometimes, there may be some other underlying complications causing irregularity in the menstrual cycle. One has to be careful for this type of menses as once, it turns to a major disease, it becomes difficult to treat.
As a complication, irregular menses may interfere with the ovulation as It may turn into some disease like polycystic ovary syndrome in which, there is a cyst that disturbs the normal ovulation. Dandruff, acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth and high blood pressure are common. Ovarian cancer, endometriosis and heart disease are later complicated stages those are rare to occur.
Prevention of irregular menstruation
The prevention of irregular menstruation depends on the causes. The root or underlying cause is to be avoided first. For this, one has to go for regular check up of the ovaries and uterus. Regular medical check up in reproductive age of a woman is the best to avoid any dangers.
Other precautionary measurements are mentioned below…
Reduce your weight if you fall under the obesity category.
Try to be in good mood. Avoid stress, anxiety, depression and worries.
In Ayurveda, it is suggested that non-vegetarian diet in excess is to be avoided during the irregular menstruation.
Stale, decayed and canned foods are to be avoided.
One has to avoid heavy exercises. Lifting, pulling and pushing heavy objects is equally harmful.
Try to go for some natural hormonal herbal products.
Smoking, alcohol and carbonated beverages are to be restricted.
Diet for irregular menstruation
Latest researches show that Vitamin B6 is good for treating this situation but one has to be careful taking this in excess quantity. Magnesium and Vitamin E also play major role in giving relief from the irregularity in menses.
One can also include potassium rich foods like banana, cranberries etc. Cut down the sodium intake in your daily diet. One should avoid spicy, junk and packed food as they may contain preservatives and hence, are harmful for this condition
Stimulant drinks like coffee, tea and other energy drinks are to be restricted. Fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables are to be taken in good quantity. In a case of weakness and lethargy, you can go for a chicken soup or vegetable soup with little spice like black pepper or ginger. The combination of cereals and pulses (as in South Indian diet) is very beneficial in treating the irregular menstruation. This is considered as rich source of Vitamin B complex.
Ayurvedic treatment for irregular menstruation
There are many herbs in Ayurveda having beneficiary effects on the menstrual irregularity. They restore the cycle and improve the health condition of women. Babool, hingu, ashoka, vata, mehndi, lodra and vansha are some of the Ayurvedic herbs that can give you best results in irregular menstruation. Formulas containing these herbs are available in the market at herbal stores. Some of the classical remedy include; rajapravrittini vati, ashokarishta, lodrasava.
Latest researches reveal that some Yoga postures are gives benefits in irregular menstruation. Along with proper diet, internal herbal medications if one performs some special Yoga postures, it is quite sure to get rid of irregular cycles of menstruations.