The menstrual period is really one of the most upsetting phases of a woman’s month. This is the time where all of their mood swings and irritation are being heightened. For some, they are being visited by this every month. Some women however may experience an irregular period.
An irregular period, also called oligomenorrhea, happens when a woman does not experience a regular menstruation period or a fixed menstrual cycle. A fixed menstrual cycle occurs when a woman experiences menstruation at least after 20-35 days. That is the usual range of a regular cycle. But for some women, they may even have their period for just twice a year depending on the woman’s state.
What causes an irregular period to happen? Theoretically, an irregular period happens when you are experiencing an imbalance or sudden shift of hormones in your body. But don't fret because irregular periods are benign and therefore can be treated easily. Just solve the underlying cause and you’ll soon have that regularity of menstruation. Moreover, this is considered normal for about 30% of the reproductive age population. Aside from that there are still other factors that may cause an irregular period.
The most usual type of an irregular period is called anovulation, or the failure of the ovary to release the egg needed for fertilization. This is considered normal if it happens for just once or twice a year. Beyond that, you will have to consult with a specialist to assess the further underlying cause for your irregular period. There are many factors that cause an anovulatory cycle.
One of them is stress and anxiety. When you are under stress and anxiety, whether it is work problems, financial problems, love problems, and even family problems, your body will respond to it accordingly. Your adrenal gland secretes a hormone called cortisol under such situations. This cortisol directly affects the sex hormones including estrogen and progesterone, thereby causing a shift, or imbalance of it.
An other thing that affects or causes a hormonal imbalance is your poor nutritional intake or status. It is said that when you are not nutritionally competent, your brain does not function efficiently. It fails to send signals needed for ovulation due to the loss or deficient supply of protein in the brain. Moreover, women with conditions such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa can experience an irregular period to no menstruation at all.
Another possible cause of an irregular period is your menopausal stage. Irregular periods are the basic and most common indicator or signal for beginning perimenopausal age. Moreover, excessive intake of alcohol leads to the disruption of proper metabolism of the hormones needed by your body for ovulation. Aside from that, excessive exercise may also cause an irregular period. This is very true especially for female athletes who exercise a great deal.
How will you able to solve this dilemma? One basic thing that you can do is to eliminate or avoid situations that may cause an irregular period. Avoid stress. Rejuvenate and relax yourself once in a while. If you are currently experiencing eating disorders, reach out for help to resolve your eating crisis. For athletes, do not over exert yourself with your training and exercise. Always remember that the best athlete is the not the one who practices too much but that one who takes a rest periodically and maintains her health.
As always, it is always a good idea to see your physician or doctor if symptoms of an irregular period persist.
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