May16
Posted by Dr. Sujoy Dasgupta on Monday, 16th May 2016
How to make your menstrual cycles regular- 8 simple waysHow to make your menstrual cycles regular?
In our clinics everyday some patients at different ages will come with complaint of irregular menstrual cycles. But there are other patients who feel embarrassed to seek doctor's help for this problem. While it seems to be a simple problem related to reproduction only, often it is associated with diseases that are matter s of concern.
First, you should know what is meant by the word "irregular"? In most women period movvurs at interval of 28 to 30 days. But it is said to be normal if it happens every 21-35 days. That means you should have periods not more frequently than every 3 weeks or not less frequently than every 5 weeks. But if you had previous cycles at interval of every 4 weeks but now you are having periods every 5 weeks, that is ABNORMAL, although it is occurring every 35 days. In other words change in interval upto 7 days is normal, nit beyond that. For example, if you had periods every 30 days previously and for ladt 2 months it is happening every 33 days or every 25 days, then it's normal. But if it happens at interval of more than 37 days (30 + 7) or les than 23 days (30- 7) then it's of course abnormal.
So what are the things you can do for regular periods.
1. Normal weight
Ideal weight varies according to the height. We express it in terms of BMI (Body Mass Index) that is the weight in Kg divided by square of the height in centimeters. Ideal BMI should be between 19 to 25. If it's more than 25, reduce weight by diet and exercise. IT can resume normal menstruation without any drugs. IF despite your sincere efforts, you are unable to lose weight or even after normalization of weight menstruation remains irregular, you must consult your gynaecologist for treatment.
On the other hand very low BMI can also cause irregular menses. Treatment is weight gain. Tjis is often seen in athletes and they are even at risk of losing bone calcium because if excessive exercise and strict diet control. If gaining weight does not help, you must consult your doctor for having regular periods.
2. Stress, Anxiety, Tension, Depression
These are inevitable part of modern lifestyle. These may noy only cause mental problems but will also cause physical problems by altering the hormone levels. The result is abnormal menstrual cycle. Try to avoid them by relaxation, counseling and if necessary by taking help of doctors.
3. Thyroid disorders
Problem of thyroid gland is common in females and causes abnormal weight and changes action of many hormone s. The result is irregular menstruation. So if you feel lethargy, extreme cold, weakness ir ibcreased weight, do not forget to check thyroid status after consulting doctor.
4. Pituitary disorders
Pituitary gland is a gland situated inside the brain that controls hormone of other gland s of the body. If there is soMe tumour or soNe abnormalities in its function, there will be high lebel of prolactin hormone secretion or there will be deficiency of hormones like FSH and LH. As a result ivaries cannot produce enough hormones and you will have irregular menstruation. So in case of abnormal menstruation, pkease Check your prolactin level.
5. PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is common nowadays. Apart from causing abno menstruation, it increases risk of infertility, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. It is diagnosed byclinical feature s, hor tests and ultrasonography. It may also xause weight gain, male like growth of hairs in body and oily skin. The treatment is weight control and drugs to regularize menses. This is particular ly important in young women an teenagers, in whom timiely treatment xan prevent many serious consequences.
6. Premature Ovarian Failure
In some women menopause can come earlier and irregular menstruation may be the early indication of this. This may be followed by permanent cessation if periods. So if you are planning for family expansion but have irregular menses, do not delay pregnancy.
7. Problems in uterus
Excessive trauma to uterus by repeated surgical abortion or infections lije STD r tuberculosis xan damage the lining of uterus. The result is irregular menses folliwed by total cessation of menses. But this problem can be easily treated if you consult your gynecologist in time.
8. Systemic diseases and drugs
Irregular menSes should never be ignored. Sometimes it may be because if so e undiagnosed diseases like diabetes, diseases if heart, liver, kidney, chest etc. Often it may be the side effect if the drugs you are taking- like antacids containing domperidone, psychiatric drugs, Steroid s or chemotherapy.
In conclusion, irregular menstruation may sometimes warn you about serious disease s and may be associated with infertility and early menopause. Stay health y, have health y diet and lifestyle, maintain normal weight, get rid of tension and attend your doctor's clinics in time.