Issues with menstrual regularity: Root causes and when to consult a healthcare provider
In the realm of women's health, irregular periods can be a cause for concern. This article aims to shed light on the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for irregular periods.
One of the most common reasons for irregular periods is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation, leading to irregular or skipped periods. Other conditions that might disrupt menstrual cycles include thyroid disorders, high prolactin levels, stress, uterine fibroids and cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), perimenopause, certain medications, excessive exercise or low body fat, and pregnancy.
Endometriosis, a condition where the endometrium grows outside of the uterus, can interfere with menstrual flow and cause irregular cycles. In severe cases, it may also cause painful symptoms during periods, including spotting between periods. Endometriosis occurs when menstrual tissue passes through the fallopian tube and into other parts of the body.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects the ovaries and ovulation, leading to hormone imbalances and irregular periods. Symptoms of PCOS can include stomach pain, pain in the lower back and pelvic area, painful sex, painful urination during menstruation, painful bowel movements during menstruation, infertility, and severe cramps or other pain during a period.
Other causes of irregular periods include thyroid disorders, where both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt menstrual cycles by altering hormone levels. High prolactin levels, sometimes due to pituitary problems or certain medications, can interfere with ovulation and menstruation.
Stress, excessive exercise, or low body fat can also disrupt hormone production, leading to missed periods. Certain medications and contraceptives, such as hormonal birth control methods, chemotherapy, and antipsychotics, may cause irregular cycles or period cessation.
In some cases, irregular periods may be a sign of perimenopause, the natural transition phase before menopause, which often brings irregular, starting and stopping periods due to hormonal fluctuations.
It is essential for a person to keep track of their menstrual cycle and any symptoms they experience and to relay this information to their doctor to aid in diagnosis. A doctor may request blood tests to check hormone levels, perform a pelvic exam, and may also request an ultrasound scan of the ovaries if they suspect an underlying health condition. In severe cases, a person may require surgery to treat their endometriosis.
Over-the-counter pain relief medication may help to relieve mild symptoms of endometriosis. Hormonal birth control may help to manage the symptoms of PCOS. Treatment for irregular periods will depend on the underlying cause, and a healthcare provider can guide the best course of action.
In conclusion, hormonal imbalances caused by endocrine disorders (PCOS, thyroid issues, prolactin imbalance), stress, reproductive organ problems (fibroids, endometriosis, PID), lifestyle factors, and certain medications are the main medical reasons a person's period might start and stop irregularly. Evaluation by a healthcare provider can diagnose the underlying cause and guide treatment. If you are experiencing irregular periods, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Irregular periods. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/irregular-periods/art-20048730 [2] NHS. (2021). Irregular periods. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/irregular-periods/ [3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). [online] Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos [4] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Hypothyroidism and the Menstrual Cycle. [online] Available at: https://www.thyroid.org/patients/disease-information/womens-health/hypothyroidism-and-the-menstrual-cycle/
- Women with diabetes, a metabolic disease, may experience multiple health issues, including an increased risk of irregular menstruation.
- Psoriasis, a skin condition, is not typically associated with menstrual cycles, but psoriatic arthritis, a form of the disease that affects joints, can indirectly influence women's health through its impact on the menstrual system.
- Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, may cause irregularities in women's health and wellness, including changes in menstruation due to inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) generally affects the lungs, but women with this condition may Experience weight loss, decreased appetite, and irregular periods due to hormonal disruptions.
- It is essential to recognize that the predictive relationship between obesity and irregular menstruation in women is well-established, with increased body weight potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and disrupted periods.
- Science has indicated that the autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) might occasionally cause menstrual irregularities, although this is not a common symptom of the condition.
- Menstruation and reproductive health in women with rheumatoid arthritis can be affected, as the disease leads to chronic inflammation that can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
- Depression can indirectly impact a woman's menstrual health, as hormone imbalances are common among individuals suffering from this mental health disorder.
- In the realm of women's health and wellness, it has been observed that women with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, may experience irregular menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalances caused by the disease.
- A worsening of asthma symptoms during menstruation, known as menstrual asthma, is a condition where asthma symptoms may become more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Lastly, in the field of women's health, it is important to recognize that multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition, may potentially lead to irregular periods, although this is not a common symptom of the disease.
