Understanding Irregular Periods in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Irregular Periods in Women
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As someone who has dealt with irregular periods for around 4 years, I know firsthand how frustrating and worrying they can be. Not only do you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster ride with your emotions, but your physical health is being thrown in the mix! While menstrual irregularities can be normal depending on certain points of life, years of not having a consistent period may signal underlying health issues. Let’s dive into this topic together, sharing what we’ve learned through our own experiences and research. We’re on the never-ending journey to find out the causes, symptoms, and solutions for irregular periods.

Symptoms of Irregular Periods

Not having regular periods can feel like you’re constantly on edge, not knowing if you should be wearing a pad for those “just in case” moments, and planning your schedule around the possibility of a period- this is not a way to live. One month it might be right on time, then whenever your next period comes, it’s weeks late or shows up unexpectedly early. You could be at work, at school, taking a test, or worse a good date, and then your period comes, which you were NOT prepared for.  It’s living in a state of anxiety, frustration, and honestly, confusion. 

Irregular periods can manifest in a number of ways:

  • Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
  • Missed periods
  • Unpredictable timing of periods
  • Unusually heavy or light flow
  • Severe menstrual cramps

Your regular compared to someone else’s regular is very different. Our bodies are unique, so bring up any questions or concerns to your healthcare provider.

Understanding the Causes1

A young woman with arms on her stomach and stooping with severe abdominal pain, menstrual cramps or food poisoning is lying on the sofa at home.

Through my journey, I’ve learned that irregular periods can be caused by so many factors. There can be a number of reasons why you are not having regular periods. Before you get carried away with the worst possible cause, let’s talk about some potential causes for irregular periods:

  • Hormonal imbalances, which can be a real rollercoaster
  • Stress (oh, how it affects everything!)
  • Changes in weight or excessive exercise
  • Certain health conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or endometriosis
  • Medications, including some birth control methods

Factors such as stress and changes in my exercise routine had a big impact on my cycle. There have been some recommendations I’ve read about that include syncing your workout to what phase of your cycle you’re in.

Treatment Options for Irregular Periods

Dealing with irregular periods can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to manage and potentially improve our cycles. You can try traditional medical interventions such as medications. In addition, it is always recommended to work on lifestyle modifications to help you focus on sustainable, long-term changes such as creating a movement routine, a nutritional plan that works for you, and/or finding stress management techniques that can be easily incorporated into your day-to-day. Here are some options:

Medical Interventions2

  • Hormonal birth controls have the ability to aid in regulating cycles for some women 
  • Medications that assist with ovulation
  • Focusing on the treatment of any underlying conditions if applicable

Lifestyle Modifications3

  • Maintaining a healthy weight for you and getting routine movement in!
  • Stress management techniques that are quieting for your soul, such as yin yoga, meditation, or breathwork
  • Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, complex carbs, and omega-3 fatty acids

Nutritional Health and Menstrual Health

A balanced diet can play a significant role in regulating menstrual cycles and reducing symptoms:

  • Iron-rich foods: To replenish iron lost during menstruation
  • Complex carbohydrates: For stable energy and mood
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation
  • Fruits and vegetables: Provide essential vitamins and minerals

Changing up your routine can be the biggest hurdle of all, but I’m here to tell you that it’s worth a try. Start by speaking to a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or naturopath to get a plan in place. I remember starting a meditation practice and found it healing in all parts of my life. It doesn’t cost a dime, and it allows me to have clarity. If you have an accountability partner who is on a similar journey, it can be encouraging to know that you aren’t alone in this stage of life.

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Supplements for Irregular Periods

Certain supplements may help regulate menstrual cycles. At Her Bio, your unique blend is tailored to your health needs. We include a tailored list of ingredients focused on working towards getting your periods on a regular cycle for you. Here are just a few important ingredients for relief during periods:

  1. Inositol: This B-vitamin-like compound has shown promise in regulating periods, especially for women with PCOS. Insulin resistance is a common problem in women with PCOS and is thought to play a role in the development of the disorder. By improving insulin sensitivity, inositol may help to lower androgen levels and regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.
  2. Vitex (Chasteberry): May help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles. Three-month treatment with Vitex extract substantially decreased the percentage of patients with irregular cycles. Improvement in bleeding intensity, frequency, and menstrual pain4 was experienced by patients.
  3. Vitamin D5: Vitamin D supplementation could decrease the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need to consume pain-relief medications. 

We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen for irregular periods. Just remember that you are not alone on this journey; no one’s journey is the same either. 

Supplements for Painful Periods

For women experiencing painful periods, certain supplements may offer relief. At Her Bio, we include science-backed ingredients that are included in your personalized blend. Here are just a few important ingredients for relief during periods: 

  1. Magnesium: May help reduce menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms. Magnesium alleviates premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women by regulating brain neurotransmitters and reducing muscle cramps and bloating.
     
  2. Curcumin: Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine. It has been shown to have a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  3. Zinc6: The best possible outcome for pain relief and prevention of uterine cramps was the administration of zinc three times a day, one to four days before menstruation. 

If you’re experiencing persistent irregularities, very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or if your periods are affecting your quality of life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to seek help – your concerns are valid, and you deserve support.

Living with sporadic periods can be troublesome, but remember, you’re not alone in this. Millions of people are navigating these wayward waters together. Be patient with your body, listen to its signals, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your health. 

Remember, our bodies are incredible, complex systems. Irregular periods and painful periods don’t mean you’re put in a box, and they do not determine your worth. They’re just one aspect of our health that we’re working toward comprehending and managing better than before.

To all my fellow irregular period people with uteruses out there: you have this. Keep fighting, continue to educate, and last of all, give yourself grace along the way. We’re here to support you. 

References

  1. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/causes ↩︎
  2. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/treatments ↩︎
  3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/irregular-periods/ ↩︎
  4. Höller M, Steindl H, Abramov-Sommariva D, Kleemann J, Loleit A, Abels C, Stute P. Use of Vitex agnus-castus in patients with menstrual cycle disorders: a single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 May;309(5):2089-2098. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07363-4. Epub 2024 Feb 23. PMID: 38393671; PMCID: ↩︎
  5. Amzajerdi, A., Keshavarz, M., Ghorbali, E. et al. The effect of vitamin D on the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood loss: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Women’s Health 23, 138 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02284-5 ↩︎
  6. Teimoori B, Ghasemi M, Hoseini ZS, Razavi M. The Efficacy of Zinc Administration in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea. Oman Med J. 2016 Mar;31(2):107-11. doi: 10.5001/omj.2016.21. PMID: 27168920; PMCID: PMC4861396. ↩︎

FAQs

Yes, high stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to irregular periods. Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga may help.
If you experience persistent irregularities, very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or if irregular periods are affecting your quality of life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
While supplements for irregular periods and supplements for painful periods may help, they are not a guaranteed solution. A comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes and medical advice, is often necessary.

Why Personalisation Matters:

Every woman is distinct, and your supplement needs are unique. Our quiz considers your individual health, symptoms, and lifestyle to create a supplement blend that aligns with your cycle and fitness goals.

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