Having irregular periods is more common than many people think. Whereas the average menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 35 days, for some women it can be considerably shorter or longer. In this knowledge article you can read what irregular menstruation means, what causes it, what the consequences are and how to deal with it.
What does irregular menstruation mean?
Irregular menstruation lacks the natural rhythm created by the cooperation of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH. These hormones normally control ovulation and menstruation in a fairly stable pattern.
When this balance is upset, menstruation can become unpredictable: sometimes bleeding starts much earlier, other times it stays off for weeks. The duration and intensity can also vary, from very light bleeding to longer and heavier periods. This not only makes it difficult to track your cycle, but may also indicate underlying hormonal or medical factors that need attention.
What causes irregular periods?
The causes of irregular menstruation are often multifaceted and are related to both physical and lifestyle factors. Many women experience disturbances due to hormonal fluctuations. This happens, for example, during puberty, at the menopause or in the period after childbirth, when hormones are readjusting.
Medical conditions can also play a role, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or a slow or just overactive thyroid. In addition, research shows that lifestyle has great influence: prolonged stress, large fluctuations in weight and too little sleep can disrupt hormone balance and lead to an irregular cycle.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, women with irregular periods are more likely to suffer from long-term health problems, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important not to ignore it, especially if the symptoms persist for a long time or keep recurring.
What can you do with irregular menstruation?
When you experience irregular periods, there are several steps you can take to get a better handle on your period and your health.
Keep a menstrual diary or app
Record the start and end dates of each menstruation.
Write down how long the cycle lasts and how intense the bleeding is.
Add symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches or mood swings.
That way you recognize patterns faster and have reliable data for a physician.
Watch for signs calling for medical examination
A cycle that remains irregular for months.
Very heavy bleeding or just prolonged absence of periods.
Extreme abdominal pain, fatigue or sudden changes in cycle length.
Always consult a family doctor or gynecologist in these cases.
Support your body with healthy lifestyle choices
Ensure adequate sleep and stress reduction.
Keep your weight stable, as fluctuations can affect hormones.
Eat a varied diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals that support hormone balance.
Use menstrual products that provide certainty when irregularity occurs
Menstrual cups : reusable, reliable and suitable for light and heavy days.
Beppy tampons : useful for sudden breakthrough bleeding.
Menstrual underwear : provides extra security during the night or on unexpected days.
Extra support after childbirth
An irregular cycle after childbirth often occurs because the body needs time to rebalance its hormones.
Comfortable and reliable products help during this period to depend less on a predictable schedule and experience more freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is irregular menstruation always bad for your health? Not always. For many women, an irregular cycle occurs temporarily, such as during puberty or around menopause. Nevertheless, a long-term irregular pattern can sometimes indicate underlying problems, such as a hormonal imbalance or PCOS. If your cycle remains irregular for an extended period of time, it is wise to discuss this with a doctor.
How does stress affect my menstrual cycle? Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, ovulation can be delayed or delayed, leading to an irregular cycle. Many women find that their periods stabilize once stress decreases or is better regulated.
How long does it take for your cycle to return to normal after stopping the pill? After stopping hormonal contraception, the body needs time to reset the natural cycle. This usually takes several weeks to months. For some women, it may take longer for menstruation to become regular again. If you still do not have a stable pattern after six months, it may be wise to seek medical advice.
Can you make an irregular period regular again by yourself? In many cases, you can support your cycle through a healthy lifestyle: adequate sleep, stress reduction, regular exercise and a balanced diet. This helps stabilize hormone balance. Medical causes, such as PCOS or thyroid disorders, often require additional treatment.
Do you have any questions about irregular menstruation or our products? If so, please feel free to contact us! We are happy to help you.
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Other menstrual types...
Discover the different types of menstruation and how to better understand and support your cycle. Read all articles on menstrual types here.
