Periodic disorders refer to any medical condition that occurs in cycles or periodically. They may be associated with hormonal changes, environmental factors, genetics or other causes. Here are 10 reasons why periodic disorders occur:.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal cycle of the body and lead to periodic disorders.

For instance, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle can trigger premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, headaches and bloating. Hormonal imbalances can also cause thyroid disorders, pituitary gland disorders and infertility.

2. Genetics

Some periodic disorders such as familial Mediterranean fever, hereditary angioedema and cyclic vomiting syndrome are associated with genetic mutations or abnormalities.

Individuals with a family history of these conditions are more likely to develop them due to inherited genes.

3. Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental factors such as allergens, pollutants or toxins can trigger periodic disorders. For example, seasonal allergies can cause hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Chemicals in skincare products, cleaning agents or perfumes can cause skin reactions such as eczema, psoriasis and hives.

4. Dietary Habits

Unhealthy dietary habits such as consuming processed foods, caffeine, alcohol or sugar can trigger periodic disorders such as migraines, digestive disorders and autoimmune diseases.

Skipping meals or fasting can also affect the body’s metabolic rate and contribute to periodic disorders.

5. Sleep Patterns

Irregular sleep patterns or insufficient sleep can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and trigger periodic disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Sleep deprivation can also affect hormone levels and lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

6. Stress

Stressful events such as job loss, relationship issues or financial problems can trigger periodic disorders such as panic attacks, anxiety disorders and depression.

Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

7. Medications

Some medications can cause periodic disorders as a side effect. For instance, birth control pills can cause irregular periods, nausea and mood swings. Antidepressants can cause sexual dysfunction, weight gain and sleep disturbances.

Chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss, nausea and fatigue.

8. Age

The aging process can cause periodic disorders such as menopause, osteoporosis and dementia. Menopause is associated with fluctuations in hormone levels and can cause hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes.

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior.

9. Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal body tissues and organs. These disorders can cause periodic symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue and rashes.

Examples of autoimmune disorders include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.

10. Infections

Infections can cause periodic disorders such as recurring infections, fever, chills and fatigue. Examples of infections that can cause periodic symptoms include Lyme disease, malaria, dengue fever and influenza.