As a woman, your menstrual cycle is essential to keep track of your reproductive health. It enables you to know when you’re ready to conceive or when to arm yourself with contraceptives.

However, if you notice that your period isn’t following the typical pattern of once every 28-30 days, then you may have an irregular menstrual cycle.

An irregular cycle can happen because of a variety of reasons. These range from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions.

Knowing the possible causes of menstrual cycle problems can help you identify the root of the issue and seek treatment and support accordingly.

What Is an Irregular Menstrual Cycle?

An irregular menstrual cycle means that your periods come at inconsistent lengths. For example, you have your period every 21 days this month, but it arrives at day 35 next time.

Alternatively, you might have a natural period for one month and experience heavy bleeding or skip the entire month the next.

Irregular menstrual cycles are more common than you might think. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 14-25% of women who menstruate experience irregular periods.

While irregular cycles can make it challenging to predict ovulation and make it challenging to conceive, they generally don’t pose any significant health risks.

Possible Causes of Menstrual Cycle Problems

There are several reasons why your menstrual cycle may be irregular. Here are ten common factors that might be the root cause:.

1. Poor Diet and Nutritional Imbalances

Research shows that a poor diet, specifically low-quality and nutrient-deficient meals, can alter your menstrual cycle. Nutritional deficiencies like iron and vitamin B12 can impact hormone levels, leading to irregular periods.

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining healthy body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle.

2. Extreme Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Sudden weight fluctuations from binge-eating or crash diets can wreak havoc on your body’s hormonal balance, leading to missed or prolonged periods. Likewise, obesity can also trigger hormonal changes, which leads to irregular periods.

Consulting with a healthcare professional or dietitian can help you identify the best approach to maintain a healthy weight and regulate your menstrual cycle.

3. Physical or Emotional Stress

Stress doesn’t just have a psychological impact on your body, but it significantly alters your physical well-being, including your menstrual cycle.

Stress triggers a hormonal response in your body that can disrupt the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, leading to missed, delayed, or irregular periods.

If you’re experiencing significant stress due to work, personal life or other reasons, make sure to incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to help keep your menstrual cycle in check.

4. Intense Exercise Regimens

Intense exercise can also lead to an irregular menstrual cycle, particularly if the activities lead to a significant amount of weight loss or significant lean body mass.

Experts suggest that women who engage in rigorous exercise daily may experience menstrual cycle changes, including lighter or missed periods.

Scale back on high-intensity physical activities to keep your menstrual cycle in check.

5. Puberty and Menopause

Puberty and menopause signify significant physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s life and can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. During puberty, a woman’s body undergoes several changes as it prepares for the onset of menstruation.

Meanwhile, during menopause, dramatic hormonal changes can alter the frequency and severity of periods.

6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. This condition occurs when a woman’s body produces higher than normal levels of androgen hormones, leading to cysts on the ovaries and irregular periods.

Women who have PCOS can seek medical treatment from their healthcare provider, including medication or lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and regulate their menstrual cycle.

7. Thyroid Disorder

A thyroid disorder is a medical condition that impacts the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones that regulate your metabolism and body temperature.

Women who have an underactive or overactive thyroid can experience menstrual irregularities, including heavier or lighter than average periods.

If you suspect that you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

8. Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature ovarian failure is when the ovaries stop functioning before a woman turns 40 years old. This condition can cause hormonal imbalances leading to changes in the frequency and severity of periods and infertility.

If a woman suspects having premature ovarian failure, consulting with a healthcare professional can help diagnose and support a treatment plan.

9. Medications and Contraceptives

Some medications and contraceptives can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to missed or delayed periods. Contraceptives like intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control pills, and implantable devices can lead to menstrual cycle changes.

If you suspect that your menstrual cycle irregularity might be due to the contraceptives you’re using, speak to your healthcare provider to switch your method or adjust the dosage.

10. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs that can affect fertility, cause chronic pain and, in some cases, lead to an ectopic pregnancy.

Women who suspect having PID should seek medical treatment from their healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

An irregular menstrual cycle can impact a woman’s life in several ways, from the inability to predict the onset of periods to managing an unplanned pregnancy.

However, by understanding the possible causes, you can seek medical assistance to identify and address the root problem.

Lead a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, exercise moderately, and seek medical treatment if you suspect any underlying condition that could disrupt your menstrual flow is necessary to prevent menstrual cycle problems.

By maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, you can take charge of your reproductive health.