Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs in women. This cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer, but it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial, as ovarian cancer is typically asymptomatic in its early stages, and late-stage ovarian cancer is associated with lower chances for survival. There are several risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, including age, family history, obesity, infertility, and hormone replacement therapy. However, one of the lesser-known risk factors for ovarian cancer is menstrual irregularities.

What are menstrual irregularities?

Menstrual irregularities refer to any abnormal variation in the frequency, duration, or amount of menstrual bleeding. This includes:.

Irregular periods, which are periods that come too often, too infrequently, or at unpredictable intervals
Heavy periods, which involve an abnormally high volume of menstrual bleeding
Light periods, which involve a scanty amount of menstrual bleeding
Spotting, which refers to light bleeding outside of the menstrual period
Absent periods, which refer to the absence of menstrual bleeding

Menstrual irregularities are common among women, and they can occur at any age.

Menstrual irregularities can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in weight, stress, travel, medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, and certain medications. While most cases of menstrual irregularities are not serious, they can be a sign of underlying health issues that require medical attention.

How do menstrual irregularities increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

There are several ways in which menstrual irregularities may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer.

One of the most widely accepted theories is that menstrual irregularities disrupt the process of ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Ovulation is a complex process that is regulated by a delicate balance of hormones. When this balance is disrupted, ovulation may not occur, or it may occur less frequently.

This disruption in ovulation can lead to the accumulation of follicles in the ovary, which can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Another theory is that menstrual irregularities may be a sign of an underlying health condition that increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

For example, women with PCOS, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances, are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, certain medication used to treat menstrual irregularities such as clomiphene citrate which is used for infertility, have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The link between menstrual irregularities and ovarian cancer

The link between menstrual irregularities and ovarian cancer has been studied extensively over the years. Several studies have found that women with menstrual irregularities are at increased risk of ovarian cancer.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2020 found that women with irregular periods had a 59% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to women with regular periods.

Similarly, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2018 found that women who experienced long menstrual cycles (defined as cycles lasting 35 days or more) had a 34% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared with those who had cycles lasting 28 days or less.

Other studies have found that women who have a history of infertility are at increased risk of ovarian cancer, and that this risk may be further increased in women who undergo fertility treatments.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2017 found that women who underwent fertility treatments had a 44% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared with women who did not undergo fertility treatments. This increased risk was observed even after adjusting for factors such as age, parity, and infertility.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Early-stage ovarian cancer often does not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms may develop, including:.

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Frequent urination
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Unexplained weight loss
Back pain
Menstrual irregularities

It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to ovarian cancer and can be caused by a variety of conditions. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.

Preventing ovarian cancer

The risk of ovarian cancer can be reduced by several lifestyle changes, including:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Avoiding tobacco products
Limiting alcohol consumption

Additionally, women who have a family history of ovarian cancer may benefit from genetic testing or counseling to assess their risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Menstrual irregularities are a risk factor for ovarian cancer, and women who experience menstrual irregularities should speak with their healthcare provider about their risk of ovarian cancer.

Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial, and women who are at increased risk of ovarian cancer may benefit from regular screening exams. Lifestyle changes can also help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and women who are concerned about their risk of ovarian cancer should speak with their healthcare provider about how to reduce their risk.