Irregular periods can occur for various reasons. Some women are simply more prone to irregular cycles than others; Although the average cycle is 28 days, some women experience cycles shorter than 21 days, or cycles longer than 40 days, for example. The reasons for irregular periods are often nothing to worry about, as lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and even stress levels can affect your period, change your cycle length, or cause heavier periods. or lighter. Certain medications, especially birth control, are another common reason for irregular periods.
Often one of the first signs of pregnancy is a missed period, so it's important to be aware of this if pregnancy is a possibility. A medical condition, such as ovarian cysts, can also cause irregular periods that are often very painful. For this reason, it's a good idea to address the issue with a doctor if it doesn't resolve within a few menstrual cycles to make sure nothing more serious is happening. Otherwise, the reasons for irregular periods can usually be determined by examining recent changes in lifestyle or general physical health. Recent surgeries or illnesses, for example, are common causes of irregular periods.
Excessive exercise or following strict diets are some of the most common reasons for irregular periods. Such activities often lead to periods that are very light or skipped altogether. The cessation of a period is known as amenorrhea, and is frequently seen in women with eating disorders, as well as in the above cases. Prolonged amenorrhea is unhealthy, and even if the cause is intense exercise, more than one or two missed periods is a sign that it may be time to cut back.
Birth control pills also often make the period lighter or non-existent, although some women have the opposite response and experience heavier periods or bleeding between periods. Sometimes switching to a different brand of birth control pills can help counteract these problems and regulate your cycle. It often takes a bit of trial and error before you find one that works well.
Increased stress levels and lack of sleep are also common reasons for irregular periods. Stress in particular can be very damaging to the body, so it's important to control it as much as possible. It is recommended that people get six to eight hours of sleep each night; This will help counter stress as well as promote normal menstrual cycles. These are just a few of the most common reasons for irregular periods, and it's important to monitor your cycle every month to stay on top of any changes.