There are no women in the world who like being on periods and waiting for it eagerly. However, they start to sweat when the period gets too long or it doesn’t arrive. A healthy period cycle should be like clockwork. It should be balanced with a similar flow every cycle and, if possible, come in the same week as every month.
It is pretty standard to get a period late by a week; it happens in months when you’ve had too much to drink and party. Regular alcohol and tobacco consumption are known causes of irregular periods, but a one-day party will only move the date forward or backward by a few days. For most women, a missed period is a reason to get checked for pregnancy, but only a few of them are pregnant. Pregnancy is not the only reason for a missed or delayed period. Hormonal imbalances and medical conditions are also causes of irregular and missed periods in women. Let’s get to know in detail about the reasons, worries, and solutions to irregular periods;
Is it normal to miss periods?
It is normal for a woman to miss her periods during some stages of life. For example, during puberty (having a period for the first few times), during breastfeeding, and during the transitional period of going toward menopause (perimenopause). If you are not in the stages of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, you may have missed your period because of a health complication.
Is it normal to have no periods for three months?
The only normal cause for having no periods for three months is that you’re pregnant. The first thing you’d want to do is to get a pregnancy test. If you’re pregnant, you won’t get a period until you deliver. If a pregnancy has been completely ruled out, then it is certainly not normal to have no periods for three months. One of the main reasons for women above 35 to have no periods for a long time is that they are experiencing early perimenopause. Naturally, a mother who is still breastfeeding may also face trouble in getting regular periods. Other than all of these reasons, not having a period for three months indicates secondary amenorrhea- a stoppage in the menstrual cycle.
Some people face this sudden stoppage in menstruation due to lifestyle mistakes like excessive exercise or excessive stress, both of which can cause changes in the hormones. Secondary amenorrhea can also be triggered by tumorous growths on the pituitary gland, which regulates most of the hormones required for a healthy reproductive system. An imbalance in the thyroid gland, making it hyperactive or hypoactive, can also lead to secondary amenorrhea. A simple hormonal imbalance in the body, like an increase in testosterone or a decrease in estrogen, can also lead to missed periods.
Some pharmaceutical drugs also cause irregular and missed periods. Mostly antidepressants, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy medicines are the major causes of irregular periods. In some cases, it is also noted that taking regular birth control pills and suddenly stopping the usage can also cause missed periods.
What are the causes of irregular and missed periods?
Irregular periods can be caused due to several reasons and can have a genetic underlying condition that is carried through the women of the family. But in general, there are some common causes of missed periods-
Stress
The most disruptive hormone in the human body is cortisol, released when the mind goes under stress. Cortisol affects the hypothalamus, which controls the thyroid and pituitary glands and their hormones. Both are essential for the menstrual cycle, and cortisol imbalances all the hormones, causing irregular periods and the menstrual cycle. Excess travelling, professional stress, and financial issues can all cause tremendous stress, which can affect the menstrual cycle.
Low or high body weight
A meager body weight can also cause hormonal disruptions. Most people with extremely low weight have some eating disorder, which keeps them from getting enough nutrients to keep their hormones balanced. People with bulimia and anorexia nervosa are bound to have irregular menstrual cycles because of low body weight and inability to ovulate. Similarly, people with extremely high weight or obesity too are at risk of amenorrhea. Excess body fat leads to disturbances in insulin and cortisol levels, which cause imbalances in the hypothalamus.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder where the eggs have trouble being released into the uterus and turn into cysts. These infertile eggs start producing lots of androgens (male hormones) in the woman’s body, causing failure of the menstrual cycle and missed periods. It creates trouble like insulin resistance and excess body hair. Some women even experience symptoms of PMS without even getting any periods.
Birth control
Most birth control pills have high amounts of progesterone and estrogen, which stop the release of eggs from ovaries. This causes the periods to be late or missed, especially right after starting or stopping the use of birth control pills. The effects generally vanish within three months of stopping, but they might cause long-term menstrual issues if used in excess.
Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases like diabetes are a leading cause of hormone disruption. They generally affect the insulin receptors in the body, creating an imbalance in blood sugars, which in turn affects the hormones and regulates menstruation.
Thyroid issue
Thyroid issues are one of the most common causes of irregular periods in women. A hyperactive or hypoactive thyroid gland meddles with the metabolism, which in turn affects the hormones in the body. Long-term effects cause amenorrhea.
Early perimenopause
Menopause is the condition where women start to lose reproductive capabilities, usually occurring at the age of 45-55. If the symptoms of menopause, like missed periods, occur before 40, it is called perimenopause. Early perimenopause is the symptom of your ovaries being unable to produce eggs. This will eventually lead to menopause and an end to menstruation for the rest of your life.
Knowing your symptoms and checking your lifestyle and habits can help you to restore hormonal balance and menstrual cycles. Most of the time, dietary issues and underlying conditions are causes of irregular periods. You can regulate the hormonal balance in your body with supplementation that aims for the root cause of irregular periods. Namyaa Anartava Delayed and Irregular Periods Syrup is made with Ayurvedic herbs known to resolve issues related to the female reproductive system. It contains ingredients that help regulate hormones, prevent diabetes and its effects on hormones, and ensure a healthy and timely ovulation.
