IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION / PERIODS

Ayurvedic Medicine for Irregular Menstruation

IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION

Normally, the average gap between periods is 28 days. Irregular periods may vary in duration, being either shorter or longer. A woman’s menstrual cycles are irregular when the gap between them is less than 21 days or exceeds 35 days. This condition can impact anyone who experiences menstrual cycles. The periods are more likely to be irregular when they start during puberty and when nearing menopause.

Causes of Irregular Menstruation 

Common causes of irregular menstruation are

• Puberty
• At the stage of menopause
• Pregnancy – a missed period
• Hormonal contraception like progesterone only pill, contraceptive injection, and intrauterine system
• Losing or gaining a lot of weight
• Stress and anxiety
• Exercising too much
• Sometimes, conditions like PCOD, underactive thyroid gland, endometriosis, inflammatory disease, primary ovarian insufficiency, pituitary gland disorders, bleeding disorders, uterine cancers, or ovarian cancers can cause irregular periods.
• Viruses or any other illnesses
• Miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
• Surgery, scarring, or blockages in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.

Conditions Related To Irregular Menstruation

• Amenorrhea – complete absence of menstruation for a period of 90 days or more, unless pregnancy, breastfeeding, or going through menopause.
• Oligomenorhoea – periods occur infrequently.
• Dysmenorrhea – painful periods and severe menstrual cramps.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding – bleeding between monthly periods, prolonged bleeding, or an extremely heavy period.
• Smoking, obesity, and stress were significantly associated with menstrual cycle irregularity.

Complications of Irregular Menstruation

Irregular periods are usually not harmful. However, continuous or extended irregularity may elevate the risk of other conditions, such as,

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Endometrial hyperplasia

How To Get Regular Periods Naturally?

• Practice yoga – it may be effective for different menstrual issues.
• Maintain a healthy weight – changes in body weight can affect periods. Maintaining a moderate and stable weight for overall menstrual health is essential.
• Regular exercise – it helps to reach or maintain a moderate weight.
• A daily dose of vitamins – low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of irregular periods. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement can help to regulate menstrual cycle. Vitamin B also helps to reduce premenstrual syndrome and regular menstrual cycles.

Herbs Help To Treat Irregular Menstruation

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus / Thaneervittan kizhangu) – Helps to balance hormones and enhance uterus & ovarian health.
• Gudichi (Tinospora cordifolia / Seenthil) – Boosting the health of the female reproductive system. It has a rejuvenating effect and corrects hormonal imbalances.
• Ashoka (Saraca asoca) – The bark of the Ashoka tree relieves menstrual pain and excess bleeding, regulates periods  
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Helps to regulate periods. It contains gingerol which helps in contracting the uterine muscles and facilitates hormonal balance.
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) – An excellent remedy to regulate menses and reduce excess weight. It may increase uterine contraction.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) – Helps to regulate the uterine’s blood flow and treat irregular periods.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – It helps to regulate periods and balance hormones. It is anti-spasmodic and helps in menstrual cramps.
• Papaya (Carioca papaya) – unripe papaya promotes uterine contraction and induce menstrual flow. But it is contraindicated in pregnant women.
• Pine apple (Amanas comosus) – Has an anti-inflammatory effect; it helps regulate the late or irregular periods related to inflammation.
  

Irregular periods and occasional variations in cycle length are regular. However, if a person regularly has very short or long cycles, something may affect their menstrual cycles. Temporary causes for irregularity can include stress, natural hormonal changes, and starting or stopping of birth control. Certain medications and health conditions can also cause irregular periods. In this case, people can seek medical advice and remedies to regulate menstrual cycles.