Effects Of Irregular Periods On The Body

Each one of us is different, including our period. Some periods may be unpredictable. Others just come exactly after a specific day. Periods are usually experienced after 24 to 38 days from the date of the last period, and it usually lasts around 2 to 8 days. If it sounds different from yours, you may think that your period is irregular. If you are in doubt or if it really is, let us learn the effects of irregular periods on your body.

What Does Irregular Periods Mean?

Irregular periods have different indications. An irregular period occurs when the time between periods begin to change. The blood that comes out during your period is quite more or less than normal. An irregular period may also happen when there is a change in the number of days your period typically lasts.

Some Instances Of Irregular Periods

• If your period occurs more than 35 days or less than 21 days;
• If you missed three or more consecutive periods;
• If your menstrual flow is lighter or heavier than before;
• If your period lasts for more than seven days;
• If your period is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramping, or pain; or
• If you experience spotting or bleeding between periods or after sex or menopause.

Are Irregular Periods Normal?

Sometimes, having irregular periods are normal. And irregular periods may sometimes have a benign cause. Some factors, including age, diet, weight, exercise, stress, and birth control, may cause irregular periods. But in some cases, an irregular period may be due to a serious condition, and that may be considered as an abnormal period.

Causes Of Irregular Periods

The chance of getting irregular menstruation is high due to a number of factors. Most of these factors may be related to the production of the hormone. The two most crucial hormones that can affect menstruation are progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle.

Hormonal Influences

Puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and menopause are just a few life cycle changes that can impact your hormonal balance. Contraceptives, such as IUD and pills, may result in irregular bleeding. Extreme weight changes, emotional stress, endurance exercise, and eating disorders may also cause a missed or irregular menstruation.

Complications

An irregular period may be an indication that you are suffering from an underlying health problem. That is the reason why you need to seek help from experts, such as from a gynecologist online, to evaluate your condition. Here are more serious causes of irregular periods

• Blood coagulation disorders
• Conditions affecting the kidney and liver
• Complications due to ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Precancerous and cancerous conditions of the uterus
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Thyroid disease
• Uterine fibroids

Effects Of Irregular Periods On The Body

Whether it is due to stress, diet, weight, or basic health condition, irregular periods should not be taken for granted because it may have harmful side effects on your body, unless you are pregnant. Here are some of the effects of irregular periods on the body:

• If it is due to PCOS, you need to know that it can cause infertility, aside from your increased risk of diabetes and various heart diseases.
• If it is due to thyroid problems, such as an underactive thyroid, it can trigger ovulation which can cause hormonal imbalances.
• And since it affects your ovulation, you may find it hard to get pregnant.
• The risk of ovarian cancer is twice compared to those who have regular period cycles.
• Ovarian failure or untimely menopause is most likely to occur.
• It can thicken the coating of your uterus, which might lead to uterine cancer.
• Heavy blood loss may result in weakness, low blood count, or anemia.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing an irregular period, it is best to consult a gynecologist for you to be able to know your condition. Irregular periods have harmful side effects on your body. There may be times when you will experience an irregular period, and that may be considered normal, especially if it is due to factors such as age, weight, stress, and lifestyle changes. But you should never take it for granted as it may be an indication of a serious health problem which should be given remedy immediately.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed

Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing.