The menstrual cycle is a normal but complex hormonal cycle that occurs in a female every month. The average cycle duration is 28 days, but a 21-35-day cycle is considered normal. However, many times, women experience slight deviations in the cycle ātoo short or too long, heavy, light or absent bleeding. While occasional changes in the menstrual periods may occur, frequent irregularities should not be ignored.
Did you know 14% to 25% of women experience irregular menstrual periods?Ā
Early awareness can prevent complications. Thanks to the availability of advanced gynaecological care at hormone clinics like Medi-Gyn, you can now consult expert gynaecologists for your menstrual issues, including irregular cycles.Ā
Letās learn more about irregular menstrual cycles, their common causes, and the best way to manage and prevent them.
Your menstrual cycle is considered irregular if you experience periods in less than 21 days or after 35 days or more. The typical bleeding duration during periods is around 2-7 days with a moderate flow. A variation of 7-9 days between the shortest or longest cycles in a year is acceptable; any further variation is also considered irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
It is important to note that adolescents may see 21-45 days initially, and regularity improves with age.
While the length of your cycle may vary from month to month, persistent irregularity warrants a consultation with an expert gynaecologist.Ā
Identifying the cause of irregular periods helps your gynaecologist suggest the best way to correct and regularise them. The most common causes of irregular periods include:
Any imbalance in hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, may cause irregular periods.
This condition affects 6% to 12% of women and is characterised by excess androgen production. This leads to irregular ovulation, cysts, and heavy/irregular flow.
Hypo- or hyperthyroidism alters body metabolism and hormones, thereby delaying periods or causing a complete absence of them. āØSimple blood tests confirm; treatment normalises cycles quickly.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which, in turn, suppresses reproductive hormones. Lifestyle factors, such as over-exercise or poor sleep, can aggravate the condition further.Ā
Rapid weight loss or gain can influence ovulation by altering the bodyās fat reserves and, in turn, reproductive hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
Fibroids/polyps cause heavy, erratic bleeding due to the growths distorting the uterine cavity.Ā
Contraceptives like hormonal pills and IUDs induce withdrawal bleeds, and starting or stopping disrupts patterns temporarily. These factors can affect the menstrual cycle and contribute to its irregularity.
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
At Medi-Gyn, our gynaecologists will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a detailed medical history to understand the cause of your irregular cycles. This typically includes a physical and pelvic examination, followed by hormonal blood tests.Ā
If your doctor suspects growths in the ovaries or uterus that may be affecting your menstrual period, they may also advise an ultrasound or imaging tests.
The treatment for irregular menstrual cycles in Dubai depends on the primary cause.Ā
At Medi-Gyn, our gynaecologists typically recommend one or more of the following therapies to address the root cause of your menstrual irregularities and regularise your cycle:
Our experts use combined oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone to regulate cycles by stabilising hormones, reducing bleeding in 80% of cases. āØProgestin-only pills, injections, or IUDs like Mirena trigger periods and protect the endometrium.āØĀ
These treatments must be prescribed only by a trained and certified practitioner who closely monitors any side effects.Ā
If your irregular menstrual cycle is due to underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorder, the gynaecologist at Medi-Gyn will treat it first.
Effective PCOS managementĀ can restore insulin levels, improve ovulation and assist in weight loss, all of which contribute to regularising cycles.Ā Normalising thyroid hormones also helps restore cycles within months.Ā
Some non-hormonal methods of managing irregular period symptoms include taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen) to ease heavy flow and pain and surgical procedures to remove polyps, fibroids and endometriosis.
At Medi-Gyn, we believe in providing comprehensive, personalised treatment to our patients. So, when correcting irregular menstrual cycles, our experts also provide dietary and lifestyle management tips.
A majority of women with irregular menstrual cycles struggle to conceive. Seeking timely help for irregular cycles can help you conceive.
Hormone testing is an essential part of analysis and evaluation at Medi-Gyn, as it provides a clear picture of your hormonal levels and the possible cause of your irregular menstrual cycle.
Hormone testing helps diagnose conditions like:
Key hormones evaluated in these tests include:
What is the right time to do these tests?
Day 2-5 of the cycle (follicular phase) for FSH, LH, estrogen, and AMH accuracy. To check for progesterone, day 21 (luteal, post-ovulation) is the best time.
In addition to medical intervention, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in regulating and maintaining normal menstrual cycles.
Eating a diet rich in omega-3s, fibre, and low-GI foods helps stabilise insulin and other hormones. So, make sure to include iron (spinach, lentils), folate (greens), and vitamin D in your diet, while limiting processed sugars and caffeine.āØ Drink around 2 to 3 litres of water daily.Ā Ā
A spike in cortisol levels blocks ovulation and can affect the menstrual cycle. So, if you are frequently stressed or live or work in a stressful environment, practice mindfulness or meditation for 10-20 min/day.āØĀ
Yoga and breathing exercises reduce symptoms of irregular periods in 40% PCOS cases.āØ Remember to get 7-9 hours of sleep and limit screen time at least 1-2 hrs before bedtime.Ā
Regular exercise can help regularise your menstrual cycles. Our experts at Medi-Gyn recommend getting at least 15 minutes/week or 30 minutes a day of moderate cardio and strength training. At the same time, avoid excessive workouts (>5 hrs/day) or intense activity, as they can disrupt your hormonal balance.
Remember: When it comes to exercise, consistency is key, not intensity.Ā
Maintain an optimal BMI of 18.5-24.9. It has been observed that losing even 5% to 10% body weight in overweight individuals can restore cycles in 50-70% PCOS patients.
It is essential to identify the early signs of an irregular menstrual cycle and seek timely care from a professional. It can help identify underlying issues like PCOS or thyroid disorders early, preventing complications such as infertility or anaemia.Ā
Dubaiās DHA-approved clinics, such as Medi-Gyn, offer quick diagnostics via ultrasound and lab tests, improving outcomes through timely interventions.
Specialised support at hormone clinics like Medi-Gyn can help you in correcting your irregular menstrual cycle and regularise it for better health and improved fertility. Medi-Gyn Dubai offers holistic care to achieve optimal outcomes, with our experts addressing the root cause of your condition.
If you are experiencing irregular cycles, hereās why you must visit our experts at Medi-Gyn:
Early treatment of irregular menstrual cycles prevents progression to infertility, anaemia, or other chronic conditions like PCOS complications. Women in Dubai can benefit from world-class care for their irregular menstrual cycles at Medi-Gynā your one-stop solution for all things hormonal!Ā
Schedule a consultation with our experts today and help restore the regularity of your cycles.
Irregular menstrual cycles affect fertility, especially if they are caused by PCOS or thyroid disorders.Ā
Irregular periods are common in 30% to 40% women and may be due to stress, contraceptives, weight changes or poor lifestyle.
It typically takes a minimum of 2 to 3 months (or 2 to 3 cycles) to observe improvement.Ā
Medical treatments delivered by board-certified and experienced gynaecologists for irregular menstrual cycle are effective and safe.Ā
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