It is believed that if the female body is period, then everything is normal. In other words, suddenly not being there when you aren't, and even worse, being late, can be rather alarming. This kind of irregularity is known as Oligomenorrhea, which is when periods are less than usual.
Most women menstruate approximately 21 to 35 days from their first day of bleeding to their first day of the next menstrual period. However, in the case of Oligomenorrhea, these cycles extend beyond 35 days, and the periods stand out by their irregular or delayed nature. Reading through this article, you will learn about the cause of this condition, how you can treat and manage it accordingly.
Menstrual cycles occurring less than what is normal are termed oligomenorrhea. It is, simply put, less frequent periods than you should be getting. It is usually diagnosed in a woman who has fewer than nine periods per year, or who has periods greater than 35 days apart. Some women may have long gaps between periods, while some experience periods every 3—10 months. On the face of it, this might be very convenient, but it could be indicative of some underlying health issues.
The reasons for Oligomenorrhea vary quite high from person to person. This irregularity has usually been caused by hormones. Your cycle is out of balance when your hormones are out of balance; Estrogen and Progesterone are examples.
Some of the common causes are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It is when the ovulation of women with PCOS goes wrong that irregular periods occur. Like thyroid problems, problems with your cycle can also stem from an underactive thyroid.
However, lifestyle factors can contribute as well, besides hormonal problems. Your period can be affected by things like high stress, over-exercising, sudden weight loss, or not eating properly. This condition is more prone to occur if an athlete or someone who eats a strict diet. Additionally, some medications affect other medications. For instance, some of the birth control methods involving the hormone may result in Oligomenorrhea.
Fewer periods than usual are the main sign. That's a clear indicator if you're going more than 35 days between each period regularly. In addition, some women may also see their periods getting lighter or shorter than usual.
It's not just about frequency. Other changes may include. This is why you may notice it before or after your period. You may also feel pelvic pain, breakouts, or mood changes. These signs often suggest that there is a correlation between hormonal imbalances and irregular cycles.
Common: missing a period, some, but not all, periods, but consistently irregular cycles should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They may also ask questions about your lifestyle, undergo blood tests to check your hormones, and sometimes an ultrasound to see your ovaries.
Well, ignoring irregular periods may not seem like a big issue to start with, however, it eventually leads to a few complications. One major concern is fertility. If your body is not ovulating regularly, then it becomes difficult to get pregnant. A buildup of the uterine lining is another potential problem. Too often skipping periods may cause the lining to become too thick. With time, this makes the chances of endometrial problems rise. Be aware that hormonal imbalances can also create problems in the long term, especially with bones and mood. It could be nothing at all, but even if the missed periods are not bothering you physically, they could signal that something else is up, inside your body.
If you are suffering from irregular periods in the first place, you will receive treatment dependent on what's causing it. If the main cause was a hormonal imbalance, people may be required to take birth control pills or hormone therapy to regulate their cycle.
Additionally, lifestyle changes can be hugely effective too. If stress is a factor, it helps to learn how to control it through activities such as yoga, meditation, regular exercise, and more. A diet that lacks certain essential nutrients could be missing out on a big difference if your diet were more whole-foods based or in partnership with a dietitian. Weight is something that can be either too little or too much, and boys and girls often grow out of any irregular eating and/or weight patterns that may have contributed to their problem periods.
If you've started or ended your periods suddenly, especially if it's been longer than three months since your last period, check in with your doctor. If the irregularity comes with other symptoms like pelvic pain, hair growth, or mood changes, this is especially important. Secondly, you also need to keep track of your periods.
Oligomenorrhea is a real word, but it is, and the very sound of the word is confusing, but it is just a sign that your body's cycle just needs some attention. There are many ways to get back on track, no matter if it be from stress, weight change, hormonal imbalance, or some underlying condition.
Always, the first step is understanding your body and listening to what your body is telling you. Don't get used to your periods becoming less frequent or you're period behaving differently. It might be your body's way of telling you something's wrong.
Being underweight or overweight, Hormone levels can be affected, and ovulation disturbed. Keeping a 'healthy weight' helps to balance hormones and maintain regular menstrual cycles.
Thyroid disorders, in particular hypothyroidism, do affect menstrual cycles. Treatment of the thyroid condition can correct period irregularity.
Birth control pills can indeed help regulate hormones and regulate periods back to normal.
Oligomenorrhea that is not treated may result in infertility, thickened menstrual lining, or hormonal imbalance. Early diagnosis prevents complications and does not harm health.
It can indeed increase the risk of infertility, endometrial problems, and bone loss. Control of the condition reduces these risks and places one on better long-term health.
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