Menstrual cycle: What your period says about your health

For most women, the menstrual cycle is a regular and predictable occurrence. However, there can be times when your period is unusual or unexpected. While this is not always cause for concern, it can be a sign that something is wrong with your health. For example, a sudden change in your menstrual cycle could be a sign of stress or an underlying medical condition. 

Of course, it is important to remember that every woman is different. And did you know that your period can actually tell you a lot about your health? In this blog post, we will explore what your period says about your health and how you can use this information to maintain your well-being.

What is a normal menstrual cycle?

A regular menstrual cycle can vary in length from woman to woman, but it is typically between 21 and 35 days. During this time, a woman’s body will go through many changes as hormones fluctuate. The first day of your period marks the beginning of your cycle and is when you are most likely to experience the heaviest flow. This usually lasts for 3-7 days. 

Make sure you pay attention to when you have your period and what’s normal and healthy for you:

• Heavy bleeding: Bleeding that is heavier than usual can be an indication of a serious medical condition.
• Light bleeding: Light bleeding is not necessarily unusual, but it can be a sign of stress or hormonal imbalances.
• Irregular periods: This could mean you have a thyroid disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, or another medical condition.
• Painful periods: Painful cramps can be caused by a variety of medical conditions or stress.
• No period: A missed period could be due to pregnancy, menopause, or another medical condition. It is important to see your doctor if you miss several periods in a row without explanation.

For many women, menstruation is accompanied by various other symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal cramps, back pain, breast tenderness, headaches, irritability and moodiness. These symptoms are caused by changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle and typically disappear once bleeding starts. As your period ends, you may notice an increase in energy levels and improved mood as hormone levels shift back towards normal. 

By understanding your menstrual cycle, you can start to recognize any changes that might signal a health issue. If you experience sudden or frequent changes in your period, make sure to talk to your doctor. Keeping track of your cycle and any accompanying symptoms can also help you identify potential issues before they become more serious. 

What does an irregular period mean?

Period health issues could be due to several different factors such as stress, diet, lifestyle or underlying medical conditions. An unusually long or short menstrual cycle could be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you notice any changes in your usual cycle, it may be helpful to keep a menstrual diary and track your periods. This can help you to identify any potential problems early on and take the necessary steps towards correcting them.

What are some common medical conditions related to periods?

Some medical conditions that could affect your menstrual cycle include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids and thyroid disorders. These conditions can cause irregular periods as well as excessive bleeding or cramping. If you suspect you may have one of these conditions, it is important to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

What causes period irregularities?

The menstrual cycle is a complex process that is regulated by hormones. Any number of things can throw off the delicate balance of hormones and cause period irregularities, including:

• Pregnancy: One of the most common causes of irregular menstrual cycles is pregnancy. This is because the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can throw off the delicate balance needed to maintain a regular cycle. In addition, the growing size of the uterus can put pressure on the surrounding organs, which can also cause irregularity.
• Breast-feeding: While breast-feeding, some women experience a disruption in their menstrual cycle. This is because the hormones produced during lactation can interfere with normal menstrual cycles.
• Stress: Stress is another major factor that can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle. Stress causes your body to produce more of the hormone cortisol, which can upset the delicate balance of hormones needed for a regular cycle.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills and antidepressants, can also disrupt the menstrual cycle. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how any medication may be impacting your cycle.
• Eating disorders, extreme weight gain or loss: Eating disorders and sudden changes in weight can also cause irregular menstrual cycles. This is due to the fact that these can throw off the delicate hormonal balance needed for a regular cycle.
• Excessive exercising: Excessive exercising can also lead to an irregular menstrual cycle. This is because intense or prolonged physical activity can cause a decrease in body fat and disruption of hormone levels, leading to irregularity.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):  PCOS is a condition wherein the ovaries produce an excessive amount of hormones. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, as well as other symptoms such as acne, weight gain and facial hair growth.
• Premature ovarian failure:  Premature ovarian failure is a condition where the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormone levels drop prematurely. This can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):  PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
• Uterine fibroids:  Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They can cause irregular menstrual cycles, as well as other symptoms such as heavy bleeding and increased cramping.
• Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders can also lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. This is because the hormones produced by the thyroid gland play an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle.

It is important to remember that irregularities in your menstrual cycle can be caused by a number of different factors and it is best to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any changes in your cycle. By understanding what could potentially be causing it,  you can take steps to ensure that your body is functioning properly and reduce the risk of more serious health issues down the road.

How are menstrual cycle irregularities treated?

The treatment for menstrual cycle irregularities will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if stress is identified as a factor, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques or counseling. In cases of an eating disorder or sudden weight loss or gain, a nutritionist may be consulted to help you get your diet back on track. For PCOS and other hormonal disorders, medications such as birth control pills may be prescribed in order to regulate hormone levels. In cases of PID or fibroids, surgery may be required.

How to track your menstrual cycle?

The most effective way to track your menstrual cycle is to take note of key information such as the date you start and finish your period, how long it lasts, how heavy the flow is and any associated symptoms. These observations can be written down in a journal or calendar, or even tracked using an app on your phone. By tracking your menstrual cycle regularly, you can easily identify any significant changes or irregularities in your cycle and seek medical advice if needed.

What to do to prevent menstrual irregularities?

The best way to prevent menstrual irregularities is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes following a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress levels. Additionally, it is important to practice safe sex in order to reduce the risk of STDs or PID that can lead to irregular cycles. Finally, consult your healthcare provider if:

• Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days — and you’re not pregnant
• Your periods become erratic after having been regular
• You bleed for more than seven days
• You bleed more heavily than usual or soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
• Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• You bleed between periods
• You develop severe pain during your period
• You suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons

Keep your period health in check

Keeping track of your period health condition and recognizing any irregularities is an important part of maintaining good reproductive health. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, or if your period is suddenly very different from what it normally is, it’s a good idea to visit a Nao Medical urgent care clinic near you. Our team of experts can help to assess what’s going on and make sure that there isn’t anything serious going on.
So if you’re ever concerned about your period, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or drop by one of our clinics. Doing this will help ensure that you stay healthy and feel your best.