Irregular menstruation is not always caused by an underlying disease. Sometimes, it is as a result of family history, stress (physical or psychological).
Your period is considered Irregular when the time between your periods is unstable and your periods come earlier or later.
There are several other reasons why women experience Irregular menstruation. It could be as a result of excessive weight gain or loss, changes in hormones, stress or emotional problems, or a change in contraception.
Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in women. The average length of a monthly cycle is 28 days. However, this varies with individuals. Some women may experience a cycle lasting between 24 – 38 days.Â
A cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the first day of the next period. In every cycle, bleeding may last up to 5 days. This also varies with individuals, from 2 – 7 days.
Irregular menstrual cycle or oligomenorrhea exists when a cycle exceeds 38 days or when bleeding in a cycle lasts for less than 2 days and more than 7 days or when the number between cycles is unpredictable. However, when menstruation first starts at puberty, it takes up to two years to establish a regular cycle.
Home Remedies
The risk or causes of oligomenorrhea can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some home remedies include:
1. Exercising- Gaining or losing weight
Maintaining a healthy weight helps with Irregular menstruation. Women who are overweight are likely to experience painful menstruation and heavier bleeding. Alternatively, being underweight can affect your cycle. Getting regular exercise helps decrease symptoms that cause painful menstruation. To reduce symptoms or risks, get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activities such as swimming, walking, running, or cycling.
2. Reduce stress
Stress has been identified as one cause of irregular cycles. Some hormones are produced during stress, and these hormones may cause an imbalance in your period. Practice meditation and yoga to help reduce stress.
3. Enjoy pineapple
Pineapple is a popular home remedy for oligomenorrhea, although it has not been scientifically proven. It contains bromelain, which softens the uterine lining and aids the menstrual cycle.
4. Ginger
Results from a study of a sample of women with heavy bleeding showed that ginger helps to reduce the amount of blood loss during menstruation. Although, just like pineapple, it has not been scientifically proven.
5. Get a daily dose of vitamins
Irregular menstrual periods have been linked to a low level of vitamin D. It is often added to dairy foods. You can also get vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin B also helps regulate the menstrual period.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera helps treat menstrual irregularities by regulating your hormones. The gel is extracted, and one tablespoon is taken before breakfast for the best results.
N.B: Aloe Vera should not be used when on your period.
When to See a Doctor
– When you develop a high fever during periods
– When your period is longer than 35 or shorter than 21 days
– When you bleed for more than 7 days
– When you soak more than one pad or tampon every 1-2 hours
Have you been experiencing irregularities in your menstruation? Talk about it anonymously on our anonymous and interactive forum. Someone may have had a similar experience and can give advice or even a remedy not mentioned here for you.