Experiencing irregular periods can give you jitters, making you feel uneasy. It is characterised by a noticeable change in cycle length and duration of menstruation. A normal period cycle lasts around 4 to 7 days and occurs at an interval of about 28 days. If you are facing a similar issue, don’t panic, here’s some good news! By incorporating a combination of lifestyle changes and some natural remedies, you can fix them without the need to run to a gynaecologist immediately.
These days, access to high-quality gynaecological care has become more convenient, with cities like Chennai standing out for their advanced healthcare infrastructure. Whether you need routine care or specialised treatment, it’s easier than ever to find the best gyno in Chennai. However, before visiting a gynaecologist, it’s essential to learn what causes irregular periods, how they impact your health, and if there are any natural ways to manage them.
Recognising the Symptoms of Irregular Periods
Having awareness of your body can help you take the right actions, and it is of utmost importance to decipher symptoms first. Irregular periods are not just about missing one month. They can instead present themselves in various ways. It’s important to heed any signs your body may be giving you. A few of the common symptoms that accompany irregular periods are:
- Periods occurring in less than 21 days or more than 35 days
- Skipping periods for one or multiple months
- Heavy or light bleeding
- Spotting
Tracking Your Periods
It’s important to keep a tab on your menstrual cycle. You can use a calendar, an app, or even a journal to keep track of the duration and the symptoms that you might be experiencing. This will help you to have a proper discussion with your healthcare provider.
What Causes Irregular Periods?
The first step in maintaining healthy hormonal balance involves practising good lifestyle habits. Irregular periods are caused by a combination of factors such as poor lifestyle habits, hormonal shifts, and underlying health conditions. Some causes are:
- Stress: Stress, the higher the degree, the more it leads to chronic stress, which in turn interferes with ovulation and therefore causes delays in the levels of timing for periods.
- Poor Sleep: Disturbances in sleep patterns, particularly for reasons like night shifts and very heavy working hours, disorient your sleep-wake cycle by affecting hormone synthesis.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): One common cause of period irregularity is PCOS. About 1 in 10 women suffer from this. It impacts ovulation, causing inconsistent periods.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can potentially cause disturbances in regular timing; this might mean irregular or complete absence of menstruation.
- Rapid Weight Changes: Rapid changes in weight, e.g., gaining or losing a large amount of mass in a short time, can disrupt hormonal balance, significantly affecting the menstrual cycle.
- Medications and Birth Control: Certain medications can turn hormonal balance upside down. These include: hormonal pills, antidepressants, or other drugs prescribed for chronic diseases.
If you experience ongoing irregularities, it’s imperative to consult a reliable gynaecologist in Chennai for not only providing the best solution but also holistic guidance to help you manage your menstrual cycle in future.
Natural Ways to Treat Irregular Periods
To address the first problem, you need to address it at two levels: surface and root. With a multitude of medical treatments around you, many women would consider remedies that are natural and do not involve the use of drugs to avoid unknown side effects. By being consistent and incorporating all the listed remedies, you can expect to see results gradually with time. Some remedies are:-
- Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Eating whole plant foods that include a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibres, iron, and important vitamins can support hormonal health. Some examples include: dark leafy greens, berries, flaxseed, walnuts, and avocados.
- Stay Hydrated and Limit Stimulants: Dehydration and excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance. Select water, herbal teas, or fresh fruit juice.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal therapy has a lot to offer for maintaining a normal cycle. Some usual herbs like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and ashoka can actually be taken in tea form or in hot water.
- Ginger tea is most commonly used to treat periods and reduce heavy menstrual flow.
- Cinnamon helps balance insulin levels and regulate the menstrual cycle, making it beneficial for PCOS.
- Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property could balance estrogen.
- Raspberry Leaf Tea is recommended to strengthen the uterus and improve cycle regularity.
- Manage Stress with Mindfulness Practices: With guided yoga, meditation, deep-breathing techniques, and others, you can reduce cortisol, thus calming the nervous system. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep will help with better hormonal regulation.
- Regular, Moderate Exercise: Though at a moderate level of intensity, working out will increase circulation, lower stress, and generally aid hormonal functioning.
- Acupuncture and Acupressure: These may be effective in regulating menstrual cycles by promoting blood flow and balancing hormones.
When is the Right Time to See a Doctor?
Understanding your body’s signs and paying attention to your period is more than just calendar tracking. While it’s no big deal if there are minor irregularities every so often, some things are red flags and should be taken to a healthcare provider quickly if you notice any of the following:
- Missing three cycles in a row.
- Regular cycles have, for no apparent reason, been turned upside down.
- Heavy flow with clotting and severe cramps.
- Trying to conceive and having trouble.
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalance include excessive facial hair, sudden weight gain, or hair thinning.
How Cloudnine Stands Out
In Chennai, women’s reproductive health facilities are seeing a major uptick. Cloudnine is undoubtedly an established brand name when it comes to a top-tier gynaecology hospital in Chennai. The hospital is characterised by the most senior, highly qualified gynaecologists who possess expertise in dealing with complications surrounding women’s health. From simple consultations to cutting-edge fertility services, Cloudnine has commendably established itself as a trustworthy, patient-centric healthcare provider.
In a Nutshell
Having an irregular menstrual cycle can often be a cause for concern, but it doesn’t have to take away your mental peace. By paying heed to the body’s needs, forming better lifestyle habits, understanding the minute signs, and taking expert opinions when needed, one can slowly but surely get closer to gaining balance. For expert guidance tailored to your personal needs, searching for the best gynaecologist in Chennai may just be the best option.
You can drop in at Cloudnine, a gynaecology hospital in Chennai, where a team of experts is available to address all kinds of issues that affect a woman’s health. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment now!