A menstrual cycle is considered irregular if it lasts longer or shorter than the average cycle length of 28 days. Irregular periods can cause discomfort and distress and affect a woman’s overall health.
Food is an absolute go-to when you are getting intolerable cramps in your stomach, and your hormones have gone haywire. Food is not just great for women who are on their period; some food can also help those who get irregular periods. To know if your periods are irregular or not, you can consult some of the best gynaecologist in chandigarh.
It is important to identify the causes of irregular periods and find ways to regulate them. We will discuss the symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles, causes of irregular periods, foods for irregular periods and how to regulate your periods.
Symptoms of Irregular Periods
- Irregular cycles with longer or shorter lengths
- Light or heavy bleeding
- Skipped periods
- Irregular ovulation
- Painful periods
Causes of Irregular Periods/Menstrual Cycle
1.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and can cause irregular periods. Women with PCOS often experience irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, and an increase in hair growth.
2. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods. Symptoms of thyroid disorders include fatigue, weight gain or loss, and mood changes.
3. Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt the hormonal balance and cause irregular periods. Stress can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate the menstrual cycle.
4. Weight Changes
Significant weight changes, either weight gain or loss, can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for regulating the menstrual cycle. Foods that regulate periods can help with weight changes.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular periods. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, weight changes, and certain medical conditions.
6. Hormonal Contraceptive Use
Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
7. Menopause
During menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing hormonal imbalances and irregular periods.
8. Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods. Ovarian cysts can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions. Maintaining a diet for irregular periods can help with this condition.
9. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus and can cause heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and irregular periods.
10. Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus and can cause irregular periods.
11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and irregular periods.
12. Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause irregular periods and often the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period.
13. Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
14. Certain Medications
Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants, can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
18 Effective Foods For Irregular Periods
If you’re thinking of what to eat if periods are not coming, below is a list of superfoods you must include in your diet plan:
- Leafy Greens
Rich in iron, calcium and vitamins, leafy greens help regulate hormones and promote a healthy menstrual cycle.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, B vitamins and minerals, which help regulate hormones and useful foods to regulate periods.
3. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which help balance hormones and reduce the risk of irregular periods.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber and minerals, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
5. Legumes
Legumes are a good source of protein, fiber and minerals, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
6. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate hormones, are the best foods for irregular periods and improve menstrual health.
7. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain compounds that help regulate hormones.
8. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
9. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which help regulate hormones.
10. Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber and vitamins, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
11. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut contain probiotics, which help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
12. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and magnesium, which help regulate hormones.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric has certain warming properties that treat any imbalances in the hormonal system, due to which periods get regular. Its antispasmodic nature helps reduce cramping and it has anti-inflammatory properties too.
14. Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds are amongst foods that regulate periods. Soak a teaspoon of coriander seeds in a glass of water, boil it till half the water is evaporated. Strain the mix and then drink it multiple times a day, most preferably thrice. Continue this for a few days and you will see tremendous improvement in your menstrual health.
15. Carrots
Carrots contain a lot of vitamins and minerals that ensure proper functioning or the hormones responsible for menstruation. Carrot juice must be a part of the diet for irregular periods.
16. Fennels
This scented spice triggers menstruation. And if you suffer from stomach camps during periods, then fennel seeds can relieve that too, being an antispasmodic.
17. Cinnamon
People suffering from irregular periods can also benefit immensely from taking cinnamon.
18. Unripe Papaya
Stress is an important reason why people suffer from irregular periods. If you wish to regularise your periods that have resulted from undue stress, then taking unripe papaya would be the best bet.
19. Grapes (Raisins)
Raw grapes are known to be one of the best foods if you have irregular periods.
20. Green Tea
Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Research has shown that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea a day can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual pain.
How to Regulate Your Periods?
- Exercise regularly
Regular exercise helps regulate hormones and improves menstrual health.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
3. Reduce stress
Stress can interfere with hormones and cause irregular periods. Find ways to reduce stress such as meditation, yoga or exercise.
4. Eat a balanced diet
A diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, can help regulate hormones and improve menstrual health.
5. Limit caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with hormones and cause irregular periods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, irregular periods are a common concern for many women and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, and certain medical conditions. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and stress management, you can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve your overall health.
Foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, berries, nuts and seeds, legumes, fatty fish, cruciferous vegetables, ginger, flaxseeds, avocado, fermented foods, and dark chocolate can also help regulate hormones and are best foods for irregular periods. If you experience irregular periods, it is important to talk to your gynecologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
FAQs:
Irregular periods can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, and certain medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, berries, nuts and seeds, legumes, fatty fish, cruciferous vegetables, ginger, flaxseeds, avocado, fermented foods, and dark chocolate, can help regulate hormones and promote a healthy menstrual cycle.
If you have irregular periods, it is important to speak with your gynecologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In addition to seeking medical care, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
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