Tracking your menstrual changes may help you understand what’s typical for you, timing ovulation, and notice significant abnormalities, such as a missing period or irregular menstrual flow. While menstrual cycle abnormalities are normally not dangerous, they can occasionally be a symptom of a health condition.
When does menstruation usually start?
Girls begin menstruation at the age of 12 on average. Menopause, which begins at the age of 51, causes women to cease menstruating.
What are some of the signs of healthy menstruation?
- Moodiness
- Sleeping problems
- Cravings for food
- Lower abdominal and back cramps
- Bloating
- Breast sensitivity
- Acne
What factors contribute to menstrual cycle irregularities?
- Breast-feeding or pregnancy. Missing menstruation might be a precursor to pregnancy. Breast-feeding usually postpones the resumption of menstruation after pregnancy.
- Eating disorders, significant weight loss, or excessive exercise are all examples of eating disorders. Menstruation can be disrupted by eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, significant weight reduction, and excessive physical activity.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with this common endocrine system disorder may have irregular periods and enlarged ovaries with small collections of fluid called follicles located in each ovary, as seen during an ultrasound exam.
- Ovarian failure occurs prematurely. The lack of normal ovarian function before the age of 40 is referred to as premature ovarian failure. Women suffering from early ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, may have irregular or infrequent periods for years.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the reproductive organs might result in irregular menstruation.
- Fibroids in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths. They have the potential to produce heavy menstrual changes in periods as well as protracted menstrual periods.
What should you do to avoid menstrual changes/irregularities?
Birth control tablets can help some women regulate their menstrual periods. Treatment for any underlying issues, such as an eating disorder, may also be beneficial. Some menstrual changes, however, are unavoidable.
Consult your doctor if-
- Your periods abruptly cease for more than 90 days – even if you are not pregnant.
- After being regular, periods become unpredictable.
- You’ve been bleeding for more than seven days.
- You bleed more than usual or use more than one pad or tampon per hour, or your periods are fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
- You bleed in between your cycles.
- During your period, you experience excruciating discomfort.
- After using tampons, you get a temperature and become ill.
