Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Mar 14, 2023
BookMark
Report
How to Get Regular Periods Naturally: 10 Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
Dr. Baseerat KaurGynaecologist • 12 Years Exp.MBBS, MS, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery(FMAS), FELLOW IN ADVANCED GYNAE LAPAROSCOPY
What are Irregular Periods?
Irregular periods, also known as oligomenorrhea, refer to menstrual cycles that are longer than the average 28 day cycle or that are inconsistent.
Women with irregular periods may experience an interval of more than 35 days between periods, or their periods may be very light or heavy.
Irregular periods can also be caused by hormonal imbalance, stress, dieting, changes in exercise routine, certain medications and medical conditions.
Types of irregular periods:
- Polymenorrhea: This is when a woman has periods that occur too often, usually at intervals of 21 days or less.
- Oligomenorrhea: This is when a woman has periods that are too far apart, usually occurring at intervals of 35 days or more.
- Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual bleeding refers to the condition in which a woman does not experience any menstrual bleeding at all.
- Hypomenorrhea: This is when the duration and flow of a woman's period are both much lighter than usual.
- Dysmenorrhea: In this condition, a woman will suffer from severe menstrual cramps and pain while she is experiencing her period.
What are the signs and symptoms of Irregular Periods?
- Missed Periods: One of the most common signs of an irregular period is a missed period. If a person does not have a period for three months or more, then they may experience this condition.
- Longer Cycles: A menstrual cycle is usually between 21 and 35 days in length, but if a person has an irregular period, the length of their cycle may be longer or shorter than usual.
- Shorter Cycles: If a person’s cycles are consistently shorter than 21 days, this could be a sign of an irregular period.
- Heavy Bleeding: If a person’s periods are much heavier than usual or they last longer than 7 days, this could be a sign of an irregular period.
- Light Bleeding: If someone has light bleeding during their periods, this could also be a sign of an irregular period.
- Spotting: Spotting between periods is another potential sign of an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Painful Periods: Experiencing pain during menstruation can also be a sign of an irregular period, particularly if the pain is severe or lasts longer than usualon
What are possible complications of Irregular Periods?
- Irregular periods can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition. These conditions include hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and some types of cancer.
- If left untreated, these conditions can lead to fertility problems and other long-term health complications such as increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
- Irregular periods can also lead to other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, weight gain or loss and fatigue.
- In addition to the physical effects of irregular periods, there can also be emotional and psychological impacts such as feelings of shame or embarrassment due to an inability to predict when your period will come each month or the fear that you may unexpectedly bleed through clothing while in public.
How to Get Regular Periods Naturally: 10 Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity plays a significant role in the control of hormones and the maintenance of regular menstrual cycles. Aim for a minimum of thirty minutes of moderate exercise every day, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, or walking at a brisk pace.
- Reduce stress: Stress can interfere with the hormones responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, so reducing it may help get your periods back on track. Make sure you give yourself time every day to relax and engage in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt hormones and interfere with regular menstrual cycles, so try to limit these substances when possible.
- Take supplements: Some studies suggest that certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and iron, may help regulate menstrual cycles in some women.
- Try herbal remedies: Herbal remedies such as chasteberry (vitex) or black cohosh may help some women regulate their hormones and restore regular periods.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep plays an important role to get rid of irregular menses.
- Eat a balanced diet: Consume a balanced diet with adequate intake of calcium, vitamins and minerals. Also, consume a lot of water so that you can remain hydrated throughout the day.
- Avoid some foods: Steer clear of foods that have undergone an excessive amount of processing or that are high in sugar, fat, or preservatives.
- Herbal supplements: Take herbal supplements such as ashwagandha, shatavari and dong quai.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Eat plenty of flaxseed, salmon, soybeans, and walnuts, as well as other foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
What are the surgical treatments for Irregular Periods?
- Hormonal Birth Control: Hormonal birth control works to regulate periods by making the body produce hormones that stop ovulation. These hormones can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and may reduce the incidence of heavy bleeding and cramps.
- Endometrial Ablation: Ablation of the endometrium is a procedure that involves only a small amount of surgical invasion and removes a very thin layer of the uterine lining in order to reduce or stop menstrual flow. This procedure can be used when other treatments have failed, or if the woman is at risk of developing endometrial cancer due to her irregular periods.
- Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. It is a treatment option of last resort for women who have not responded to other treatments for irregular periods, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.This is typically only done when other treatments are not an option or will not work effectively for the patient.
- Laparoscopy: Endometriosis, which can be a cause of irregular periods, can be diagnosed and treated with a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Laparoscopy is also used to diagnose and treat other conditions. During laparoscopy, small incisions are made in the abdomen through which instruments are inserted in order to view and treat any abnormalities found within the abdominal cavity.
Best doctors to consult for Irregular Periods?
- Gynaecologists: A gynaecologist specialises in female reproductive health and can assess the cause of irregular periods. They can prescribe medications and/or recommend lifestyle changes to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Endocrinologists: An endocrinologist is a specialist in hormone imbalances, which can affect the menstrual cycle. They are able to conduct the necessary tests to ascertain whether or not there are any underlying hormonal issues that may be the root cause of your menstrual irregularities and then provide treatment options in accordance with their findings.
- Primary Care Physicians: Your primary care physician is a good place to start when seeking help for irregular periods. They can assess any underlying causes, such as thyroid disorders or PCOS, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!