Menstrual Problems

Almost all women face menstrual problems at some point in their lives. These problems can be caused by myriad reasons which will be explored later in the article. Most women go through 11 to 13 menstrual periods a year. However, it is a possibility that some women may get more than 13 periods a year, while some may get less than 11. You must remember that your age also has an effect on your menstrual cycle. If you have just started your periods, menstrual irregularities are a normal occurrence and are not a cause for panic.

Menstrual irregularities are caused by hormonal imbalances which your body will rectify in its own time. If you are an older woman, your menstrual irregularity may be due to peri-menopause or menopause. Not having a menstrual period for at least 12 months signifies the onset of menopause.

Other Causes of Menstrual Irregularities

Menstrual irregularities may also be caused by any one of the following reasons:

• Pregnancy: This is one of the most common natural causes for menstrual irregularities. If you have missed your period, conduct a pregnancy test at home to determine whether you are actually pregnant or whether the missed period is due to other reasons.
• Obesity or low body weight can also cause menstrual problems. Sudden weight gain or weight loss can also result in missed or late periods.
• Eating disorders: Disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa can cause menstrual problems.
• Intense exercise: Many female athletes and female ballet dancers face menstrual irregularities.
• Illnesses and diseases can also cause menstrual problems.
• Medicines and Drugs: Certain medicines such as birth control pills can cause menstrual fluctuations. Women may experience heavier and more frequent periods, lighter periods, less frequent periods or none at all. Substance abuse can also result in menstrual irregularities.
• Breast feeding: Nursing mothers may experience late or fluctuating periods until the breast feeding period is over.
• Health Problems: Hormonal imbalance and ailments such as polycystic ovary syndrome, Asherman’s syndrome and imperforate hymen result in menstrual problems.

Conclusion

Do not panic or allow yourself to be consumed with anxiety. Many women miss their periods every now and then without having any illness or disease. If you missed your period this month, evaluate how you have been feeling over the past few weeks to detect any excess stress or emotional burden. If you have been stressed, your menstrual irregularity can probably be attributed to that. If the menstrual irregularities continue for more than one or two cycles, consult your health practitioner just to be on the safe side.

References
Missed or irregular periods: topic overview (Women.webmd.com)
Common causes of menstrual irregularities (Healthguidance.org)