Irregular periods are a very common problem these days. A woman is said to have irregular periods when her menstrual cycles are more than 38 days apart, or the cycle length varies by more than 7-9 days.
Irregular periods can affect fertility and lead to a complicated pregnancy. But if your periods are irregular, don’t panic. Instead, seek consultation from your obstetrician or gynecologist, as doctors can help increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Conditions that cause irregular periods and affect pregnancy
Given below are the conditions that cause irregular periods:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the main factors that lead to irregular periods. According to studies, 87 percent of women suffer irregular periods due to PCOS. It is a disorder in which the ovaries release androgens, a male hormone, and prevent ovulation. PCOS leads to irregular ovulation, bleeding, cysts on ovaries, and infertility.
Pregnant women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm birth
- Preeclampsia- a condition that causes a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Therefore, PCOS treatment is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissues become thick and start growing outside the uterus, thereby blocking the release of ovaries. Endometriosis often leads to painful and erratic periods and increases the risk of infertility or pregnancy issues.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause, also known as the menopause transition, refers to a condition in which ovaries naturally produce less hormones, thereby making the menstrual cycle irregular. Perimenopause generally takes place after the woman is 45, that is, during the end of her reproductive years.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an inflammation that occurs in a woman’s reproductive organs. It is caused due to some STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
When should you see a doctor for irregular periods?
- You should consider getting immediate medical help if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Your periods are very painful
- You have skipped periods for more than three months.
- Your periods last more than a week.
- You’re soaking through a tampon in the interval of just 1-2 hr during your period.
- You’ve been trying to conceive for one year and haven’t succeeded
- You have high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol
Treatment
Medications
Clomid (clomiphene citrate), and Serophene are commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of irregular periods. In some cases, doctors may also recommend “super-ovulation” drugs such as Gonal-F or other injectable hormones to stimulate follicles and stimulate egg development in the ovaries.
Lifestyle changes
- Regular exercise– Overall activity and regular exercise help regulate the menstrual flow and cause less cramping.
- Healthy diet– Eat green vegetables and fruits. Include calcium-rich foods and cut-off carbs from the diet.
- Weight loss or weight gain – Studies have found that losing just 5-10 percent of the body weight can help in regulating ovulation in women who are overweight.
- Meditation and yoga– Meditation and yoga help treat irregular periods by reducing the stress level.
Endoworld is one of the best IVF centers in Aurangabad. We address all kinds of infertility problems and provide world-class treatment to our patients. So if you have any queries regarding irregular periods and pregnancy, book an appointment to get a one-to-one consultation with our doctors.
