Irregular menstrual cycle: everything you need to know

Estimated read time: 5,5 minutes.

Irregularities in women's menstrual cycles are quite common , especially among younger women, during the first years of the menstrual cycle, when cycles tend to be longer than normal, and older women, since as we age, cycles tend to shorten.

Between 14% and 25% of women of childbearing age suffer from menstrual irregularities, according to the study “ Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology ”.

We speak of an irregular menstrual cycle when the time between one menstruation and another is less than 21 or more than 35 days , since normal menstrual cycles are between 21 and 35 days, and may vary depending on age and other factors such as pregnancy, menopause or taking hormonal contraceptives.

But are irregular menstrual cycles a cause for concern? 

First of all, you need to differentiate whether the irregularity of your cycle is a one-time occurrence or whether it has been recurring for several months . If one month your cycle gets shorter or longer and the next month everything returns to normal, there is nothing to worry about.

However, if you have had irregular cycles for months, you should consult your gynecologist to check why this irregularity is occurring and if there is any type of problem.

What should a regular menstrual cycle be like?

The menstrual cycle is a biological process in women that repeats monthly and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy . During each cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg in what is known as ovulation.

The hormonal changes that occur during this phase prepare the uterus for possible implantation of the fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is shed and expelled from the body through the vagina, which is known as menstruation .

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next . The length of a cycle can vary significantly between individuals, with the usual duration being between 21 and 35 days. The bleeding phase usually lasts between two and seven days.

In the first years of menstruation, it is common for cycles to be longer and irregular , and over time, they tend to become shorter and more regular.

We speak of a regular menstrual cycle when it has a constant duration each month , within the range of 21-35 days. However, even cycles that vary slightly from one month to the next can be normal, since a regular cycle does not necessarily mean that it must be identical every month, but rather that it has a predictable pattern that is consistent for a person.

 

Irregular menstrual cycle in a woman: why does it occur and how to detect it?

Irregular menstrual cycles are those whose duration varies outside the ranges considered normal , as we have already mentioned above. In any case, it is important to be clear that an irregular cycle is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that may reflect some type of problem.

The reasons for irregular menstrual cycles are classified into two categories :

1 - Primary causes:

• Delayed puberty.
• Absence of ovaries.
• Hormonal disorders.

2 - Secondary causes:

• Genital infections.
• Ovarian cancer.
• Premature menopause.
• Changes in the pituitary gland.

Recurrent miscarriages , breastfeeding, and the postpartum period can also contribute to menstrual irregularity.

Below we review the main symptoms that can help detect an irregularity in the menstrual cycle :

• Absence of menstruation : the absence of periods for several months.
• Premature menstruation : periods that start earlier than usual.
• Very heavy or light menstruation : significant changes in the amount of bleeding.
• Painful menstruation : intense menstrual pain that directly affects daily life.
• Intermenstrual bleeding : bleeding that occurs between menstrual cycles.

 

Tips to regulate your menstrual cycles

If you have been experiencing irregularities in your menstrual cycles for some time, take note of these tips to regularize your menstrual cycle that may help you.

Even so, it is important that you consult your gynecologist , so that he or she can assess whether you need a specific treatment and reduce any minimal risk.

Take care of your diet

A healthy and balanced diet can positively influence your menstrual cycle , and it is important to follow a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, proteins, fiber and healthy fats.

Also, try to reduce the consumption of processed and sugary foods , as they can destabilize your hormonal levels, affecting the regularity of your cycles.

Maintain a healthy weight

Another key factor is to maintain a healthy weight , since both being overweight and underweight can affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Exercise

Practicing moderate physical exercise several times a week will help you balance your hormones , as well as maintain a healthy weight and enjoy better health. However, you should not overdo it, since very intense and excessive physical exercise could have the opposite effect, causing irregularities in your cycle.

Control stress

A high level of stress can negatively affect your menstrual cycle , hence the importance of looking for ways to relax that help you reduce it and keep it under control.

Rest

Rest is essential to maintain hormonal balance , and it is important to get enough sleep and enjoy quality rest. Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a day, maintaining a regular sleep routine.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption

Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages and alcohol can alter your menstrual cycle , so to avoid irregularities, you should limit your intake to keep your hormones in balance.

Consider natural supplements

There are natural supplements that can help you regulate your menstrual cycle , promoting a good balance of your hormones.

One of them is Fem Balance, a Be Levels supplement that is the natural solution you were looking for to regulate your menstrual cycle , balance your hormonal system and regulate the fluctuations of estradiol and progesterone throughout its different phases.

Fem Balance also relieves premenstrual pain and discomfort thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce hormonal inflammation and help the liver eliminate estrogen, promoting optimal hormonal and metabolic balance.

This is an especially useful product for women suffering from PCOS, endometriosis or chronic inflammation , and is recommended for women at all stages of life.

You only need to take four capsules of Fem Balance a day , two with your first meal and two with your second, not only to regulate hormonal imbalances, but also to feel better and prevent hormonal symptoms such as fatigue or premenstrual pain.