Lifestyle Changes Associated With Irregular Periods

Every woman is different -- including her periods. Some happen like clockwork, others are unpredictable. On average, a woman gets her period every 24 to 38 days. If you are a young woman and experiencing irregular periods, like missing out one in three months without being pregnant, then you should visit your gynecologist as it could be a serious concern. It's fairly common to experience irregular periods from time to time - lifestyle changes and environmental factors such as shift work can make you late but absent periods (amenorrhea) especially at the early age should always be checked out. Below mentioned are some of the most common reasons by Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Expert from Mother's Lap IVF Centre for irregularity of period.

Stress: One reason of your absent period could be your stress. Severe stress can have a major affect on your periods. High levels of physical or emotional stress hormones such as cortisol in your body interfere with menstrual hormones surges, resulting in a cycle that delays or that just stops.

Excessive exercise: Working out is good but if you exercise too much, or do it aggressively then your hormones will be disrupted in a similar way when you're stressed. Working out excessively without taking in enough calories can cause disruptions. If you are an avid gym-goer or athlete and you have very little body fat, there is a good chance you will begin to skip periods and have anovular cycles too.

Excess or less body weight: We know that not every fat is good, but some fat is essential. If your body weight sinks too low, you may stop ovulating. Being too thin also prevents pregnancy. In the same way excess weight can leads to obesity thereby increasing your chances of having diagnosed with infertility. Keep a watch on your weight; too much or too less body weight disrupts your cycle.

You may have PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is very common today especially at young age due to lifestyle habits. It's an endocrine disorder that has many symptoms, such as lack of or irregular periods, 'cysts' on the ovaries, fertility issues and weight gain. It can also cause excess body hair, acne, thinning hair and depression. Not everyone shows all these signs, however - it affects women in different ways. If untreated, then it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions such as Type-2 diabetes and heart problems; so don't ignore it!

You could be going through Pre-mature menopause: The menopause is something that we associate with older women, but premature ovarian failure (POF) can happen to younger women, too. The exact cause of POF remains undetermined but changing food habits, work cultures with increased pressure and high stress jobs are some of the reasons of your sudden menopause.

Source-ANI