MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES: CAUSES AND TREATMENT**

INTRODUCTION: WHAT ARE MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES.**

“Leaders bleed, period!” said Silvia Young in My FemTruth: Scandalous Survival Stories. Periods, also known as menstruation is monthly discharge of blood from the uterus lining through the vagina. This is a process that occurs in female reproductive age and continues till menopause. Menstruation plays a significant role in reproduction and fertility. Although it is a continuous process it can get disrupt from time, this is known as Menstrual Irregularities.

The term “Menstrual irregularities” refer to any changes in the normal menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days long, but it can vary from individual to individual. Some of the symptoms that indicate menstrual irregularities include-

• Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Changing birth control pills or using certain medications
• Too much exercise
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Stress
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Thickening of or polyps on the uterine lining
• Uterine fibroids
• Changes in the body hormones level.
• Disruptions or changes in our daily routine can have an impact in menstrual cycle.

TREATMENT OF IRREGULAR PERIODS

There are many causes of irregular periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions. Here’s a detailed overview of possible treatments based on different causes:

1. Hormonal Birth Control:

Hormonal contraceptives, such as combined oral contraceptives (containing estrogen and progestin), progestin-only pills, contraceptive patches, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), or contraceptive injections, can help regulate the menstrual cycle and provide more predictable periods. These contraceptives work by stabilizing hormone levels, preventing ovulation, and thinning the uterine lining, which can lead to lighter and more regular menstrual periods.

2. Lifestyle Changes:

For irregularities caused by factors like stress, significant weight changes, or excessive exercise, lifestyle adjustments may be recommended.

Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, can help reduce stress-related menstrual irregularities.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can positively impact menstrual regularity.

Getting adequate rest and sleep is also essential for hormonal balance.

4. Treatment for Underlying Conditions:

If irregular periods are a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances, the focus will be on managing and treating the primary condition.

Treating the underlying condition may involve specific medications, lifestyle changes, or other therapies targeted at the root cause of the irregular periods.

5. Surgery:

In some cases, surgical interventions may be required to address specific issues that are causing irregular periods.

For example, if there are structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs (e.g., uterine fibroids or polyps), surgical correction may be necessary.

6. Alternative Therapies:

Some individuals may explore complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies or acupuncture, to manage menstrual irregularities.

7. Monitoring and Tracking:

Keeping track of menstrual cycles using a calendar or a menstrual tracking app can help identify patterns and irregularities, which can be helpful information for healthcare providers when determining the best treatment approach.

MEDICATIONS FOR IRREGULAR PERIODS:

Medications for irregular periods are prescribed based on the underlying cause of the menstrual irregularity. Here are some common medications used to address different causes of irregular periods.

Medications for irregular periods are prescribed based on the underlying cause of the menstrual irregularity. Here are some common medications used to address different causes of irregular periods:

1. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):

COCs contain both estrogen and progestin hormones and are often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles.They work by preventing ovulation and regulating hormone levels, leading to more predictable and lighter menstrual periods.

2. Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills):

Progestin-only pills, also known as mini pills, contain only progestin hormone and can be used to regulate periods in individuals who cannot or prefer not to take estrogen.They work similarly to COCs by thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting ovulation.

3. Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):

Hormonal IUDs release progestin directly into the uterus, providing long-term contraception and helping to regulate menstrual cycles.They may lead to lighter periods or, in some cases, the absence of periods altogether.

4. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists:

GnRH agonists are used to treat conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, which can cause irregular periods and pelvic pain. These medications work by temporarily suppressing the production of certain hormones, leading to a decrease in menstrual bleeding and symptoms.

5. Metformin

Metformin is a medication used to treat insulin resistance and is often prescribed for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).By improving insulin sensitivity, metformin can help regulate hormone levels and restore regular menstrual cycles in individuals with PCOS.

6. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to women going through perimenopause or menopause to address irregular periods and menopausal symptoms.HRT provides a combination of estrogen and progestin or estrogen alone to balance hormone levels and regulate the menstrual cycle.

It should be noted, that the medication should taken only when prescribed by the doctor depending on the symptoms and diagnosis. It should be noted, that the medication should taken only when prescribed by the doctor depending on the symptoms and diagnosis.The Qme Hospital Management System Software’s comprehensive patient history and electronic health records ensure seamless access to critical medical information, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and provide personalised medical assistance.

50% OF WOMEN IN INDIA SUFFERS FROM IRREGULAR PERIODS SAYS DATA.

According to the report findings of the 18 countries studied, India ranks alarmingly low when it comes to healthy menstrual cycles and stands at the bottom of the pile. Almost 50% women in India have irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular cycles are a maior cause of concern for women, which if untreated, often lead to other health issues such as infertility, PCOS, Anemia etc.

The report also indicates that in India, over 68% women have severe period-related symptoms such as cramps, tiredness, and bloating. Of the various symptoms, over 47% users reported having cramps. Around 49% women reported being tired and 28% women complained of being bloated during their cycles. Almost all users report having mood swings at some point in their cycle. The corresponding data for rest of the world also shows a similar pattern with cramps, tiredness and bloating as the common symptoms reported by users. The provides a cutting-edge hospital management software designed to revolutionize healthcare facilities worldwide. With its intelligent queue-based OPD management system, patients experience reduced waiting times and optimized appointment scheduling. The Qme hospital management software’s comprehensive patient history and electronic health records ensure seamless access to critical medical information, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and provide personalized care.

WANT TO AVOID IRREGULAR PERIODS? FOLLOW THESE STEPS.

• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising moderately and eating nutritious foods. If you want to lose weight, do it gradually instead of turning to diets that drastically limit your calorie and food intake.
• Make sure you get enough rest.
• Practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
• Cut back on prolonged or intense exercise routines.
• Use birth control pills or other contraceptive methods as directed.
• See your gynecologist and primary care provider for regular check-ups.