Any alteration in your body might signal something about your health. If you’ve noticed shifts in your menstrual cycle, it’s crucial to understand their causes and seek medical advice if necessary. Here are some potential reasons behind disruptions in your period.
Are you vigilant about every fluctuation in your menstrual cycle, including changes in flow or duration? Not all alterations during menstruation signify a major issue. While certain factors like stress might transiently impact your period and resolve naturally, others could signal a more serious health concern that requires attention.
Recognizing what constitutes normal versus abnormal is crucial in identifying potential health issues. Addressing menstrual changes promptly can prevent further deterioration in your health. Here are five factors that discreetly disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Engaging in intense exercise could potentially lower the production of reproductive hormones
Have you ever heard about female marathon runners experiencing amenorrhea? It’s true. Women who engage in rigorous exercise and maintain low body fat are at high risk of placing stress on their bodies, leading to reduced production of reproductive hormones. During periods of extreme stress, the body may prioritize survival over reproduction, temporarily halting the production of fertility hormones.
A recent study suggests that half of all women who engage in regular exercise may experience subtle irregularities in their menstrual cycles. However, occasional variations in the timing of periods are typically not a cause for concern. It’s important to consult a doctor if menstruation is absent for more than three months, as this could potentially affect bone density.
Excess weight can disrupt hormone balance
Rapidly gaining approximately 22 kilograms of weight within a few months can disrupt your hormone levels. This rapid weight gain prompts the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, which can hinder ovulation, resulting in either prolonged menstrual cycles or amenorrhea.
Rather than solely relying on using a large number of tampons or sanitary pads to manage heavy and prolonged periods, it’s advisable to focus on weight loss. Prolonged elevation of estrogen levels due to excess weight may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
If weight loss proves challenging, consulting a gynecologist is recommended. They can discuss the option of taking birth control pills, which can help regulate menstrual cycles by thinning out the endometrial lining, thus reducing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Infections have the potential to impact menstrual cycles
While infections might not directly influence hormone levels, they can still affect your menstrual cycle. Infections such as bacterial infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted infections can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the uterus. As a result, although your menstrual cycle may remain regular, you might experience bleeding in between periods due to the infection.
Antidepressants or antipsychotics
All such medications have the potential to impact your menstrual cycle, potentially leading to skipped periods or increased frequency. Certain medications can stimulate the production of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which in turn can disrupt the balance of other hormones responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle.
Sleep deprivation
While you’ve likely heard numerous times about the importance of sufficient sleep, what you may not realize is that poor sleep can also impact your menstrual cycle. Women who work irregular hours, especially in office settings, are highly prone to experiencing irregular periods. Disrupting your body’s internal clock not only affects reproductive hormones but also interferes with ovulation. Additionally, irregular sleep patterns can disrupt melatonin levels, further impacting menstruation.