Causes of Abnormal Menstrual Cycle

A woman's menstrual cycle is a period of time averaging 28 days, associated with the physiological preparation for pregnancy. An abnormal cycle can include heavy or light bleeding, infrequent periods or too frequent periods, missed periods, painful cramping, spotting and bleeding that lasts longer than a week or only a day or two. Usually irregular periods are nothing to worry about, but on occasion it can indicate a health complication. Few women's cycles are perfectly regular, but severe or prolonged inconsistencies may be caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, diet, exercise, illness, menarche or perimenopause.

Stress

• Don't underestimate the connection between mind and body. What affects our minds or emotions affects us on a cellular level, thereby altering our very physiology, our bodily processes. Feelings such as stress, anger, sadness, unresolved emotional issues and isolation can all negatively affect your cycle. Worry about possible pregnancy, ironically, can also lead to a delayed or missed period. And even good stress, such as excitement and anticipation of an upcoming trip, can cause irregularity.

Hormonal Imbalance

• When the body is under chronic stress, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol (the "stress hormone") but when they can no longer keep up the high rate of production, the body converts progesterone to cortisol. This progesterone deficiency causes a hormonal imbalance, which can lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle, including anovulation, when the ovary does not produce an egg though bleeding may or may not occur.

Diet and Exercise

• Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia or simply not getting the nutrients your body requires can affect your menstrual cycle, often with the cessation of a monthly period. And although sufficient exercise benefits your health and leads to regular and less painful periods, too much exercise can cause amenorrhea, the suppression of monthly bleeding.

Illness

• Specific endocrine problems, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or endometriosis, can cause irregularities. Other conditions such as hyperthyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes or even a sudden high fever or other general illness such as flu can also impact the menstrual cycle.

Considerations

• Perimenopause, the stage preceding menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation, often starts in a woman's late 30s and causes much irregularities such as skipped periods, hot flashes and night sweats. The onset of menstruation, called menarche, usually occurs at puberty and it can take up to several years for a girl's periods to become regular. Keep in mind that while these two conditions cause irregular cycles, they are normally nothing to worry about.

Prevention/Solution

• The best thing you can do to promote a regular menstrual cycle is to take care of yourself---body and mind. Though easier said than done, keep stress to a minimum. Eat healthfully and moderately, getting a wide array of organic fruits and veggies, protein and good fat, and exercise regularly without going overboard. If your hormones are out of balance (symptoms include PMS and irregular menstrual cycle) you can use a natural progesterone cream. Always discuss your health issues with a naturopathic doctor or conventional doctor you trust.