3 Reasons You Could Be Experiencing Irregular Periods

While most of us might hate the cramps and premenstrual stress that comes with our periods every month, there's something we dislike even more. Irregular periods. Let's be clear - we understand the importance of menstruating. If you're sexually active and not looking to conceive, your period is a clear indication that you're not pregnant. Other than that, regular periods are a sign of a healthy female body. Having a regular, moderately pain-free period each month is an indication that hormones are in balance and the reproductive system is healthy.

While a 28-day cycle is considered normal average, period cycles vary from one woman to another. Depending on the individual woman, a period cycle can range from 20 to 35 days.

What is an irregular period cycle then? Having an irregular cycle means that the interval between your periods varies drastically each month. If you miss your period for more than one month in a row, you should see a doctor. Irregular periods, missed periods, or very painful and intense PMS symptoms are signs that levels of one of more hormones are either lacking or are too high. When you're sure you aren't pregnant and you frequently miss your period or get your period late, it is not something to ignore.

Here are a few reasons you could be experiencing irregular periods.

1. High Levels Of Stress

There is a particular area of the brain, called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating a lot of hormones, including those that affect your period. Mental stress can temporarily alter the functioning of your hypothalamus causing Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation. Under stress, because of the release of certain hormones and lack of others, your brain starts to pick and choose which bodily functions are essential and which one's it can hold off until the anxiety inducing event is over. While things like blood flow to the muscles and oxygen to the lungs often increase, other things like digestion and the regulated working of the reproductive system may stop temporarily.

2. Low Body Weight

Excessively low body weight - about 10 percent under what is considered normal weight for your height - interrupts many hormonal functions in your body, potentially halting ovulation. Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may experience missed periods because of these abnormal hormonal changes. In women over 20 years of age, with few exceptions, if your BMI (body mass index) dips below 18 or 19 rapidly, you may start to miss your periods. Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for a regular period cycle.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

There are many different conditions in one's body that can cause hormonal imbalance. Here are two of the major ones.

- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS or PCOD is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may develop multiple small cysts in their ovaries and experience infrequent or prolonged menstruation or excess androgen levels often known as "male" hormones.

- Thyroid malfunction

Hormonal balance is essential for a healthy period cycle. One of the major players in this balance is the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea. If Thyroid levels are too high, you can develop hyperthyroidism and have fewer or lighter periods. Incase of low thyroid levels, you can develop hypothyroidism, in which menstrual bleeding is heavier, more frequent, and accompanied by worse cramps than usual.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.