The menstrual cycle, or period is a very natural process which occurs in the female reproductive system.

It involves some changes that prepare the body for pregnancy. Changes in this cycle can signify health issues.

Do you want to know why the periods are late or missed sometimes? What can be the reasons behind it? If you are concerned about the reasons behind it, then this blog will be very useful for you.

Mykare Health is here for you to guide you with 8 reasons besides pregnancy which cause irregular periods in women.

Stress

Stress can have a reasonable effect on your menstrual cycle.

Under a lot of stress your body produces cortisol, a hormone which interferes with the normal functioning of hypothalamus, and disrupts the production of other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to delayed or missed periods.

You should manage stress by techniques such as yoga nidra, meditation, exercise and proper sleep and rest.

Significant Weight Changes

Too much fluctuation in weight can disrupt your menstrual cycle. In cases of extreme dieting or eating disorders, there is reduction in the production of estrogen, which is responsible for normal menstrual cycle.

Gaining a lot can also cause irregular periods in the same way. Too much body fat can interfere with the hormonal signals needed for ovulation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can affect your menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS often produce higher levels of male hormones, which can interfere with the release of eggs from the ovaries. It can lead to missed or irregular periods.

A lot of hair growth on the face and body, Acne and oily skin, weight gain are some of the symptoms of PCOS. Treatment for PCOS often involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, as well as medications to regulate menstrual cycles and overcome symptoms.

Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland, present in the neck, produces hormones which take care of your metabolism. Thyroid disorders can have an effect on the menstrual cycle.

The effects can be as follows:

• An underactive thyroid can lead to heavier, long menstrual periods and irregular cycles. It can also cause weakness, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.

• An overactive thyroid can result in lighter, shorter menstrual periods or missed periods. Symptoms also include weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.

Both conditions need medical treatment, involving medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels. Regular monitoring and management of thyroid function can help maintain a normal menstrual cycle.

Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses can affect your menstrual cycle due to the stress they place on your body and for long-term medication use.

Chronic illnesses can cause the body to divert energy and resources to deal with the inflammation which can delay menstrual cycle.

Treatments for chronic conditions usually include medications that can affect hormone levels and menstrual regularity.

Chemotherapy, and immunosuppressants can cause menstrual irregularities. Chronic illnesses can sometimes lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can impact overall health and hormonal balance, causing irregular periods.

Examples of Chronic Illnesses Affecting Menstruation are diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when a woman's body begins to get the hormonal changes which lead to the end of menstruation. This phase usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier also.

It’s effect on the menstrual cycle are as follows:

• As hormone levels fluctuate, menstrual cycles can become irregular. Periods may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual.

• It’s common to experience missed periods during perimenopause. Sometimes it may extend beyond one month.

• Perimenopause can cause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, all are linked to hormonal changes.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage symptoms. By proper understanding that perimenopause is a natural stage of life can help you prepare for its symptoms well.

Birth Control

The type of birth control you use and how your body reacts to it can affect your periods.

Pills, patches, and rings work by altering the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body to prevent ovulation. It’s common to experience lighter, shorter, or skipped periods while using these forms of birth control.

Some women may also experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting. The birth control shot can cause irregular periods or stop them altogether. It may take some time after stopping the injections for regular cycles to resume.

When starting a new hormonal birth control method, it can take a few months for your body to adjust. During this time, irregularities in your menstrual cycle are common.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider which birth control method is best for you and what changes you might expect in your menstrual cycle. They can provide guidance and help manage any side effects.

Medication

• These medications, used to treat some of the mental health issues such bipolar disorder, can increase levels of prolactin, a hormone that can interfere with menstrual cycles and cause missed periods.

• Some antidepressants can affect the menstrual cycle by influencing neurotransmitters that regulate hormone production

• Cancer treatments often interfere with hormone production and can lead to irregular or missed periods. Chemotherapy can also induce temporary or permanent menopause, depending on the type and dosage of the medication.

• Corticosteroids and other steroid medications can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to menstrual irregularities, including missed periods.

• Some antihypertensive drugs can affect menstrual cycles by altering blood flow and impacting the regulation of reproductive hormones.

• Medications that affect hormone levels, such as those used for thyroid disorders, can influence the menstrual cycle.