An irregular cycle is not that unusual. We reveal what affected women should know about it and what can be done about it.
What is an irregular cycle?
A woman's normal monthly cycle lasts between 26 and 32 days, and menstruation can last between two and seven days. If the cycle is shorter or longer, there is an irregular cycle. In this case, one speaks of a cycle or menstrual disorder. For example, egg maturation can be impaired or ovulation does not take place – pregnancy with the desire to have children becomes difficult. An irregular cycle occurs more frequently than you would think: only very few women really have a regular cycle.
What are the causes of an irregular cycle?
There are various possible triggers for an irregular cycle. These include:
- General hormonal imbalance: During puberty and menopause, many women experience hormonal imbalance that disrupts the cycle.
- Chronic inflammation: Both the fallopian tubes and the ovary can catch fire. In addition to an irregular cycle, symptoms such as severe abdominal pain and indigestion can occur.
- PCO syndrome: It is a collection of benign ovarian cysts. Aside from an irregular cycle, increased male hair and excessive weight indicate PCO syndrome.
- Psychological factors: Stress and permanent tension can disrupt the complicated interplay of hormones – and thus also the cycle.
- Competitive sport: If you do a lot of sport and constantly push your body to its limits, you can disrupt the monthly cycle. Also possible: the period does not appear.
- Miscarriages: Women who experience repeated miscarriages often also have irregular and rare menstrual periods, although labor-like pain can also occur.
- Prevention: If you switch to hormonal contraceptives like the pill, the cycle is also disrupted.
- Thyroid disorders: Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can make the cycle irregular.
- Anorexia: Anorexia can disrupt the monthly cycle. Then there is no more bleeding – or just a spotting instead of a period.
General lifestyle can also cause cycle disorders – for example, one unbalanced diet or smoking. By the way, this can also cause a very heavy menstrual period.
When should I see a doctor about an irregular cycle?
If the cycle is irregular only once, this need not be a cause for concern. You should see a doctor if you have the following signs:
- The cycle has been regular up to now and suddenly it is no longer
- The menstrual period is less frequent and causes severe pain
- Spotting occurs
- The cycle is striking, in addition there is male hair and weight gain
- The weight fluctuates strongly
- Menstruation is absent for no clear reason
- Abdominal pain occurs regularly throughout the monthly cycle
Tips against the problem: What can I do myself?
Unless the irregular cycle is caused by your own lifestyle, women can also try to treat the hormonal disorder themselves. These tips will help:
- Relax: If stress or psychological imbalance is the cause of the symptoms, you should urgently try to relax. Yoga or autogenic training can help.
- Change nourishment: A healthy and balanced diet with lots of fiber, low-fat meat and dairy products as well as fruits and vegetables supports all physical processes – and thus also a regular cycle.
- Move easily: Nobody has to do sports every day. But light exercise, for example cycling or swimming three times a week for 30 minutes, not only makes you fit, but also supports the hormonal balance.
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