Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Menstrual irregularity refers to changes in the timing, flow, or frequency of menstrual cycles. A typical cycle lasts 21–35 days, and irregularity means cycles that fall outside this range, vary significantly from month to month, or involve skipped or unpredictable periods. Irregular menstruation is common during puberty, perimenopause, or times of hormonal disruption, but can also signal underlying health issues.
Types of irregularities include:
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Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent periods (cycle >35 days apart)
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Polymenorrhea: Frequent periods (cycle <21 days)
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Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation
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Anovulation: No ovulation despite bleeding
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Spotting or mid-cycle bleeding
Common causes:
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Hormonal imbalances (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, prolactin)
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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Stress or significant weight changes
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Excessive exercise
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Perimenopause or menopause
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Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, polyps)
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Use of hormonal contraceptives
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Chronic illness or medications
When to see a doctor:
Seek evaluation if cycles are consistently irregular, very heavy or painful, or if menstruation stops for more than 3 months (not due to pregnancy or menopause). Blood work, pelvic exams, and imaging (like ultrasound) help determine the cause.
Natural Remedies
Track Cycles with a Calendar or App: Identifies patterns and possible triggers.
Adopt a Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise: Supports hormone regulation.
Reduce Stress: Meditation, yoga, or breathwork can influence hormonal balance.
Ensure Adequate Sleep and Sunlight Exposure: Supports melatonin and hormonal rhythms.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and obesity can disrupt cycles.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
ashwagandha
black cohosh
chaste tree
dong quai root
licorice root
maca
red clover
reishi mushroom
zinc
vitamin D
vitamin B6
vitamin C
Abuta
Abutua
Achyranthes
Achyranthes bidentata
Agnoside
Agnuside
Agnusides
Akebia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Allium tuberosum Rottl.
Angelica
Angelica archanglica
Angelica gigas nakai
anise
Aniseed myrtle
Anserina
Apple Cider Vinegar
6 Bromo 3, 17 dioxoetioallochalane
7a-alpha-methyl-estra-4-en-3,17-dione
17a-ethyl-estr-5(6)-ene-3B-diol
Abrus (unspecified)
Aerva lanata
Agrimony
Ajuga
Anise
Arisaema erubescens
Asafetida
Ashoka
Asoka
Asparagus racemosus
Balloon Pea
Balsam
Bauhinia Variegata
Beef liver
Beet Molasses
Bergenia Pacumbis
Bethroot
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Black Haw
Black Hellebore
Black Mustard
Black Pepper
Blackhaw
blessed thistle
Blood vessels
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blue Vervain
4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone-7
Aerva Lanta
Agastache
Agrimonia pilosa
Akebia (unspecified)
American Liverleaf
Anti-aromatase
Asoka Tree
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bergenia
Betony
Black Cohosh
black pepper
Black root
Black Salt
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Bupleurum
Bupleurum (unspecified)
Cactus (unspecified)
Calamus
calcium
California Peony
California rose
Calotropis gigantea
Cane Molasses
cassia bark
celery
Chard
Chastetree
Chinese Chastetree
Chinese Chive
Chinese Motherwort
Chirata
Chive
Chlorophyll
Cinquefoil
Clary sage
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
Cohosh
Convolvulus prostratis
Corktree (unspecified)
Corydalis
Cowslip
Cumin
Cyathula
Desoxydiosgenin
Didymocarpus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Dog Rose
Dong Quai
Elephant Yam
Elephant's Head
Erodium cicutarium
Erythropalum scandens
Estrogen
European Pennyroyal
European peony
Euryale seed
Evening Primrose
evening primrose oil
Evening Primrose oil
False Unicorn
False Unicorn Root
Fenigreek fiber
Fenugreek
fenugreek
Fenugreek fiber
Fern
Feverfew
FIG
Five-leaf Chastetree
fumaria parviflora
Ginger phenols (unspecified)
Goldenrod
Goldthread
Gravel root
green chiretta
Houttynia
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Hyacinth bean
Iron
Iron
Japanese sophora
Joe-Pye
juniper berries
Khella
Kidney
Knotgrass (unspecified)
Korean Angelica
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
Leptadenia
Lesser speargrass
Ligusticum (Unspecified)
lingusticum wallichii
Little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
lovage
Macaenes
Marjoram
Mentha haplocalyx
Mexican oregano
Mexican Yam
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
motherwort
Mung Bean
Ovary
Ovary
Oxypregnane glycoside
Paederia foetida
Paeonia moutan
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal (unspecified)
Pentatropis capensis
Peony
Peppermint leaf
Phytoestrogen
Phytoestrogen (unspecified)
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pointed gourd
Polypodium (unspecified)
Potentilla (unspecified)
Praying mantis
prickly ash
Prickly Ash Bark
Prickly Chaff Flower
Progesterone
Progesterone
Pubescent Angelica
Pulsatilla
Qin Jiao
queen of the meadow
Radish
radish
Red Raspberry
Red Sandalwood
Rhubarb (unspecified)
Roman Chamomile
Rose (unspecified)
rubia cordifolia
Rubus (unspecified)
Sanguisorba
Sarsaparilla
Scurfy Pea
Seaweed (unspecified)
Sedanenolide
Semecarpus anacardium
Semiaquilegia
shepherd's purse
Shepherd's Purse
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sorrel
Southernwood
Speedwell
Spikenard
Squaw Vine
Sweet Goldenrod
Sweet Marjoram
Tarragon
Three Leaf Caper
Three-leaf akebia
Thyroid
Thyroid
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Turtle Head
Uterus
Uterus
Viburnum (unspecified)
Vitamin B6
Vitex (unspecified)
Vitex Agnus-Castus
wasabia japonica
Water Plantain
Western Mugwort
white oak
Wild carrot
Wild Thyme
Wild Yam
wild yam
Wood Betony
wood betony
Yam (unspecified)
Yarrow
yarrow