Managing Menstrual Health: Solutions for a Smooth Cycle

A disturbed or irregular menstrual cycle is called menorrhagia, and several factors can cause it. If your period lasts more than seven days or you bleed heavily during your cycle, you likely have this ailment.

Common Causes of Irregular Periods

Some of the common reasons behind irregular periods include the following:

1. Medication

Certain anti-inflammatory medications can cause irregular periods by increasing blood flow. In some cases, an IUD can also cause heavy bleeding

2. Hormonal Changes

Heavy bleeding can also be caused by estrogen or progestin, which regulate the uterus lining. Additionally, individuals who are nearing menopause or who have just started menstruating may also experience irregular cycles.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain medical ailments, such as endometriosis, blood disorders, and certain cancers, can also cause irregular periods.

4. Efficient Home Remedies for a Smooth Menstrual Cycle

Before heading to a gynecologist, check if these home remedies work in regulating your menstrual cycle:

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger contains gingerol, which reduces inflammation in the body and also contracts the uterine muscles to encourage blood flow and hormonal balance. Drink a glass of this hot beverage daily with a bit of lemon and honey, but make sure you do so on an empty stomach when you wake up or in the evening. It will ease metabolism and blood flow.

2. Unripe Papaya

Like ginger, unripe papaya can stimulate the contraction of uterine walls that should occur naturally in periods. Eat a few slices frequently for a few months to ease your flow.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

An unhealthy diet can delay your menstrual cycle, affect blood flow, and cause hormonal changes. Replace fast food and alcohol with green veggies, dry fruit, fish, and other healthy alternatives with all the nutrients you need.

5. Do Yoga and Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise keeps you limber and also regulates your periods. It will also keep your weight balanced at a manageable level and prevent PCOS, aka polycystic ovarian syndrome, which can reduce fertility. Yoga can keep your mind AND body healthy by reducing period pain and improving your quality of life.

Here are some simple yoga exercises you can start with:

The Cobra

This yoga pose strengthens the back and shoulders and reduces fatigue by enhancing blood flow across your lower body. Here is what you need to do:

• Lie down flat on your stomach, ensure your toes are flat on the mat, and rest your forehead on it.
• Bring both hands underneath your shoulders, lay them flat, and push yourself till your head, chest, and stomach are off the mat with your legs lying flat behind you.
• Hold for a few seconds, bring yourself back to your original position with a breath, and relax.

The Bow

This yoga pose is great for strengthening the back and stomach muscles and reducing fatigue and tension, which can otherwise increase discomfort during your periods. Here is how you can perfect this pose:

• Lie flat on your stomach, ensuring your feet are wide apart from the hip and your arms are right beside you.
• Fold your knees and then bring your chest off the ground. Use your hands to pull your legs behind you and curve them towards your back.
• Hold this position for a few seconds, taking deep breaths as you hold. Ensure you don’t exert yourself to the point that you get a sprain.
• Breathe out and bring your chest and legs back to the mat before letting go of your ankles.

Do these yoga poses daily to loosen your pelvic muscles to ensure a regular menstrual cycle with decent blood flow

When You Should Call a Doctor

If the aforementioned home remedies don’t work for you, consider it a sign that you should consult with a doctor. There may be an underlying medical reason why your periods are irregular or too serious to manage at home. Here are some signs that should encourage you to book a consultation:

• You missed several periods in 12 months.
• You start your cycle too frequently, or they occur before 21 days have passed.
• You get your periods less often than normal.
  You bleed more than you should during your menstrual cycle, and the bleeding continues for more than seven days at a stretch.

Book a Consultation at Health One Family Medicine for a Checkup

Infrequent, irregular periods could also be caused by stress or depression. A trained and experienced physician at Health One Family Medicine can determine the cause and create a custom treatment plan per your general health and needs. Book a consultation today and regain control of your menstrual cycle.