Having an irregular menstrual cycle might seem like a small part of your life, but your period is an important part of your overall health, and understanding your cycle is hugely important when trying to conceive. An irregular period can indicate low levels of certain hormones or an underlying condition. For most causes of irregular cycles, there’s a treatment that can help regulate your periods and potentially improve your health.
Birth control
Many people use birth control to regulate their periods or reduce period symptoms. The estrogen and progestin in birth control pills help regulate periods, which is why they’re so often prescribed for irregular periods caused by PCOS, endometriosis, and other conditions.
If you are not trying to conceive and your cycle is irregular and comes with particularly heavy periods, an IUD could be a good treatment option for you. IUDs can help regulate periods, reduce bleeding, or stop periods completely.
Progesterone
Low levels of progesterone is a common cause of irregular cycles, and taking progesterone as a treatment can help correct that. Progesterone is a hormone naturally present in your body that helps support an early pregnancy. Menstrual periods are triggered once progesterone levels fall below a certain point.
When taken as medication, progesterone has many of the same benefits as birth control pills, including reducing bleeding and regulating flow. This is because synthetic progesterone (progestin) is the main ingredient in most birth control pills.
Lifestyle changes
If the cause of your irregular cycle was related to over-exercising, nutrition, stress, or other lifestyle factors, making adjustments in your day-to-day routine can make an impact on your cycle. Exercise moderately, make changes slowly, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
For women struggling with eating disorders, smoking, or alcohol, it might be helpful to pursue counseling. Treating these things through counseling could help influence lifestyle changes and regulate your period through the root cause of your irregular cycle.
Surgery
For physical conditions that affect your cycle, your healthcare provider might recommend surgery. If you have uterine polyps or uterine fibroids, surgically removing them could alleviate symptoms including an irregular period. Your healthcare provider can let you know whether your condition requires surgery and how various procedures could help with your symptoms or cycle.
You can talk to your healthcare provider about these treatment options and see if one of them is right for you and your cycle.
Sources
- “What are the common treatments for menstrual irregularities?” National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. National Institute of Health. April 16, 2013. Web.
