The menstrual cycle is among the most important data that give information about women’s health. Menstrual irregularity, a problem experienced by many women, is among the main issues that worry women about their health. Although a delay of a few days a year is accepted as normal, it should not be overlooked that more frequent menstrual irregularities can be a herald of problems such as fibroids or tumours.
Because of their hormonal cycles, women should under normal conditions menstruate once a month. Although every woman’s menstrual pattern differs from the others, if women menstruate at times they cannot predict every month, this situation is accepted as menstrual irregularity. In addition, since menstrual irregularity or the absence of periods can be a sign of many diseases, the underlying cause must certainly be investigated.
Stress Can Cause a Delayed Period
Menstrual irregularity is generally seen in young girls who have just started to menstruate and in women close to the menopause. The reason for this is the changes experienced in the hormones, and hormone disorders can cause menstrual irregularity. Disorders of the thyroid and prolactin hormones, gaining and losing weight excessively, doing too much sport and being very thin can lead to menstrual irregularity. The biggest cause of menstrual irregularities that do not arise from any health problem can be expressed as stress. Many women begin to experience menstrual irregularity in the slightest situation of stress.
Menstrual Irregularity Can Be a Herald of Disease
Menstrual irregularity can arise from general factors such as stress and changes of season, but it can also appear as a herald of certain diseases. The hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the uterus and the ovaries are the four important factors that maintain order in women’s menstrual cycle. A problem in any of these elements can cause menstrual irregularity. A tumour in the pituitary gland, or the presence of a cyst, fibroid or tumour in the ovaries or the uterus can also lead to menstrual irregularity. In addition, thickening of the uterine tissue, polyps in the uterus or the cervix and, although rarely, cancer can be counted among the causes of menstrual irregularity. Eliminating these problems also resolves the menstrual irregularity. However, as we mentioned earlier, menstrual irregularities that are not based on any cause can from time to time also be encountered in women.
Menstrual Irregularity Can Be Treated
The treatment of menstrual irregularity is applied according to the cause identified. For this reason women who experience menstrual irregularity should not use medicines on their own decision in order to correct this situation, and must certainly consult a doctor so that the cause of the menstrual irregularity can be determined. If the menstrual irregularity arises from health problems such as a tumour or a polyp, not starting treatment can lead to facing far more serious consequences.