Menstruation, commonly known as periods, is the normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this can vary in some women due to various diseases/factors.
Periods could be really painful for some, bringing along with it severe cramps, back pain, bloating, etc. Your periods are considered regular if they come every 24 to 38 days. They are considered irregular if the time between the two cycles keeps changing and your periods come earlier or later.
Irregular period, medically known as oligomenorrhea, is a common issue in women.
Causative Factors for Irregular Periods
Anaemia (decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin in the blood)
Weight loss or gain
Menopause (natural stopping, or cessation, of a woman's menstrual cycle)
Thyroid disorders
Hormonal imbalance
Liver disease
Tuberculosis (a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs)
Miscarriage and other health conditions
Lifestyle triggers like increased exercise, smoking, alcohol abuse, caffeine, travel, stress, and certain medications and birth control pills can also contribute to this problem. There are various home remedies that you can try at home to treat irregular periods.
7 Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
1. Unripe Papaya helps in regulating menstrual flow as the carotene in papaya stimulates the estrogen hormone (sex hormone that regulates the female reproductive system), thereby regularizing your menses. Consume unripe papaya juice regularly for a few months but do not drink it during your periods.
2. Turmeric is helpful in regulating menstruation and balancing your hormones. It's antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties relieve menstrual pain. Consume around one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric with milk, honey, or jaggery. Take it daily for several weeks or until you see an improvement.
3. Aloe Vera helps treat menstrual irregularities naturally, by regulating your hormones. To get the best results, extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf, mix in one teaspoon of honey and consume it daily before having your breakfast.
4. Ginger can effectively regulate your menstrual cycles and also relieve pain during periods. Studies have shown that the intake of ginger can help to reduce the amount of blood lost during menstruation. Crush a small piece of ginger and boil it in water for about 5 minutes, add a little sugar, and drink the mixture three times a day, after your meals.
5. Drink cumin water to regularize your periods. The nutrients present in cumin will regularise periods, work on cramps, and help achieve hormonal balance. Take 2 spoons of cumin seeds and soak in water overnight and drink it in the morning.
6. Practice yoga and meditation. Stress is one of the primary causes of hormonal imbalance in the body that triggers irregularities in your menstruation. Yoga and meditation help in relieving stress. These two are the most effective methods for controlling irregular periods without medicines.
7. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight or overweight can cause irregular periods. Exercising regularly can help control weight, which in turn, helps in regulating your menstrual periods.
Try these safe home remedies for irregular periods. If the problem still persists, consult your gynaecologist immediately.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.