The average menstrual cycle in most women is 28 days, but this can vary in some women due to various diseases/factors. Oligomenorrhea is a condition where you experience infrequent or abnormally light bleeding. 

A woman of childbearing age, who regularly goes without menstruating for more than 35 days may be diagnosed with oligomenorrhea.

It can occur if there is a change in your contraception method (methods to prevent pregnancy), a hormone imbalance, hormonal changes around the time of menopause (end of menstruation), and endurance exercises.

Treatment for irregular periods during puberty (start of menstruation) and around menopause is not usually necessary as this period is marked with hormonal changes. However, if irregular periods occur during the reproductive years, medical advice may be necessary.

Reasons for Oligomenorrhea

Hormones play an important role in maintaining and regulating your menstrual health. 

The primary sex hormones in females are estrogen and progesterone which are produced by the ovaries (the primary female reproductive organs).

Estrogen regulates your menstrual (period) flow and stimulates the growth of the egg follicles (sac-like structures filled with fluid in which an egg develops). Therefore, an imbalance in these hormone levels can affect your menstrual cycle.

The factors that can increase your risk of irregular menstruation include:

  • Changes in your hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the normal pattern of your period. 

  • Changing birth control pills. Birth control pills are hormone pills used as contraceptives. Hence, when you change your birth control pills, there will be some change in the hormone levels that might cause temporary oligomenorrhea.

  • Heavy exercises. When you undergo strenuous physical activities or if you are on a low-calorie diet for a long time, it can lead to a hormonal imbalance and disrupt the ovulation process. This phenomenon is not permanent and can be reversed.

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is caused due to hormonal changes that can affect the ovaries. Every month, ovaries produce eggs which are released during ovulation as a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
    With PCOS, eggs are either not produced or not released by the ovaries, leading to irregular and prolonged menstrual cycles. 

  • Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women may have a prolonged period cycle due to hormonal changes that occur during the postpartum (after delivery) period.

  • Stress. Emotional or physical stress can alter your hormone levels and hence leads to oligomenorrhea.

  • Thyroid gland dysfunction. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make your periods light, heavy, or irregular.

  • Polyps. Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that are small, flat bumps or tiny mushroom-like stalks or as a thickening of the uterine lining. They often lead to abnormalities in the menstrual cycles.

  • Uterine fibroids. They are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus (womb) during a woman's childbearing years.

There are various treatment options available to treat oligomenorrhea. In adolescents and women near menopause, oligomenorrhea usually needs no treatment. 

For athletes and others who regularly undergo physical training, changes in their training routines and eating habits may be enough to regain a regular menstrual cycle.

Treatment

Treatment for oligomenorrhea consists of medications and surgery (if required). 

In some cases, home remedies can help get your cycles back on track. Let's take a look at the various treatment options available:

  • Birth control pills. If you have PCOS, birth control pills may be recommended by your doctor to trigger a period. 

  • Thyroid medications. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may be prescribed to take thyroid hormones.

  • Hormone therapy (HT). An irregular menstrual cycle is often due to a lack of or imbalance in certain hormones in the body. Doctors often prescribe a hormone called progestin to help trigger periods in women.

  • Surgery. In some cases, structural problems due to an injury or birth defects in the uterus (womb) or fallopian tubes may lead to irregular periods. Your doctor may recommend surgery to correct any structural problems.

Home Remedies For Oligomenorrhea

  • Practice yoga. Yoga is an effective treatment for different menstrual issues. Yoga can help reduce your menstrual pain and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, such as depression and anxiety.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight are more likely to have irregular periods due to the impact that fat cells have on hormones and insulin (a hormone that lowers the level of glucose in the body).
    Exercising daily and maintaining a healthy weight can assist in regularizing your periods and relieving the symptoms associated with it.
  • Add ginger to your diet. Ginger is a powerful root that is highly recommended in regulating the menstrual cycle. Ginger has vitamin C and magnesium which can help your uterus contract and trigger a period. Ginger can be added to your tea or juices and it can even be consumed raw along with honey. 

  • Take cinnamon. It helps to regulate insulin levels in your body and hence, helps in regulating the menstrual cycle. Cinnamon also expands your blood vessels and improves the blood flow, acting as a vasodilator. You can prepare a drink by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and letting it steep in the water for about 2 to 3 minutes. 

  • Get vitamin supplements. Low levels of vitamin D may increase your risk for period irregularity. Vitamin D supplements may help regulate your menstrual cycle and this can be taken on the advice of your doctor.

  • Drink Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). ACV helps you in losing weight and lowering your blood sugar levels. This helps you maintain a healthy weight and also regularizes your period cycle.

  • Have pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain enzyme that softens the lining of the uterus (womb) and hence regulates your periods. 

When to Seek Help

Seek a doctor if you have:

  • Missed three or more periods in a year.

  • Shorter period cycles (if your periods occur in less than 21 days every month).

  • Longer period cycles (if your periods occur after a cycle of 35 days every month).

  • Been bleeding more heavily than usual during your period.

  • Bled for more than 7 days during your monthly cycle.

  • More pain than usual during a period.

Oligomenorrhea usually isn’t a serious condition, but it may sometimes be a symptom of an underlying problem. 

If you regularly go without a period for more than 35 days, consult your doctor/gynaecologist immediately.

 

Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo 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.