Our bodies are our homes. They take care of us; withstanding all the emotional, physical and physiological things we go through. Yet we’re not familiar with the processes they undertake to keep us alive. Menstruation is one such process. In this month’s campaign #MyPeriodStory, we’re going to tell you a tale about your body.
In the words of Kate White, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University “The menstrual cycle is as complicated—and as beautiful—as listening to an orchestra play a symphony.”
Each body is different and has its own unique experience with menstruation. However, in many cultures these experiences are not widely shared. It is considered a taboo to talk about menstruation. Daastan in collaboration with Raaji, through #MyPeriodStory has come to initiate a dialogue about breaking the silence around menstruation.
Here are some things you need to know, if menstruation is giving you a harder time than it should.
Irregular Menstruation
Around 30% women experience irregular periods. Irregular periods or menstruation is a state where women do not have a menstrual cycle of about 28 days. For some, the periods can occur before the 28 days mark. Whereas for others, there can be no periods for months. This variation in time length exhibits itself in various forms including, Menometrorrhagia, Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia, etc.
Signs of Irregular Menstruation
When a body system is disrupted, it shows its signs. Similarly irregular menstruation also has some characteristic signs. The signs include bleeding :
- or spotting between periods
- after sexual intercourse
- that lasts longer than normal
- after menopause
- more than normal
Other signs include intense pain (cramps) , nausea and vomiting.
We have made a list of common causes that might be behind your irregular periods.
Stress Levels
Stress levels are directly linked to your periods. So if on a blue day you’ve felt your periods being more annoying than usual, it’s because of those freaking stress levels! Chronic stress or even episodes of anxiety can set the hormones bomb off. And you can find yourself on a period track way out of course. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the stress levels. One can not always change the outside triggers, but can learn to deal with them mindfully.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormone imbalance that negatively alters the sex hormones. This imbalance of hormones manifests itself in various forms. One of them is irregular and extremely painful periods. To my fellow cysters, in this war against PCOS, I pray good diet be your armour and anxiety free days be your best friends. Find more about PCOS today and take a step towards a better life.
Medications
Certain medications induce undesirable impacts on the menstrual cycle. When you experience an irregularity in periods after starting a new medication, get in touch with your physician ASAP! Medications that might lead to abnormal periods are:
- hormone replacement therapy
- blood thinners
- thyroid medications
- epilepsy drugs
- antidepressants
- chemotherapy drugs
- aspirin and ibuprofen
- birth control pills
Eating Disorders
Extreme fluctuations in eating habits can arise menstrual disturbances. Women who may have been a victim to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia face various health dangers. One of those dangers is absence of periods. This condition is medically known as amenorrhea. On the other hand, women with unhealthy compulsive habits suffer from heavy bleeding and recurrent periods within the same cycle. In conclusion, the key to avoid menstrual hazards related to eating disorders is to encourage healthy eating habits.
Thyroid Disorders
Researches have shown a relation between thyroid disorders and menstruation. According to Dr. Kliman, “Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid condition that can cause light or absent periods. Hypothyroidism can cause heavy or irregular periods.”
Is irregular menstruation alarming?
An irregular period is your first hint towards disturbed menstrual health. To avoid any serious health implications, share with your gynaecologist all your health concerns. Occasional irregularity is nothing to worry about. However, in matters of health take the signs seriously. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
We at Daastan hope you find this effort helpful. Also we’re overwhelmed by your entries for #MyPeriodStory. Keep them coming!
