Overview

Menstrual cycles of women often persist on average 28 days. However, there are a lot of causes why some females may undergo irregular periods. A few women realize that they have periods late or early in their menstrual cycle. They may sometimes be lighter and sometimes be heavy. Also, their menstrual cycles last shorter or longer than usual. The changes of the hormone can affect your periods. Besides, there are also many other reasons for irregular periods. Let VKool.com show you the common causes of irregular periods.

Top 12 Common Causes Of Irregular Periods Women Need To Know

1. Causes Of Irregular Periods – Thyroid Disorder

Basically, any type of thyroid gland malfunction can cause menstrual irregularities. According to a 1999 study published in Ginecología y Obstetricia de México, primary hyperthyroidism is one of the main causes of irregular periods. The thyroid gland helps to produce hormones, which maintain the metabolism of the body and impacts a lot of sex hormones. Besides, changes in cortisol and estrogen hormones can halt ovulation, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle.

Read also: Best Natural Home Remedies For Irregular Periods

2. Smoking

Smoking is not good for health whether it is women or men who are passive or active smokers. Basically, smoking is one of the main causes of irregular periods. Particularly, smoking can alter levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and other hormones related to the regularity of the menstrual cycle. According to a study in 2000 published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the irregularity of the menstrual cycle in bulimia nervosa is related to cigarette smoking, depression as well as fluctuations in body weight. Women who smoke often suffer from more severe premenstrual symptoms and are also less prone to conceive than nonsmokers.

Read also: Negative Side Effects Of Smoking

3. Causes Of Irregular Periods – Excessive Drinking

Moderate and excessive drinking may affect the menstruation cycle. Alcohol contains the toxins, which can result in permanent tissue damage. It also disrupts the delicate hormonal balance which is important for maintaining menstrual cycles.  The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism shows that drinking alcohol can result in irregular periods and infertility. In fact, the intake of alcohol is associated with an increased level of the sex hormones testosterone ^[1] and estrogen. Changes in these hormones can affect ovulation, thereby leading to irregular periods.

Read also: Simple Ways To Stop Drinking Alcohol On Your Own

4. Poor Diet

Basically, a proper and balanced is vital for your health. It can also play a vital for in keeping a healthy menstrual cycle. Generally, a poor diet low in antioxidant, nutrients and probiotic foods will affect the thyroid and adrenal glands. As a result, this can cause remarkable hormonal changes in your body and irregular or missed periods. Therefore, you should consume the proper amount of food if you’re having menstrual problems.

Read also: Best Diet And Foods For Sex Power

5. Causes Of Irregular Periods – Shift Work

Shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm of your body, which manages a variety of biological functions consisting of your menstrual cycle. According to a 2024 study published in BMC Women’s Health, rotating shift work increases the prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularity.

6. Exposure To Pesticides

When exposed to pesticides ^[2] mimic hormones, it can block your body’s hormones, making it difficult for the endocrine system to properly function. Pesticide use can significantly affect the menstrual cycle, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2004.

7. Causes Of Irregular Periods – High-Stress Level

Generally speaking, your stress level is considered among the most common causes of irregular periods. It can cause irregular or missed periods if you are suffering from extremely high stress. Your brain stops the production of estrogen as well as other reproductive hormones required for ovulation when your body is dealing with extreme stress. This is done to inhibit reproduction in a threatening environment and to conserve energy too. As a result, you do not get the period on time. Thus, it’s best to relax after work and to de-stress your body and mind. Try a hot bath, yoga, or reading a book.

Read also: All Facts About Stress And Anxiety

8. Excessive Exercise

Over- exercising can be bad for women, especially people who are athletes. Thus, excessive exercise is regarded as the key causes of irregular periods. In addition to excessive physical stress, high energy expenditure and low body fat are some of the factors contributing to missed periods in athletes. If your irregular or missed periods are a result of over-exercising, consult a doctor immediately.

9. Causes Of Irregular Periods – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a hormone imbalance in females affecting ovulation, which can lead to irregular periods. Acne, excessive weight gain and hair growth are other signs of PCOS. According to a study, elevated androgen and irregular periods is already present in adolescents that can become PCOS with time ^[3]. According to another study published in Human Reproduction in 2024, levels of elevated androgen in adolescence are related to infertility and PCOS in later life. PCOS can also increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Read also: Best Yoga Poses for PCOS Treatment

10. Low Body Fat

Low body fat can discontinue many hormonal functions in the body, potentially affecting your menstrual cycle ^[4] and halting ovulation. People having low body fat often suffer from serious conditions including bulimia and anorexia. People suffering from bulimia and anorexia often experience missed or absent periods. It is important to remain a body fat percentage of seventeen to twenty-two percent to keep normal menstrual function. Thus, always ask your doctor before beginning a new training regimen or starting a weight-loss diet.

11. Causes Of Irregular Periods – Contraception

Typically, several kinds of contraception such as the intrauterine system (IUS) or the progestogen-only pill may affect your periods. But your periods usually return as you stop using them.

12. Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can both affect hormone levels. Since these conditions can result in nutrient deficiencies, add chronic stress to the adrenal glands and impact gut health, they affect sex hormone production.

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Hope this post is helpful for you. You can visit directly our main Sexual Health to read more other such articles. Do you have irregular or missed periods? Do you know other causes of irregular periods? Share your experience or thoughts with us in the comments box provided below.

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