Missed Period: Understand What is an Irregular Period

Irregular Periods (Missed Period)

One can be said to have irregular periods if their menstrual cycle lasts less than 24 days, more than 38 days, or fluctuates significantly from month to month. This is referred to as oligomenorrhea by medical practitioners.

Irregular periods is typical for the duration of a female’s menstrual cycle to fluctuate from month-to-month, especially if she's in adolescence, nursing, or nearing menopause. The primary hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle are oestrogen, progesterone, leuteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It can cause irregular periods if anything disturbs or changes the way levels these hormones rise and decrease during each cycle. Stress, drugs and mental or physical health concerns can all have an impact on menstruation regularity.

Missing a period

Occasionally the timing for periods may shift a little, however that may not be a matter for concern unless it becomes too frequent. The following are some of the factors that may lead to irregular periods:

Natural hormonal shifts
Hormonal birth control
Stress
Endurance exercise
Weight loss

Stomach pain/cramps during periods

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) affect many females shortly before as well as throughout their periods. The soreness is only irritating for some and for the rest, period cramps might be severe enough to prevent them from going about their daily lives for a few days each month.

The uterus contracts throughout one’s menstrual cycle to assist in shedding of its lining, the endometrium. The contractions of the uterine muscle are triggered by hormone-like molecules (prostaglandins), which are associated with pain and inflammation; thus, more severe menstrual cramps are linked to higher levels of prostaglandins. Menstrual cramps can also be caused by conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

The key to minimising pain is to address the underlying cause. Menstrual cramps that aren't caused by another ailment tend to fade as one gets older, and they usually improve after childbirth.