Regular menstrual cycles usually have a constant duration from month to month. A normal menstrual cycle can range from 21-35 days. If the cycle is longer or shorter than the previous cycle, the menstrual cycle is considered irregular. Menstrual cycles are also considered irregular if they do not occur regularly every month. If the irregularity only occurs occasionally, you need not worry. However, sometimes dealing with an irregular menstrual cycle can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways that can allow you to deal with this problem, including hormonal therapy, treating the causes of menstrual cycle irregularities, and making lifestyle changes.
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Method 1 of 4: Using Hormonal Therapy
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of hormonal therapy
Hormonal therapy works by interrupting signals in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal circuit, which connects the brain and ovaries.
By interrupting this circuit, therapy can be used to stop ovulation and stabilize hormonal fluctuations. This will help restore a regular menstrual cycle
Step 2. Ask your doctor if you can get a prescription for oral contraceptives
The contraceptive pill regulates and stabilizes reproductive hormones. Doctors often prescribe oral contraceptives that contain a combination of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. These pills can also reduce the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Research shows that these pills can help with the physical and psychological manifestations of PMS syndrome and also contribute to normalizing the menstrual cycle.
- Oral contraceptives are a series of pills that must be taken for one month. There are two types of pills in each series: pills that contain hormones and placebo pills that you have to take during your menstrual periods.
Step 3. Purchase the contraceptive pill that was prescribed to you
One pack of oral contraceptives can contain 21, 28, or 91 pills. This pill should be taken for one month. Try to take the pill at the same time each day.
- Follow the doctor's instructions. Usually, your doctor will give you specific instructions about when and how you should take oral contraceptives.
- If you're taking certain oral contraceptives, but your menstrual cycle doesn't return to normal, talk to your doctor about trying another, more effective brand.
- There are various types and brands of contraceptive pills on the market. Some are called triphasic pills because they contain a combination of progestin and estrogen in different proportions, while others are called monophasic because each pill contains the same dose of the hormone. In addition, there are also mini-pills that only contain progesterone.
- All oral contraceptives have their own characteristics. Some of them contain estrogen, while others contain progesterone. These two types of hormones can have different effects on the body. Talk to your doctor about finding the right pill for you.
Step 4. Learn about all the options for the hormonal contraceptive pill
The contraceptive pill is not the only way to treat irregular menstrual cycles. You can also use a vaginal ring, contraceptive patch, birth control injection, a progesterone-containing IUD, or a subcutaneous implant. The method you choose will depend on what is best for your lifestyle and pregnancy plans. In addition, you can use pills that contain only progesterone to stimulate the menstrual cycle, but keep in mind that these pills do not provide contraceptive benefits, only help normalize the menstrual cycle.
Method 2 of 4: Treating the Underlying Disease
Step 1. Ask your doctor about any medical conditions that could potentially cause this problem
In many cases, irregular periods are caused by impaired thyroid function or gynecological problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome. You'll learn more about treatments for the condition below.
Step 2. Treat thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolic processes in the body and affect the menstrual cycle. If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor will prescribe medications that help reduce thyroid hormone production. Cases of hyperthyroidism are often accompanied by a long menstrual cycle. This disease is usually treated by replacing the thyroid hormone. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to determine which medication is right for you.
- Medications prescribed to treat hyperthyroidism usually contain methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU). Methimazole is often chosen because it rarely causes side effects. The daily dose of this drug is between 15-30 mg per day.
- To treat hypothyroidism, you must take a daily medication containing the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (L-thyroxine, Eutirox).
Step 3. Get treated for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms of polycystic ovaries include irregular menstruation, little or no menstruation due to imbalanced production of reproductive hormones. Often, women suffering from this syndrome do not ovulate. Treatment of this disease aims to restore hormonal balance and doctors usually give birth control pills or oral contraceptives to trigger menstruation.
- If you are overweight and have polycystic ovaries, your doctor will ask you to lose weight as an important part of your treatment.
- The pill pack usually contains 21 tablets containing estrogen and progesterone and 7 placebo tablets.
Step 4. Avoid extreme weight loss
Rapid weight loss due to illness or an unbalanced diet and excessive physical activity can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, causing disruption of the menstrual cycle. On the other hand, rapid weight gain and stress also affect hormonal processes in the body. If you have a low body mass index or are malnourished, it means you should consult a nutritionist.
- The ideal weight loss or gain should not exceed 2 kilograms a month. That means you need to lose about 0.5 kg every week. Keep in mind that 0.5 kg is equivalent to 3,500 calories or 500 calories per day for 7 days.
- If you are planning to lose weight, make sure your daily calorie intake is no less than 1,200 calories. Otherwise, it will trigger hormonal imbalance in the body. On the other hand, if you need to gain weight, limit the extra calories each day to no more than 500 calories.
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Do exercise regularly
Unhealthy habits, such as a sedentary lifestyle often have a negative impact on women's reproductive health. Physical exercise can contribute to the overall health of the body, which in turn will help maintain hormonal balance.
- Try to get in for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, five days a week.
- However, keep in mind that people who exercise too intensely and professional athletes also often experience irregular menstrual cycles.
Step 2. Limit your consumption of refined carbohydrates
Salty biscuits, donuts, potato chips and other sources of carbohydrates cause blood sugar to rise rapidly, making you constantly hungry. If you eat too many unhealthy foods, you will gain weight, which will negatively affect your menstrual cycle.
Step 3. Limit the consumption of drinks containing alcohol and caffeine
Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can weaken the immune system and lead to dehydration. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase blood pressure and interfere with the performance of other organs. If you are trying to normalize your menstrual cycle, limit your intake to:
- One cup of coffee a day
- One alcoholic drink per day. This means 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of a drink with a high alcohol content.
Step 4. Try acupuncture therapy
This method is based on the concept that energy flows in the body in a certain way. If this energy flow is disturbed, it can cause hormonal and other system imbalances. Acupuncture can restore energy flow to normal again by inserting fine needles into certain pressure points.
Method 4 of 4: Using Alternative Medicine
Step 1. Take an herbal supplement containing Lepidium meyenii
Alternative medicine advocates recommend it to restore irregular menstrual cycles. This supplement is made from the herb Lepidium meyenii. This plant is believed to help maintain and stimulate balance in the endocrine system. Unlike the use of synthetic hormones, this herbal supplement can induce the hormonal system to produce reproductive hormones naturally.
Take 3 tablets a day after meals. Ideally, you should take 2 tablets after breakfast and 1 tablet after lunch
Step 2. Consume more ginger
So far, ginger is believed to trigger menstruation. Usually ginger is used to deal with delayed menstruation. Here's how to make ginger tea:
Bring teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger to a boil in one cup of water (240 ml). Add honey to enhance the taste. Drink this infusion three times a day for a month
Step 3. Try increasing your cinnamon intake
Cinnamon is thought to have a warming effect on the body. This warming effect helps normalize the menstrual cycle. In addition, consuming cinnamon can reduce menstrual pain. Cinnamon also contains hydroxychalcone which is believed to control insulin. High insulin levels in the body can cause irregular periods.
To make a cinnamon drink, add teaspoon of cinnamon to a glass of milk. Another way to increase your cinnamon intake is to consume cinnamon tea or chew cinnamon sticks regularly
Step 4. Consume sesame seeds to help restore regular menstruation
In general, sesame seeds are believed to help balance hormones. Sesame seeds are rich in lignans, which can bind to excess hormones. In addition, sesame seeds contain essential fatty acids, which play a role in hormone production.
Dry and roast 1 cup of sesame seeds. You can grind it into a powder or eat it whole
Step 5. Use more turmeric in food
Just like raw papaya, turmeric is also believed to have a stimulating effect that can help normalize menstrual blood flow. Turmeric is also considered a warming herb that can help normalize the menstrual cycle and hormone levels.
