As an active woman, you know how important it is to track your periods. If you are sexually active, tracking your monthly cycle can give you an early warning of a possible pregnancy, but there is more to period tracking than that. Keeping track of your periods can help you keep track of your health, letting you know if something is wrong so that you can alert your OB/GYN.
If you do find that your periods are irregular, do not panic. Irregular periods are not always cause for alarm, but you should let your doctor know. Your OB/GYN can give you a complete physical so that you can rest easy. In the meantime, here are some of the most common reasons women experience irregular periods.
Stress
If you are feeling stress, your body is too. Stress does not just happen in your mind – your body is just as affected, and that can manifest in irregular periods. High levels of stress can cause your once stable monthly cycle to become irregular, so take a close look at what has been happening in your life.
Are you suffering from job-related stress? Are your relationships in disarray? Are the kids driving you nuts? If so, stress may be the cause of your irregular periods, and learning to relax and unwind could set things right.
Dramatic Weight Changes
You may already know that rapid weight loss can cause a disruption in your monthly cycle, but gaining a lot of weight in a short period of time could have the same effect. Dramatic changes in weight can wreak havoc with your periods, causing irregular cycles, skipped periods and other types of symptoms.
If you have recently undergone rapid weight loss or weight gain, you should check with your doctor, especially if you are also having problems with your periods. Rapid weight gain or loss can be a symptom of serious medical conditions, and your doctor will need to rule them out before going further.
Eating Disorders
Some causes of irregular periods are benign, but others are cause for concern. Eating disorders are among the most common causes of irregular periods, and one that parents should watch out for.
If your daughter is experiencing problems with her periods, take a good look at her eating habits. If you suspect an eating disorder, you will want to get her help as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing irregular periods of problems with your monthly cycle, you should contact your doctor right away. It is important for your doctor to examine you and determine the cause of your irregular periods. The sooner you make an appointment, the sooner you will know for sure.
