The medical term for irregular menstruation / irregular period is oligomenorrhea. This is a very common problem among women. This usually refers to infrequent periods with intervals of more than 35 days. A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 – 35 days.
Menstrual bleeding generally lasts for 2 – 7 days. Women normally have 11 – 13 periods in one year but women who suffer from irregular periods may have fewer than 6 or 7 periods. Irregular menstruation is characterized by abnormal blood loss (whether less or more than usual) during a period, the number of days that your periods last, and variations in the time between each of your periods.
Irregular menstruation causes and factors
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There are many factors which can lead to irregular menstruation such as uterine abnormalities, polycystic ovarian syndrome, recent birth or miscarriage, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, tuberculosis, liver disease, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, menopause, anemia, significant weight loss or gain and eating disorders. Also, there are lifestyle triggers which can contribute to this problem such as birth control pills, certain medications, stress, travel, caffeine, alcohol abuse, smoking, and exercise.
Also, there is another study in which is said hay fever and asthma can be also linked to irregular menstruation.
Menstrual cycles tend to be irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts but also they are irregular at the end of a woman’s menstrual years when she is approaching menopause. Different women can have different menstrual patterns and slight irregularities once in a while should not be a cause for concern.
15 Natural treatments for irregular menstruation
Turmeric
Turmeric is a warming herb. This is a very effective natural treatment in balancing hormones and regulating menstruation. This natural cure has emmenagogue properties which can stimulate the menstrual flow. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which can give you relief from menstrual pain.
You should consume ¼ teaspoon of turmeric with jaggery, honey, or milk. You should take this natural treatment for several weeks or until you see improvements in your condition. Also, you can take turmeric in supplement form but you need to talk with your doctor about the proper dosage. [1]
Unripe papaya
Green and unripe papaya is working as a potent emmenagogue. This natural cure can be useful in regulating menstrual flow because it helps contract muscle fibers in the uterus [2]. This is particularly useful for irregular periods which are associated with stress and menopause.
You should consume unripe papaya juice on a regular basis for a period of a few months. You should not drink this juice during your periods.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an effective natural treatment which can help to treat menstrual irregularities by regulating hormones in your body [3]. You should extract fresh Aloe Vera gel from an Aloe Vera leaf.
You should mix in one teaspoon of honey. You should consume it on a daily basis before you have your breakfast. You should follow this irregular menstruation natural treatment for a period of 3 months. You should not use this natural cure during your periods.
Sesame seeds and jaggery
Sesame seeds are a very useful natural treatment in regulating menstrual cycles because they can help to balance your hormones. They have lignans which can help bind excess hormones. Also, they have essential fatty acids which can promote optimal hormone production.
Jaggery can help to regulate menstrual cycles because it has warming effects.
Dry roast a handful of sesame seeds. You should grind them along with one teaspoon of jaggery into a fine powder. You should take one teaspoon of this powder every day on an empty stomach in the luteal phase or second half of your menstrual cycle (this is 2 weeks before your period starts) in a period of a few months. You should simply eat a piece of jaggery because it can help to regulate menstruation.
Jaggery is also known as gur. You should not use this home remedy during your periods. [4]
Cinnamon
This natural cure is considered a very useful natural treatment for reducing menstrual cramps and regulating menstrual cycles [5]. This natural cure has a warming effect on the body according to traditional Chinese medicine. Also, it has hydroxy chalcone which can help to regulate insulin levels and it is suspected to have an effect on the menstrual regularity.
A study in which are analyzing the effects of cinnamon extract on menstrual cycles in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome is currently underway.
You should add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one glass of milk. You should drink this natural cure every day for a period of several weeks. Also, you can chew cinnamon sticks, drink cinnamon tea or sprinkle cinnamon on your foods on a regular basis.
Ginger
This is a very effective natural treatment for irregular menstruation and it can give relief from the menstrual pain [6]. It can promote menstruation and hence is good when dealing with scanty or delayed periods.
You should boil ½ teaspoon of freshly ground ginger in one cup of water for 5 – 7 minutes. You should add a little sugar. You should drink this natural cure 3 times per day after your meals. You should do this natural treatment for a period of one month or more.
Fennel
This is one of the best natural treatments which you can use to treat irregular menstruation. This is a potent emmenagogue which means it promotes menstruation and also it can give you relief from the cramping which is associated with premenstrual syndrome due to its antispasmodic properties [7]. Also, it can help to rebalance female sex hormones.
You should soak 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds in one glass of water overnight. In the morning, strain this natural cure, and then you should drink it. You should do this natural treatment once per day for a period of a month or until your menses become regular.
Parsley
One of the most effective natural cures for menstruation-related problems is parsley juice [8]. Crush parsley. Grind them in a blender along with some water to prepare their juice. This is an excellent substitute for medicine.
Coriander seeds
Coriander can help promote menstruation due to its emmenagogue properties. You should boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in 2 cups of water until the quantity of the water reduces to one cup. You should strain the seeds from the liquid. Drink this natural cure 3 times per day in a period of a few days prior to your period. You should do this natural treatment in a period of a few months. Also, you can drink coriander juice every day for a period of a few months.
Carrot juice
Carrot juice is a good source of iron. This is another simple home remedy which you can use for irregular menstruation. Also when you consume raw carrots, they can boost proper hormone functioning. You should drink a glass of carrot juice regularly for a period of 3 months. Also, you can combine it with other vegetable juices as well. In addition to carrot juice, you should include pumpkin seeds, drumsticks, beets, lettuce, and corn in your diet. Also, it is believed that drinking sugarcane juice for a week or 2 prior to your expected periods can help with the regulation.
Mint
A good Ayurvedic remedy for irregular menstruation is a combination of honey and dried mint [9]. You should consume one teaspoon of dried mint powder with one teaspoon of honey. Repeat this natural treatment for irregular menstruation 3 times per day for several weeks.
Grapes
You should take grape juice on a daily basis because it can help you to prevent irregular menstruation. Also, you can add raw grapes to your diet and consume them in moderate amounts. The excess consumption of grapes can result in loose motions.
Figs
You should take 5 figs and boil them in one cup of water. You should strain the decoction. Consume this natural cure on daily basis. It can help to regularize your menstrual cycle.
Apple cider vinegar
This natural cure reduces insulin and blood sugar levels which can help to regulate your periods in a natural way. You should intake one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water once per day before your meals because it can help you to prevent irregular menstruation.
Buttermilk and radish seeds
You should grind some radish seeds and add 2 large spoons of powder to one cup of buttermilk. You should stir it properly. You should drink this natural cure once per day for at least 3 months. You will notice improvements in your menstrual cycle.
References:
[1] Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: Lessons learned from clinical trials. The AAPS Journal. 2013;15(1):195-218.
[2] Karunamoorthi K, Kim H-M, Jegajeevanram K, et al. Papaya: A gifted nutraceutical plant – a critical review of recent human health research. TANG Humanitas Medicine. 2014;4(1):1-17.
[3] Poorfarid M, Karimi Jashni H, Houshmand F. The effects of Aloe Vera sap on progesterone, estrogen and gonadotropin in female rats. Journal of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. 2013;10(4):6-10.
[4] Hitnal S, Javali S. A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and effect of jaggery tea to combat the premenstrual symptoms on students of al-ameen medical college, vijayapur. International Journal of Current Research. 2018.
[5] Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, et al. The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms With primary dysmenorrhea. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2015;17(4):e27032.
[6] Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, et al. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2012;12:92.
[7] Omidvar S, Esmailzadeh S, Baradaran M, Basirat Z. Effect of fennel on pain intensity in dysmenorrhoea: A placebo-controlled trial. Ayu: An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda. 2012;33(2):311-313.
[8] Begum M, Das S, Sharma HK. Menstrual disorders: Causes and natural remedies. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences. 2016;4(2):307-320.
[9] Masoumi SZ, Asl HR, Poorolajal J, et al. Evaluation of mint efficacy regarding dysmenorrhea in comparison with mefenamic acid: A double blinded randomized crossover study. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 2016;21(4):363-367.
