Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are defined as menstrual periods that alternate between being early, late, skipping months or bleeding too frequently. The menstrual period should occur every 28-30 days, (some woman have shorter, 26 days and some longer, 35 days) and bleeding should last from 3-5 days. Bleeding should be moderate, without large clots and without much pain.
Irregular Periods occur when hormone levels are thrown out of sync. The glands involved in the process of menstruation include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the ovaries. This is often referred to as the HPO Axis.
Irregular menstruation is generally related to disruptions in the balance of hormones. Delayed periods may be signals that ovulation has not occurred. Delayed periods usually involve heavier bleeding due to the increased thickness of the endometrial lining. Lighter periods or bleeding between periods (break-though bleeding or premenstrual spotting) may arise when hormone levels are not sufficient to nourish the endometrial lining.
Some causes of irregular periods:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Intense exercise
- Perimenopause (close to menopause) / Menopause
- Weight gain or Weight loss
- Pelvic infection
- Uterine polyps
- Fibroids
- Uterine cancer / Uterine abnormalities
- Hormone therapy
Western medicine generally treats irregular periods with birth control pills. The hormones in birth control pills “trick” the body into believing it is pregnant, so that no ovulation occurs. The synthetic hormones override the body’s natural hormone signals. This regular dose of hormones will regulate the cycle of bleeding, however once the pills are stopped the hormone imbalances, i.e. irregular periods return.
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the “root” cause of the hormone imbalance with acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet therapy, and massage. TCM describes the female reproductive system as a network of energy systems with complementary organs and hormonal responses. This network responds to stress, chemicals, lack of exercise, poor eating, and excess emotions, all of which can put the body off balance. Loss of balance can manifest as irregular periods, PMS, infertility, menstrual headaches, mood swings, etc…
All of these symptoms must be addressed in order to “heal” the body, as all these symptoms generally come from the same “root”, or source cause.
