If you are in the reproductive stage, you probably get periods every month. During menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining through the vagina, causing bleeding that lasts at least three days. It may cause period discomfort, cramps, and mood changes. However, menstruation is necessary, especially if you want to get pregnant eventually. Regular menstrual periods are typically indicative of adequate hormonal activity and reproductive health. However, irregular periods might indicate underlying health difficulties. In reality, certain medical issues might have an effect on your menstruation.
8 Medical Conditions That Affect Periods
Here are some of the health conditions that might impact your period and menstrual health:
1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent hormonal disorder, is more than simply increased hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or weight gain. "It can cause irregular or absent periods due to hormonal imbalances," gynecologist Dr. Sukriti Jain said. According to a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Cancer, between 75 and 85 percent of women with PCOS have menstruation disruption.
2. Endometriosis.Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally borders the uterus grows outside the uterus, resulting in painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and copious menstrual flow. This illness affects around 190 million women of reproductive age (15 and above) worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it is connected with significant menstrual discomfort.
3. Uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy or extended periods. During 2022 research published in the journal Frontiers, 30% of individuals with uterine fibroids had menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual flow. Women with uterine fibroids may also have irregular menstrual flow, blood clots, pelvic discomfort, lower back pain, and urinary difficulties.
4. Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two prevalent thyroid illnesses. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland creates more thyroid hormones than your body requires, and hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces the reverse. Research conducted in 2020 and published in the journal Current Medicine Research and Practice revealed that 30 percent of women with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism experienced irregular periods percent and 7.5%, in that order. "Hypothyroidism can cause heavy periods, while hyperthyroidism may lead to lighter or missed periods," Dr. Jain explains.
5. Inflammatory disease of the pelvis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause lower stomach discomfort, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, and sex pain. "It can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and severe menstrual cramps," according to the practitioner. Since many women do not exhibit any symptoms, it can be challenging to identify; thus, it is crucial to get tested in order to prevent issues.
6. Prolonged Stress
Stress is not a medical disease and can even be beneficial because it causes our body to create adrenaline, which aids in our ability to execute tasks. The American Psychological Association, however, states that long-term, continuous stress can have negative health effects, including anxiety, physical soreness, and reduced immunity. Persistent stress can also cause hormonal abnormalities, which can cause irregular or absent periods. A new study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews in August 2024 identified chronic stress as a modifiable risk factor for irregular periods.
7. Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, include more than simply improper eating habits and weight difficulties. "Severe restrictions on food intake or binge-purge behaviors can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to missed periods," Dr. Jain cautions.
8. Diabetes.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be associated with your menstrual cycle. A 2011 study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology discovered that more than one-third of teen females with type 1 diabetes will have irregular periods. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have irregular menstrual periods.
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