Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg and the process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for the possible pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilized and pregnancy doesn’t happen, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina which is called a menstrual period. In this case cycle start again next month.

The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28–29 days and last 2 to 7 days, but this can vary from woman to woman and from one cycle to the next cycle. The length of a menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of your period to the day before your next period starts.

The first period usually begins between the twelve to fifteen years of age. They may occasionally start as early as eight years of age.

4 stages of menstrual cycle are as follows:

• Menstrual
• The follicular phase
• Ovulation
• The luteal phase

The first stage of menstrual cycle is: Menstrual

This is a very first stage of your menstrual cycle when you get your period. Day 1 is first day of bleeding. Menstrual phase starts when an egg from the previous cycle isn’t fertilized, because pregnancy hasn’t taken place therefore the levels of the hormone’s estrogen and progesterone drop.

Menstruation is the process of the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) from the body through the vagina. Menstrual fluid contains thick blood cells from the lining of the uterus called endometrial cells and the mucus. The average length of a period is between four days to seven days.

You can have symptoms like cramps, tender breast, bloating, mood swings, irritability, headache, tiredness, and low back pains etc.

The second stage of menstrual cycle is: Follicular phase

This phase starts on the first day of period and end when you ovulate. This phase overlap with the first stage which is menstrual phase. During this phase the hypothalamus sends a signal to your pituitary gland to release follicular stimulating hormone, that stimulates your ovaries to produce around 10 to 20 small follicles and each follicle contains an immature egg. Usually, only one follicle will turn into a mature egg and others die. The growth of the follicles stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken in order to prepare your body for possible pregnancy.

The average follicular phase lasts about 14 days for an average 28 days cycle. Generally its range from 11 to 27 days depending on your cycle.

The third stage of menstrual cycle is: Ovulation phase

When estrogen level rises up during the follicular phase, this triggers pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH), this starts the process of ovulation.

Ovulation is the process in which your ovary releases a mature egg and the egg travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus to be fertilized by sperm.

The ovulation phase is the time during your menstrual cycle when you can get pregnant and these are considered as most fertile days of a month. The life of the typical egg is only about 24 hours. If it will not meet a sperm during this time, it will die.

When you want to have a baby, you can increase your chance of getting pregnant if you know about the ovulation and the ‘fertile window’ in the menstrual cycle. Ovulation happens around 14th days of your period if you have a cycle of 28 days.

The symptoms of ovulation can be

• Rise up in basal body temperature
• Change in Cervical mucus like thick egg white.

The last stage of menstrual cycle is: Luteal phase

After the release of the egg, levels of FSH and LH decrease and it changes into the corpus luteum.  This corpus luteum starts releasing progesterone with some small amounts of estrogen. This combination of hormones maintains the thickened lining of the uterus and wait for the fertilized egg to implant.

Trying to get pregnant with irregular period, increase the chances of getting pregnant.

If egg is fertilized and you get pregnant, your body will produce HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) hormone that helps to maintain the corpus luteum and keeps the uterine lining thick. This is hormone that pregnancy test detects.

If the pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will shrink away, that leads to estrogen and progesterone level to drop, which cause the onset of next period.

Tracking your period

Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. Some women get their period at the same time each month and for some women their periods are irregular. Some women bleed more heavily or for a longer number of days than others.

Your menstrual cycle can also get affected during certain times of your life. For example, during Menopause.

One way to find out if you’re having irregularities with your menstrual cycle is to keep a track of your periods.

• End date. Calculate how long does your period typically last and are they longer or shorter than usual?
• Flow. Record whether the flow is heavy or light.
• Abnormal bleeding. Are you having bleeding in between periods?
• Pain. Look for the pain that you are having. Does the pain is more than usual?
• Other changes. Any other changes that are happening around the time.

What is normal period?

The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but each woman is different. Also, a woman’s menstrual cycle length might be different from month-to-month. Your periods are still “regular” if they usually come every 21 to 35 days. This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is at least 21 days but not more than 35 days.

During normal menstrual bleeding:

• Your period lasts for 3-8 days
• Your period comes again every 21-35 days

Period that are not normal

 Average length for a cycle is 28 days, but a cycle from 21 to 35 days is also considered normal. The period that is not normal can have following signs:

• You’ve skipped periods, or your periods are missing.
• Your periods are not regular.
• Your bleeding last for more than seven days.
• You are getting periods which are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• You have bleeding or spotting between periods.

If you have any of the above problems then you should consult to your health care provider.

What is the usual age to get first period?

A girl may start her period anytime between 8 and 15. The average age for a girl to get her first period is 12. The first period normally starts about two years after breasts first start to develop and pubic hair begins to grow. A girl should see her doctor if:

• Starts her period before age 8.
• She has not had her first period by age 15.
• She has not had her first period within three years of breast growth.

How many years does a woman have her periods?

On average, women get a period for about 40 years of their life. Most women have regular periods until perimenopause, the time when your body begins the change to menopause. Perimenopause, or transition to menopause, may take a few years. During this time, your period may not come regularly. Menopause happens when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row.

 There is no set age at which all women will start to go through menopause, but it is considered perfectly normal for a woman to go through it any time between the ages of 35 and 59. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55. 

If you do stop menstruating before you turn 40, you should be tested to make sure that your missed periods are due to menopause and not some other cause. Also note that changes in your cycle might be gradual. Menopause symptoms don’t stop or start in one night.

Final Note

Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. It’s very important to know about your menstrual cycle, including when you get your periods and how long they last. Stay alert and keep track of any changes, irregularities and talk to your healthcare provider.

The post 4 Stages of menstrual cycle. What is the normal cycle and what’s not appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

A period is considered irregular if the gap between starting of your periods keep changing. Menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your last period to the start of your next period. Each cycle last from four to seven days in women.

Periods are considered irregular if:

• Your cycle is of less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
• If you Missed three or more period in a row
• Your period last more than seven days
• If you experience that the length of your cycle keeps changing since more than 6 months.
• You are getting less than 8 cycle in a year.

Irregular periods are not always a sign of concern but it is always good to see a doctor and find the reason.

some women also have other problems along with the irregular period and they are called menstruation abnormalities. Some of the example are

• Period that last more than 7 days
• Period associated with cramp, pain and vomiting
• Flow is heavier or lighter than usual
• Bleeding and spotting between periods, generally after sex or menopause.
• Infrequent occurrence of period that is also called as Oligomenorrhea.
• Periods that are stopped completely also called Amenorrhea.

11 reasons of irregular period

There are many causes of irregular period however most of the time there is no need to worry about them.

Most common causes of irregular period include:

1. Puberty

If you just hit the puberty and period just started to come, you can have irregular period for the first two to three years. Its very normal in girls to experience some sort of irregularities when she starts getting her period. 

2. Pregnancy or miscarriage

Early pregnancy can cause you missed period or spotting. If you think that you can get pregnant than take a pregnancy test to rule out this. Miscarriage can also temporarily irregulates your period. Once your hormone will balance out, your period will get regulate.

3. Stress

Any type of physical and mental stress can fluctuate your hormones therefore can change your monthly cycle. Once your body balance out the hormones and your stress level decrease, your periods will become regular again.

4. pre-menopause

It usually happens between the age of 45 to 55 that is called early menopause and irregular period is a symptom of menopause also. Fluctuation in estrogen level during this time can cause period irregularities.

5. Lifestyle changes

Any sort of changes in your lifestyle can disrupt your internal clock and can change your monthly cycle. If recently you have loosed your weight, or gained some weight, any type of dietary changes, or any type of physical work and exercise changes then as a result it can be a cause of changes in your monthly cycle.

what should you do and what not to do during periods

6. Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding your little one, that can also be a cause of your irregular period and there is nothing to worry about this. This is very normal behavior of a woman’s body. This is because of prolactin hormone that is responsible for milk production and can suppress your reproductive hormone that can cause very light or no period at all.

7. Birth control

If you are on any kind of birth control pill or birth control device like IUD, it can cause spotting between period and can also cause very light or irregular period.

10 reasons for a late period if you are not pregnant

8. Thyroid problem

An overactive thyroid called hyperthyroidism, can cause shorter and lighter period while an underactive thyroid called hypothyroidism can cause heavier and longer period.

9. Medication

There are certain medications that can also cause irregularities in your cycle like birth control pills, blood thinners, thyroid medications, chemotherapy, steroids, etc.

10. PCOD

Polycystic ovary disorder is very common in woman. This is a most common cause of irregular period and there are many other signs associated with this for example:

• Facial hair growth
• Excess weight gain
• Severe hair fall
• Irregular period
• Infertility

Read to know about 15 side effects of birth control pills that no one will tell you.

11. Other medical conditions

There are other medical conditions can also cause you irregular period, some of them are:

• Unmanaged diabetes
• Uterine polyps
• Uterine fibroids
• Cervical cancer or tumor
• Endometriosis

4 Stages of menstrual cycle, what is normal and what’s not

Treatment of irregular period.

There are many treatment options for managing irregular period but treatment completely depends on the cause of the problem.

Here are some the treatment options that are available.

Irregular period and trying to get pregnant, FAQs about irregular period and pregnancy

1. Lifestyle change

If your irregular periods are because of poor diet, stress, PCOD, and if you are overweight or underweight, then changes in your lifestyle can do wonder for you. PCOD can easily be managed by a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes eating a well balanced and nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being as active as possible, and minimizing harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking.

Studies shows that if your period are because of excessive weight then a weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can improve menstrual regularity.

2. Natural Therapies

If you are stressed or have dietary problems and PCOD, alternate therapies like yoga, meditation and acupunctures can work well in managing PCOD and helps in period irregularities, however results vary woman to woman.

3. Hormonal contraception

1. For some women only lifestyle changes are not enough to make period regular. For that different type of medications are available. Your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
2. Oral contraceptive pills
3. Hormonal IUDs
4. Progesterone, which stimulate the uterus
5. Vaginal contraceptive rings
6. Intra-uterine devices

You should discuss with your doctor about the best method that is suitable for you with less side-effects. There are always some side-effects of the medicines so it is important to discuss with your doctor about the possible side effects before starting any treatment.

When should you see a doctor for irregular period?

There are so many causes of irregular period as mentioned above. Some of them are serious and some of them are not. But you should visit to your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Sudden changes in your cycle and you are under the age of 45
• Missed three or more period in a row
• Your period last longer than 7 days
• Having irregular periods since more than 2 years and getting less than 8 period in a year
• Your period suddenly become heavier or lighter than before.
• Suddenly experiencing cramps, bloating and vomiting also called pre-menstrual syndrome.
• If Your cycle is less than 21 days or more than 35 days.

You don’t need to get medical advice if you always have slightly irregularities or you’re still going through puberty. there is nothing wrong in taking advice of a specialist. It is always a good idea to get checked out to see what the cause might be.

What will the Doctor do for irregular periods and What test are done?

You should visit to a gynecologist for the test and treatment of irregular period. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and can ask you some question related to your lifestyle for example:

• The stress in your life
• Your medical history
• Recent changes in lifestyle
• All about your family history
• How much you are physically active
• About your sexual life

Based on your symptoms and history your doctor can do following test to know the possible causes of irregular period.

• Blood test that include all the male and female hormonal level test
• A pelvic examination
• An abdominal ultrasound
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• MRI
• CT scan

Alternate treatment for irregular Period

There are different alternate treatments available for irregular period. They can work very efficiently with less side effects in some woman. They include Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, etc. but each have their own pros and cons.

click here to to know about 13 most powerful home remedies to regulate your period.

1.     Homeopathy treatment for irregular period

Homeopathic treatment for Irregular periods is very competent, non-invasive, safe and inexpensive. Homeopathic treatment based on the holistic approach stimulates the natural hormonal balance without administering any harmful hormone preparations. The goal of this Homeopathic approach is to enliven the body’s natural healing and self-repair ability to treat the underlying condition, to prevent it and to create the highest state of health and well-being.

Common homeopathic medicines for irregular period are Pulsatilla, Caulophyllum, cimicifuga Racemosa, Lachesis, lycopodium, Murex Purpurea, Secale Cornutum, Sepia, etc.

2. Naturopathy Treatment for irregular period

Naturopathic treatments aim to uncover the root causes of illness through a natural-first approach. Naturopathic treatments are designed to prevent rather than cure. The doctor will advise patients on how to improve their health on a life-long basis, rather than simply managing symptoms of disease as they arise. Naturopathic medicine focus on therapeutic methods which including both modern and traditional medicines like botanical medicine, counselling, homeopathy, acupuncture, IV therapy and nutritional therapy etc. Naturopathy follows the concept of Healing power of Nature.

3. Ayurvedic Treatment for irregular period

Ayurveda suggests that the menstrual cycle of every woman is influenced by the three doshas – Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. By understanding the dominant doshas in your body, you can make the required changes in your diet and lifestyle to help maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

Apana Vata is the ayurvedic subdosha of Vata that governs the menstrual cycle. It is located in the lower abdomen and is responsible for the downward flow through the intestines, urinary and reproductive tracts. Therefore the imbalance of this particular dosha can cause irregular periods according to Ayurveda. Stress, improper diet, long-term illnesses, lack of physical exercise, over-exertion and certain medications result in such an imbalance of Apana Vata.

Mainly Ayurveda Focus on Yoga, Meditation, Healthy life style and Diet management. Most common herbs in Ayurveda that are used to treat irregular periods are Ashoka, Sandalwood, Hibiscus, Licorice, Asafetida, etc.

The post 11 causes of irregular period and treatment options appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Missed or late period can happen, there are many reasons for that other than pregnancy like any type of medication, life style changes, any illness or hormonal fluctuations.

When a girl get period for the first time, they take time to get regulate and its totally normal for a women period to be irregular when menopause starts.

On an average a menstrual cycle is of 28 days. Although it is completely normal to have a cycle range from 21 to 35 days. If your period doesn’t fall within this range, there can be many reasons for that. Some of them are listed below.

FAQs when trying to get pregnant with irregular periods

1.   PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age. During a typical menstrual cycle, each ovary develops roughly five follicles, and those follicles compete to become the dominant one that will release a mature egg at ovulation. Women with PCOS often have additional follicles, which makes this process take longer than usual. No released egg means no period.

Other hormones, such as insulin, can also get out of balance. This is due to insulin resistance, which is associated with PCOS. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.

2.   Stress can be a reason for late period

Stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period. Over the time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.

If you think stress might be throwing off your period and causing a late period, try practicing meditation, exercises, or any other lifestyle changes to avoid stressful situations.

3.   Fluctuations in body weight

Whether you’re overweight or underweight, any changes in body weight can affect your monthly cycle. Excessive weight loss is more likely to cause a late period than weight gain, though increasing body weight, when related to other conditions like PCOS, can have a similar effect. Being underweight is also a problem, it creates an environment that’s anti-pregnancy.

4.     Pre-menopause and late period

Normal age for menopause in most women is between 45 to 50. Some women can develop the symptoms around age 40, that is called pre-menopause. That means your egg supply is decreasing and the result will be missed or a late period.

5.     Diabetes and thyroid

Disease like diabetes and thyroid can also cause you a late period. Changes in blood sugar are linked to the hormonal changes, and can cause irregular period. Its very rare to have irregular period because of diabetes, but if your diabetes is very poorly controlled than it can cause irregular period.

An overactive and underactive thyroid can also be a cause of period irregularities. Thyroid disease can be managed by the medications. Once your thyroid is under control your period will likely to return normal.

11 causes of irregular period and their treatment options

6.     Hormonal imbalance

A hormone called prolactin, responsible for breastmilk production, can also caused delay in period. The excess of this hormone can also cause pituitary tumor. If you are suffering from headache, blurry vision and discharge from breast (if you are not breastfeeding), in addition to a missed period, should go to the doctor and check for this type of tumor.

If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test. In many cases, taking medication can help periods return to their normal cycle.

7.     Breastfeeding and late period

If you are a new mother and breastfeeding your little one, its normal to have irregular periods during that time. It referred to as lactational amenorrhea, this is a phase that disrupts your menstrual cycle. After a few months of breastfeeding, your monthly period should be normal.

8.     Any lifestyle changes

Is there any recent change to your lifestyle like sleep routine, any specific foods that you have recently included in your diet or travel to any other time zone? These small changes can also be a reason of missed period. Any disruptions to your lifestyle changes can disturb your internal clock, that regulate important cellular process can cause your period to irregular.

What should we not do in periods. Do and Don’ts during periods

9.     Exercises

Including exercise into your daily routine is good but excessive exercise can lead to lower level of estrogen- the hormone that regulate female reproductive system, can cause you a missed or late period. Many athletes experience this type of issue, sometime they don’t have period for 6 months or longer due to excessive exercise and training.

10.     Birth control pills

You may experience a change in your cycle when you go on or off birth control. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which can cause missed period. It can take up to six months for your cycle to become regular again after stopping the pill.  Additionally, some birth control medications, such as an IUD, implant or shot, may affect your periods while on them.

When to see a doctor for a late period

A late period can be emotional, but try not to jump to conclusions until you find out what’s really going on. It’s completely normal for the length of your menstrual cycle to vary sometimes—maybe it’s nothing at all. Sometimes, a late period is an isolated occurrence and is not a cause for concern.

13 home remedies for irregular periods that can work

However, you should consult your doctor if

• You missed three or more period in a row
• If there is a possibility of pregnancy.
• You are having symptom of PCOS
• Being overweight or underweight
• If you feel pain after missed period and bleeding excessively.
• Your period stops before the age of 40
• Getting period after 55
• You are feeling any sudden change to your period

The post 10 Reasons for a late period if you are not pregnant appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Menstruation cycle is a natural part of women’s monthly cycle. The average menstruation cycle is 28 days, but can vary from woman to woman. The length of cycle can also vary month to month also. Some women face some irregularities in their cycle and there are some home remedies for irregular periods which are very effective sometime.

If you are getting your period between 24 to 35 days than its still considered as normal. Your period is considered irregular if they vary every month, come earlier or later.

There are so many treatments available to treat this, but you can give try to natural home remedies for irregular period as well. There is no harm in trying natural home remedies because they don’t harm your body and sometime can be very helpful.

13 home remedies for irregular period

Here are some of the more powerful home remedies for irregular period that you can try.

1.   Do regular exercise

Exercise have many health benefits for overall body health. It can help your period too as it can help you to maintain weight and if your period is irregular due to PCOS, it will help in that also.

Exercise can help control weight, which may, in turn, help to regulate your menstrual periods. This is one of the most beneficial way among all home remedies for irregular period. It may also reduce pain before and during your period.

2.   Try Yoga and meditation

Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for different menstrual issues. Yoga has also been shown to reduce menstrual pain and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, such as depression and anxiety, and improve quality of life in women.

Stress is one of the primary causes of hormonal imbalance in the body that can triggers irregularities in menstruation. Meditation helps in relieving stress as a result it can ensure perfect hormonal balance in the body.

3.   Fill yourself with vitamins

Low level of vitamin-D can cause irregular period. It may help to regulate menstruation. D-vitamin has other health benefits also. Main source of getting vitamin D is sun so you should get enough sun exposer to fill yourself with vitamin-D.

B-vitamins are often prescribed to women who are trying to conceive, and they may help regulate your period. they may also lower the risk of premenstrual symptoms.

11 causes of irregular period and their treatment options

4.   Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits because this is a natural probiotic that helps in good digestion also. ACV provide benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin level, glowing skin and weight loss. It helps in maintaining your monthly cycle. Drinking 15 ml daily dose of ACV can helps in irregular period. Dilute it with a glass of water and drink daily to see good results.

FAQs when trying to get pregnant with irregular periods

5.   Eat pineapple

Pineapple is a popular home remedy for period problem. It is loaded with an enzyme called bromelain, that can soften the lining of uterus and regulate your period. Although there is no proven study for this, but it is believed that eating papaya can help in regulating period and reliving some premenstrual symptoms.

6.   Eat papaya

Green, unripe papaya is considered useful in regulating menstrual flow. it helps contract muscle fibers in the uterus. By consuming unripe papaya juice regularly for a few months, you can see good results. But try not to have this during period.

7.   Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can help your hormones to regulate naturally. You can consume fresh aloe Vera juice. simply mix it with 1 tbsp. of honey and have it in the morning but don’t take it during your period.

8.   Basil leaves is a great remedy for irregular period

Basil leaves have many health benefits and can help you in many ways. It can help you to regulate your menstrual irregularities so you can have 2 to 3 basil leaves early in the morning with water. Try this remedy for few months regularly to see good results.

9.   Have ginger

Ginger is highly recommended for regulating menstrual cycles and getting rid of irregular periods. You can have ginger tea few times in a day for few months to regulate your period. It can help you in other menstrual problems also. It can decrease the amount of blood flow, it can reduce menstrual cramps, and can help with mood swings also.

10.   Cinnamon

Like ginger, cinnamon is also beneficial in many menstrual issues. It helps in regulating menstrual irregularities therefore It can be an effective treatment for women with PCOS. Cinnamon may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual bleeding and pain.

11.   Turmeric is very beneficial for irregular period

There are many health benefits of turmeric which is quite warming as well. It is helpful in regulating menstruation and balancing hormones. Turmeric has many antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties therefore it can helps in relieving menstrual pain. You can take pinch of turmeric in milk, honey or jaggery for several weeks till you see improvement.

12.   Take good sleep

Having good sleep is recommended for a healthy body. Sleep can disturb your menstrual cycle. If you are stressed and not taking enough sleep then this can imbalance your hormones and can cause menstrual irregularities. So try to avoid taking caffeine before or near to sleep time, that can disturb your sleep.

13.   Try acupuncture

Acupuncture involves placing very thin needles at different energy points across the body. Acupuncture can balance the flow of energy in the body as a result this can help to regulate periods and improve symptoms of PMS or painful menstruation.

When to contact your doctor for irregular period

Irregular period is not always a cause of concern. Most of the women face this issue at some point in their life and that is why you don’t need to see a doctor always.

But if you have any of the symptoms below, you should contact your doctor for further diagnosis.

• If you missed 3 or more period in a row
• you are getting period before 21 days, every month
• If your period less than once every 35 days
• You are having painful and heavy period
• If you are bleeding longer than a week
• If your period is suddenly getting irregular

The post 13 Home remedies for irregular periods and fertility appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

The changes and relative levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone throughout the menstrual cycle, including during the period itself, are also responsible for many of the changes women notice. Everybody’s body behaves differently; some people are more sensitive to the things than others.

8 Things you should not do in periods

Below I have listed some things you should not do during period.

1.     Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol is not good for overall health of the body. Alcohol has number of negative effects on body, which can increase the symptoms of period. It can even worsen headaches and cause bloating and can also cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. It can dehydrate your body.

11 causes of irregular periods (menstrual cycle) and their treatment options

As we all know how smoking is bad for us and health issues related to smoking. A research study shows that regular smokers have more painful menstrual cycle then a non-smoker.

2.     Limit coffee intake

Who don’t like their cup of coffee? But if you are on period you should temporarily skip that, because it can worsen menstrual cramps. It can also exacerbate headaches. But caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches too, so don’t cut your coffee completely if you’re used to having a few cups a day.

3. Spicy and oily food

Many people find that spicy food upset their stomachs, giving them diarrhea, stomach pain, and even nausea. If you’re not used to eating them, it might be best to avoid them during your period.

Same goes with oily food, that is also difficult to digest and can cause digestive issues, and can increase bloating while you are on period.

4.     Salty and sugary food

Salty snacks can actually make your period symptoms worse. It can contribute to the bloating/water retention that women feel around the time of their periods. Eating salty foods can also worsen cramps. To reduce bloating, don’t add much salt to your foods and avoid highly processed foods that contain a lots of sodium.

It you have a sweet tooth and like sugary food too much, than you should avoid it. It’s OK to have sugar in moderation, but eating too much of it can cause a spike in energy followed by a crash. If you are feeling more anxious and moodier during period, watch out your sugar intake.

FAQs on irregular periods and trying to get pregnant

5.     Avoid waxing

During this time your body is extra sensitive to pain. At this time your threshold of pain decreases, which make it worse possible time for anything painful. Avoid waxing, any type of laser hair removal or any type of painful procedure during this time.

6.     You should not do unprotected sex in periods

Many people think that you should not have sex while on period. But in-fact it’s not true, actually it’s good for you, just a little messy of course but sex while on period can adjust hormonal level and can reduce painful cramps. But it is always recommended to have protected sex. Blood can carry many risks of infection and other problems, as blood is a good carrier of virus and other bugs. So, it is always a good idea to have protected sex during menstrual cycle.

7.     Avoid douching

In general, douching is not a necessary practice and can disturb the normal microorganisms of the vagina, leading to infections. The fragranced solution can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, causing irritation and/or abnormal discharge.

8.     Lower down dairy consumption

Dairy is not a good option during period. It can cause more cramping and irritable bowels. It can make you gassier. Try to limit it during this time.

5 Things you should do while on periods

Below I have mention some of the things that you should do while on period to have smooth and less painful time.

1.     Exercise

You may have heard many times that you should have rest during this time. But it’s not true and not good as well, doing regular workout can help you feel better during this time and can reduce headache and anxiety.

But surely you should avoid heavy workout during this time. As long as you are active and including light workout, it will give you less headache and fatigue.

13 home remedies to regulate irregular periods

2.     Have a good sleep

Sleep is always important but it is more important during this time. You should take at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep daily. It will help in balance out your hormones. If you will not get enough sleep, this will increase stress hormone cortisol in your blood which can have an effect on the severity of your period symptoms.

3.     Keep yourself  hydrated

Drinking lots of water is always important. Drinking plenty of water can also stop you from retaining water and bloating and you should have at least 8 glasses or more water per day during this time specially. Staying hydrated can reduce your chances of getting dehydration headaches, a common symptom of menstruation cycle.

4.     Change your pads or tampons regularly

It’s important to always be hygienic in the vaginal region, even more so during your period. You should be changing your tampon/pad every 3 to 4 hours to avoid an unpleasant odor, bacterial buildup which can lead to infections. Besides changing tampons and napkins, wash the area frequently, change undergarment regularly and keep the area dry to prevent infection.

5.     Healthy food

Healthy food is a key to healthy body. You can include some of the following food in your diet during this time in order to reduce some period related symptom and feeling better.

• Diet rich in fruits
• Include leafy green vegetables
• A cup of green tea or ginger tea
• Include iron and protein rich food like chicken, tofu, quinoa and fish
• You can have dark chocolate as well
• Includes nuts and seeds in your diet
• Have some natural probiotics in your diet like yogurt
• Take omega-3 fatty acid in diet

Certain foods are great to eat during your period, while others can worsen your symptoms. The foods you choose to eat or avoid will largely depend on your specific symptoms.

Note

If you have any of the symptoms following, visit to your health care provider as soon as possible to rule out the cause.

• You’ve skipped periods, or your periods have stopped entirely.
• Your periods are irregular.
• You bleed for more than seven days.
• Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• You bleed between periods (heavier than spotting).
• Very painful periods and cramping

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