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Menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of a period to the first day of the next. Menstrual periods for most most women last for four to seven days and usually occur every 28 days.

However, some women have a cycle that can range from 21 to 35 days.

Your periods are considered to be irregular or abnormal if:

1. They occur in less than 21 days or are more than 35 days apart

2. Missing three or four periods in a row 

3. Periods that last longer than 7 days

4. Bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause or following sex

5. Too heavy or too light bleeding

How common are irregular periods?

Irregular periods problem is more common than you think! Many women face this issue at some point or another in their lives. It usually either happens after (or near) menopause or when hitting puberty.

The causes can vary from person to person, but hormonal balance in women definitely plays a very critical role in menstrual health

Top 3 Reasons for irregular periods (besides menopause and being pregnant) are:

1. Higher stress levels
   
   

   Hectic lifestyles and constant pressure to perform result in increased stress levels. And when you are under immense stress for a long period of time, it makes your body conserve energy to survive and pass through stressful times. As a result, it prevents ovulation because your body sees it as a secondary process. The body prioritizes producing stress hormones and helps you sail through a crisis, putting the sex hormones on a backseat! Lower estrogen levels prevent the building of uterine lining and as a result, you do not get your period! 

2. Improper diet

   A diet that has low amounts of nutrients, antioxidants and probiotic foods and higher amounts of stimulants can take a toll on the adrenaline glands and thyroid. For example, consuming food that is high in sugar, hydrogenated fats and artificial additives can cause thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue. This can raise cortisol which further hinders the function of many other essential hormones, including sex hormones. Hence, in order to maintain hormonals balance in women, it is imperative that you have a balanced diet. andMe’s wide range of Hormonal balance collection products can help manage your hormonal needs for thyroid, PCOD, menopause and so on! They even have a period tea that acts as remedies to regulate your cycle and helps lower the impact of PMS.

3. Medical conditions

   Pre-existing medical condition like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid and so on can be a leading cause of irregular periods. Any other reproductive organ diseases and disorders like PIDs, endometriosis or uterine polyps or fibroids can also result in irregular periods. These conditioned can be diagnosed by your physician through proper tests. Once diagnosed, your physician can put you on the right treatment!

Hence, it can be concluded that in order to maintain healthy menstrual cycle, it is important that women practice a healthy lifestyle which includes yoga, balanced diet,  maintaining a healthy weight.