If your menstrual cycle length is less than 21 days, you will have more number of periods than the normal number per year. Hence, when periods occur too frequently and at an interval of less than 21 days, it is known as polymenorrhea. ‘poly’ means many; thus, there are many cycles per year.
Typically, the woman will have a period every 17 to 21 days, as against every 30 to 40 days. Thus, there will be many, frequent periods and quick intervals. Flow could be scanty to moderate to heavy.
Common Causes Of Polymenorrhea
The etiological factors for polymenorrhea are several and diverse. Common causes include – high levels of stress, certain medications, too much exercise or peri-menopause. Serious causes include – diseases of the pelvic organs especially those related to hormone disturbances.
Two causes that by and large govern frequent menstruation are:
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding: This occurs during the extremes of the years of menstruation that is puberty – when the menstruation commences and menopause – when the menstruation ceases; this occurs due to hormone fluctuations.
- Short luteal phase: When the luteal phase is anomalously short, it triggers frequent menses.
Natural Remedies To Treat Polymenorrhea
The following remedies will to help deal with frequent or irregular menstruation:
- There is no specific treatment regimen for polymenorrhea. The chief line of treatment is remedying the underlying disease condition and hormone imbalance. You need to confer with your health care provider / gynecologist and understand your causative factor. She may ask you to carry out a battery of tests to ascertain the precise cause and start treatment.
- Specific cause-directed therapies include – administering of oral contraceptives to regulate the hormones, medication adjustments, lifestyle alterations such as – checking dietary errors, exercise, stress management, and maintaining a normal weight.
- Homeopathy drugs are safe and naturally acting. They provide effective management for polymenorrhea. These drugs have been recommended time and again – Agnus Castus, Sepia, Pulsatilla, Avena Sativa and Borax. Nonetheless, it is advisable to consult a practicing homeopath before embarking on treatment.
- Sesame seeds have been touted as a menstrual regulator. Roasted sesame seeds had twice daily yield beneficial results.
- Dried figs are another very effective menstrual regulator. The seeds in the dried figs help control the hormone disturbance and consequently ensure a normal period. Have 3 to 5 dried figs daily; this is of especial use in cases of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
- Papaya has also been prescribed by naturopaths to regularize the period. Have at least one fruit in a week. Within 3 to 4 months the hormone cycle as well as the menstrual rhythm will become normal.
- Stress is a huge cause for menstrual dysfunction. Research substantiates that emotional shocks completely disturb your menstrual rhythm, speed up bleeding and also affect the timing of ovulation. Hence it is very vital that you understand your stressor and learn how to deal with it successfully. Counseling and taking to family and friends is a big stress buster. Alongside, incorporate a soothing technique in to your daily routine – Yoga, Pranayama, Tai Chi. These calm you and make you tranquil and thus play a pivotal role in menstrual regulation. Furthermore, include a hobby – gardening, sewing, drawing, painting, dancing, reading; anything that soothes and composes you.