Can Irregular Period Cause Weight Gain & How to Regulate It Naturally?

The menstrual cycle is part and parcel of the woman’s physiology. The word “cycle” does not necessarily connote that it happens like clockwork on the same day each month. In fact, most women do not have their period on the same day of each month. The menstrual cycle occurs on average of 28 days, with many women having cycles for 24 and 34 days.

The period lasts for 4-7 days. There is a wide parameter that is considered normal, regardless of whether the woman experiences regular or irregular menstrual cycles.

Irregular Periods and Weight Gain

There are many factors that can cause periods to become irregular, not just weight gain.

• Refers to periods that do not occur on the same day of each month or a cycle that varies in the number of days ranging from 24 to 34 days.
• Irregular menstruation is not necessarily abnormal menstruation.
• There are many reasons for menstruation to become irregular such as:
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Excessive weight gain or obesity
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Excessive or increased exercise
  • Stress
  • Illness
  • Travel
  • Medications such as birth control pills.
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Illicit drug use
  • Dysfunctions of the pelvic organs.
  • Breast feeding
• The woman needs to be examined by a physician to determine whether the irregular periods are already abnormal especially if this is hampering the woman to bear children.
• Women can find out if they are regular or not by doing the following:
  • Keep a record of when the period begins and ends.
  • Record the quantity of the flow (heavy or light).
  • Noting any bleeding that occurs between periods.
  • Monitoring for other signs and symptoms that occur before, during, and after a period.

Can Irregular Periods Cause Weight Gain?

On the contrary, weight gain can cause irregular periods, not the other way around.

• Weight gain, especially obesity, can cause irregular periods because obesity impairs hormones.
• The balance of hormones present within a woman’s body determines her menstrual cycle.
• Any change in the balance of these hormones, results in changes in the woman’s menstrual cycle.
• The woman may be prescribed hormonal pills to balance out her hormone levels and restore her menstrual cycle while sometimes all the intervention needed would be to lose weight.

How to Regulate Your Period Naturally

Naturally regulating periods can be easy, especially if the irregularity is not caused by any underlying medical conditions.

• Eat healthy. Women who eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber are not prone to experiencing irregular menstruations.
• Exercising right. Too much exercise can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle such as the case with athletes. Moderate and regular exercise is good for the body.
• Take supplementations daily. Mineral and vitamin supplements taken daily are good for the woman’s body in addition to the minerals and vitamins coming from a healthy diet.
• Get enough sleep. Stress is one of the causes of irregular menstruation. Getting enough rest especially at night can naturally regulate menstruation.