Are your monthly periods irregular? (Irregular Periods) Let's talk about this!

It's common for you and your friends, especially young people, to have irregular periods, or 'periods' as we call them. This means that some months your period may be 24 days late, while others may be 40 days late. This is what we call 'irregular periods'. This is very common, especially in the first few years of menstruation, so don't worry, okay?

So, what is this 'regular monthly period'?

Simply put, regular menstruation means that your period usually comes every 21 to 35 days. But this is not the same for everyone. Most girls usually get their first period, which we medically call ``menarche,'' between the ages of 10 and 15. But for some it can happen earlier, for others later. It varies from person to person. Your 'menstrual cycle' is the number of days from the day you start your period to the day you start your next period. You may have heard that this is a 28-day cycle. But that's just an average number that doctors use. In reality, some people's cycles can be 24 days long, while others can be 34 days long. It's normal for the number of days in your cycle to vary from month to month, especially in the first few years after you start menstruating. Now let's take a look at what's going on inside. As your cycle begins, your ovaries begin to release an egg. At the same time, the lining of your uterus, the uterus lining, gradually thickens. Do you know why? It's like preparing a safe haven for a baby when you conceive. Then, about two weeks before your period, the fertilized egg is released from your ovary. This is called ovulation. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Here, if this egg is not fertilized by a sperm, it gradually breaks down. Eventually, the thickened uterine lining and the broken egg are expelled from your body as your monthly period. The process starts all over again. That's why we call it a 'cycle'. The first day you start your period is Day 1 of your cycle. Do you understand? So your body may not always work exactly like a clock. It's very common to miss your period or have irregular periods, especially in the first two years after you start your period. Also, if you get sick, if you suddenly lose weight, or if you are under a lot of stress,This menstrual cycle can be disrupted. Do you know why? There is a part of our brain that controls this menstruation. Things like this can affect it. If you go on a trip, or if there is a big change in your daily routine, your period can come on a different day than usual. All of this is completely normal . Not only that, but the number of days you have your period can also change from month to month. Sometimes it can stop for a couple of days, and other times it can go for about a week. The reason for this is that the level of hormones produced by the body changes from one cycle to the next. This affects the amount of blood loss and the number of days.

If you don't know the exact day your period will come, how do you recognize the signs?

If your menstrual cycle is not exactly regular, your body can give you little hints that your period is coming. If you pay attention to these, you can know in advance. See if you have any of these signs:

• Feeling aches or stiffness in the back .
• The breasts may feel a little heavy , or they may hurt when touched.
• Headache .
• The occurrence of acne is increasing.
• Changes in sleep patterns , inability to sleep properly.
• Mood swings, such as feeling sad or angry all of a sudden .
• Feeling like your stomach is full (bloating).
• Loose stools .

So, how can you prepare for this in advance?

So, if you can't predict when your period will come, it's best to always be prepared. Keep a few pads in your school bag or handbag. If you use tampons, be sure to keep those too. Who knows, you might get your period unexpectedly. It might be a good idea to pack an extra pair of underwear .

Really, why are these monthly periods irregular?

Most of the time, irregular periods are just part of the normal body changes that occur when you're young. As you get older, your cycle will likely settle into a more regular pattern. So don't worry too much about it. However, sometimes there can be other reasons. For example:

• When using certain medications .
• Exercising too much . For example, if you're someone who runs and jumps all day long, or does a lot of weight training, that can also have an impact.
• It can be caused by losing a lot of weight or gaining a lot of weight. Sudden weight loss or gaining more weight than you should be is also a cause.
• This problem can also occur when you don't eat enough calories for the day. You don't eat properly and your body doesn't get the nutrition it needs.

Another major cause is hormone imbalances . For example, if your thyroid gland secretes too much or too little thyroid hormone, it can cause menstrual problems. Also, some girls may secrete too much androgen. This androgen can cause unwanted hair growth on the face, chin, chest, and stomach. Not only that, when this hormone increases, it can cause weight gain and irregular periods. We call this condition Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It is also good to be aware of that. Another thing is that if you become pregnant , your periods will definitely stop. So you need to remember that too.

So, should I be worried about this irregular period? When should I see a doctor?

Simply put, not all irregularities should be feared, especially if you are young. As we have already discussed, irregularities in the first few years of menstruation are normal in most cases. However, there are some cases where you should definitely see a doctor, that is, a doctor, for advice.

Most importantly: If you had sex and your period is late, you could be pregnant, so see a doctor right away. This is something you should definitely keep in mind.

In addition, tell a doctor if you have any of the following:

• If your previously regular period has now become irregular . That is, if it used to be on time, but suddenly starts to be irregular.
• If you haven't had your period in months (if it seems to have stopped, meaning you haven't had your period for at least 3 months).
• If you 've started to grow new hair on your face, chin, chest, or stomach (this could be a sign of increased levels of the hormone ``Androgen'' we talked about).
• If your period lasts longer than 7 days, is very heavy (meaning you have to change your pad every two hours), or is more frequent, such as every 21 days .
• If your period is more than 45 days late .
• If you have unbearable stomach pain or lower abdominal pain (although a little cramping is normal during your period, if the pain is unbearable, it should be looked at separately).
• If you are bleeding between periods .
• To youIf your period is still irregular after about 3 years (that is, it has been several years since you started menstruating and it has not returned to a regular pattern).

In this case, a doctor will examine you and may prescribe medication such as hormone pills . Or they may advise you on changes to your lifestyle and diet. They may also check for a condition like PCOS that we talked about. Therefore, if you have something like this, it is best to talk to a doctor without keeping it in your mind.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember from all of this? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about irregular periods. Simply put, here are the main things to remember:

• It's normal to be irregular in the first few years: It's quite normal for your cycle to be erratic when you first start having periods. Don't worry too much about it.
• Pay attention to your body's cues: Be aware of the signs your body gives you that your period is coming (like backaches, breast tenderness ).
• Be prepared: It's wise to always have pads or tampons with you.
• There may be some reasons: stress, changes in diet, excessive exercise, and some hormonal problems (`(Thyroid hormone)`, `(Androgen)` increase, `(PCOS)`) can also cause irregular periods.
• Be sure to see a doctor in these cases:
• If your period stops after having sex (because pregnancy may occur).
• If you were organized and suddenly became disorganized.
• If you have not had your periods for months (3 months or more).
• If there are problems such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or menstruation occurring before 21 days.
• If it is more than 45 days late.
• If it hasn't been fixed even after 3 years.
• If there is unwanted hair growth on the face or body.

Remember, you are not alone! Many people have these kinds of problems. So don't keep it to yourself, talk to a trusted adult or a doctor. You will get the help and the solution you need.

Irregular Menstruation, Irregular Periods, Menstruation, Periods, Girls' Health, Hormones, Menstrual Cycle