Regularly Irregular Periods! Try Ayurveda

28 days! Yes, it takes 28 days to complete a woman’s menstrual cycle. Women go through a lot of mood swings and hormonal changes during their reproductive phase. A menstrual cycle has a lot to add to this. It is important for a woman to have a regular menstrual cycle in order to have a stress free daily routine life and reproductive cycle. However, this is not so simple. About one-third of the female population have irregular periods. This trend is increasing with modernization and fast track lifestyle. Stress is one of the leading causes of irregular menstrual cycles. This can lead to many health complications.

During menstruation, there is loss of blood and a woman may feel weak, and there can be a pain in the lower abdomen. These days are usually troublesome for a lady. Irregular periods can be due to several factors starting from stress, medications or any disease like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  Treatment depends on what is the root cause of irregular periods. There are a number of medications available for irregular periods. Allopathic therapy and ayurveda for irregular periods provide few options for treatment. First, let us know the symptoms of irregular periods and when to seek help from a doctor.

Symptoms And Complications Of A Disturbed Menstrual Cycle

Generally, a menstrual can vary from 24 days to 32 days on an average of 28 days. It is quite common for a female to experience a delay in periods in between, but if this is becoming common, then this is a sign of irregular periods. Symptoms showing irregular periods are mentioned below.

1. Irregular bleeding from the vaginal surface.
2. Experiencing menstrual flow even after periods have stopped.
3. The frequency of periods with less than 21 days or 32 days is rising.

If anyone is observing the above-mentioned symptoms, then one needs to seek help from their doctor. This can be due to hormonal imbalance, too much heavy exercise, birth control pills, weight gain or improper lifestyle and diet. These are non-pathological reasons during irregular periods due to disease like PCOS, infective intrauterine devices, hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism, uterine fibroids.

Treatment Options – Focus On Ayurveda

Irregular periods are often ignored by females. However, if one is thinking of family planning or any underlying serious pathological condition, then it needs to be treated. PCOS and Hypothyroidism are the most common cause of irregular periods with any disease. Modern therapy focuses on removal of the cyst and restoring the hormonal balance in the body. However, Ayurveda treatment for irregular periods focuses on rectifying the body’s energy and restoring the balance of the dosha, namely Vatta, Kapha, Pitta. During irregular menstruation, there is an accumulation of toxins, and ayurveda focuses on the removal of these ama elements. Furthermore, there is sub dosha which regulates the menstrual cycle. Apana vata is the sudoshta of vata, which regulates the menstrual cycle. It is located in the lower abdomen with downward flow through the intestine, Urinary tract and finally reproductive tracts. Stress, improper lifestyle and diet or obesity can be linked to the disturbance of this sub dosha.

Ayurvedic Medicine To Regulate Periods

Let us talk about the options available in ayurveda. It can be ayurvedic tonic for irregular periods or certain herbs, which helps in rectifying irregular periods.

• Ashoka: It is often regarded as the queen of herbs for females struggling with irregular periods. Ashoka in Sanskrit means the removal of sorrows. A decoction or a tonic for irregular periods can be made from the bark of the Ashoka tree. Around 10 grams of the bark is boiled in 2 cups of water and reduces the concentrate to one cup. For flavour, one can add jaggery or honey.

• Chandan (Sandalwood): A decoction of sandalwood roots and leaves mixed with cow’s milk can help in improving irregular periods.

• Hibiscus: It has a special mention in ayurveda. Datura or Hibiscus flower has a lot of medicinal properties which can be used to benefit the reproductive system. It can be consumed like herbal tea, which acts like as an ayurvedic tonic for irregular periods.  Another option is to fry the flower with ghee and take it with milk.

• Mulethi: Locals call it mulethi, but in other parts of the world, it is famous by the name of liquorice. It is effective in treating the irregular menstrual cycle when it is consumed, rice washes water or by crushing the roots and mixing it with tea.
• Hing:  Hing or asafetida is used since ancient times to treat any digestive system complications. It is also added to Indian cuisine. But few know about its benefits to the female reproductive system. It helps in green signalling the production of progesterone. This helps in increasing the blood flow to the uterus, helps in regulating the periods.

There are several commercial preparations available over the top counter which are sold by many renowned brands. They help in improving the digestive system, purification of blood and relieving from body pain or lower abdomen. However, if the irregular periods are due to any underlying disease, then one must consult an expert medical practitioner. Apart from medicines, there are few things one can do to control irregular periods. Let us know more about this.

Yoga And Meditation

Yoga and meditation help in controlling the production of certain reproductive  regulating hormones. Yoga tends to reduce stress, restlessness, mood swing and depression and can help to uplift the mood of women suffering from dysmenorrhea. Yoga also helps in reducing menstrual complications.

Get help from a yoga expert to know your correct yoga pose and posture.

Maintain Proper Weight

Overweight and obese women are likely to have more menstrual complications, and losing weight will help regulate periods. Obesity may cause unusual bleeding pain in the lower abdomen. However, losing too much weight can have adverse effects and may lead to irregular menstruation. So it is important for one to know her correct weight and plan the diet accordingly. Consult an expert dietician to plan out your diet chart and find the correct weight.

Regular Exercise

Exercise has many health benefits that can help in reducing menstrual complications. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight and one of the recommendations given to treat polycystic ovary syndrome. There are several studies to support how exercise can affect menstruation and regulate female periods.

Hot Is Better

Food like ginger, papaya is hot for the body, and they can regulate the menstrual flow. Grandparents often recommend these kinds of food for females who have less menstrual flow. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which helps in softening the inner lining of the uterus and relieves any uterine irritation.  Bromelain also has inflammatory effects and can help in reducing the pain caused during menstruation. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. One need to take caution about this before switching to the above-mentioned food for treating irregular menstruation.

Vitamin Is Better

A woman with irregular periods trying to conceive may be lower in vitamins. Several studies show that Vitamin D may help in regulating menstruation. It may also help women treating PCOS. It helps in weight loss and reducing depression. Vitamin B is recommended for women trying to conceive. They may also help in reducing the Premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

The female body has to undergo a lot of stress due to hormonal imbalance. Do not worry if you are struggling with irregular periods; there is always hope. This can be reduced by following a good diet and active lifestyle free from stress. During menstruation, it is advisable to take proper rest. Physical exertion may lead to complications. Regular light exercise helps in reducing stress, and according to ayurveda several toxins are eliminated in the form of sweat. Ayurveda can provide several solutions at the root level to control and aid in healing the complications of irregular menstruation.