Marriage brings multiple changes in life — and even health. Women may notice changes in body weight and menstrual cycle too. Yes, your regular periods may turn into an irregular menstrual cycle, but it may not always be a sign of worry! Just because it stops behaving like clockwork, it does not always mean that you may be pregnant or have a medical problem. Get to know the causes of irregular periods after marriage, and how to deal with it without losing your mind.

What are irregular periods?

A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, and periods usually occur for 3 to 7 days, says gynaecologist Dr Sriprada Vinekar. When menstrual cycles do not follow a predictable, consistent pattern in terms of frequency, duration, or flow, they are called irregular periods. The global prevalence of irregular periods varies between 5 and 35.6 percent, according to a research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care in 2022.

What are the causes of irregular periods after marriage?

During research published in the BMC Women’s Health journal in 2022, marriage was found to be one of the reasons for irregular periods. Here are some of the possible causes:

1. Stress

The emotional and physical stress associated with significant life changes, such as getting married, can disrupt the hormonal balance that regulates the menstrual cycle. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can interfere with the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

2. Weight fluctuations

Sudden changes in weight, whether weight gain or loss, can affect the regularity of menstrual cycles. Adipose tissue (fat) plays a role in estrogen production, and significant weight changes can disrupt hormonal balance, says the expert.

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3. Changes in physical activity

An increase or decrease in physical activity levels, common after lifestyle changes post-marriage, can impact menstrual regularity. Intense exercise can lead to low body fat, affecting hormone levels, while a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and hormonal imbalances.

4. Dietary changes

Shifts in dietary habits, including changes in nutrient intake, can influence menstrual cycles. Since celebrations continue even after the wedding ceremony, you may consume more foods with refined sugar or the ones that are ultraprocessed. Diets high in refined sugars and low in essential nutrients may disrupt hormone production and regulation.

5. Birth control

Starting, stopping, or changing birth control methods can affect the menstrual cycle. Hormonal contraceptives like pills, intrauterine device (IUD), and implants alter the natural hormonal balance to prevent pregnancy, which can lead to irregular periods.

6. Sleep patterns

The quality of your sleep plays a key role in maintaining hormonal balance. If you don’t sleep well, it can affect your menstrual regularity. Menstruating women who sleep less than six hours per night tend to have irregular periods, according to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research.

Can irregular periods affect pregnancy?

Yes, irregular periods can affect pregnancy by making it harder to predict ovulation and potentially signaling underlying health issues that impact fertility, says Dr Vinekar. Here’s how they can affect pregnancy:

• Irregular periods often mean irregular ovulation, making it difficult to predict when you are ovulating. This uncertainty can complicate timing for conception.
• The same hormonal imbalances causing irregular periods can also impact ovulation and the ability to conceive. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone must be in balance for regular ovulation and a healthy menstrual cycle.
• Conditions that cause irregular periods, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, can also interfere with fertility. PCOS, for example, often leads to infrequent or absent ovulation.

What are the ways to treat irregular periods?

You must monitor your menstrual cycle to know if you are late. You can also do the following:

1. Lifestyle changes

Ensure to eat a balanced diet, which should have whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins as well as healthy fats. Avoid excessive intake of processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, says the expert. Maintain a regular exercise routine to promote overall health and hormonal balance.

2. Stress management

Try to reduce stress by doing yoga, meditation, or simply listening to your favourite music and relaxing. You must engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.

3. Weight management

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as both underweight and overweight can cause hormonal imbalances and affect your menstrual cycle. You can work with a fitness expert or nutritionist to develop a plan for healthy weight management.

4. Regular check-ups

Regular visits to a doctor can help monitor your menstrual health and address any emerging issues promptly. Pap smears, pelvic exams, and blood tests can help diagnose any underlying conditions, says the expert.

5. Supplements

You can check with a doctor if you can take supplements. Folic acid can support overall reproductive health and help regulate menstrual cycle. Deficiency in vitamin D may cause menstrual irregularities, so supplementation may help.

Many women experience some degree of menstrual irregularity at different points in their lives due to various factors, including stress, lifestyle changes, and hormonal fluctuations. After marriage, these changes may become more noticeable due to the adjustments and new experiences.