irregular menstruation Normal menstruation is characterized by periodicity and self-limitation: the first day of bleeding marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle, and the interval between the first days of two consecutive menstrual cycles is referred to as one menstrual cycle, typically ranging from 21 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days. A single menstrual period usually lasts 2 to 8 days, with an average of 4 to 6 days, and the normal menstrual volume is 20 to 60 ml. Some women may experience continuous, unpredictable early or late periods, as well as abnormal menstrual flow. Menstrual irregularities are common gynecological conditions, characterized by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, duration, and volume. Patients may also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue before and during menstruation.

Normal menstruation is characterized by periodicity and self-limitation: the first day of bleeding marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle, with an interval of 21-35 days between the first days of two consecutive periods, typically averaging 28 days. A typical menstrual period lasts 2-8 days, averaging 4-6 days, with a normal menstrual flow of 20-60ml. Some women experience continuous, unpredictable early or late periods, along with abnormal menstrual flow. Menstrual irregularities are common gynecological conditions, characterized by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, period, and flow, often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Psychological Factors

Prolonged exposure to negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and panic, or significant psychological trauma, can affect the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to endocrine imbalances and abnormal ovarian function, resulting in menstrual irregularities.

Medication Factors

Long-term use of various contraceptive pills may disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to menstrual irregularities.

Disease Factors

Conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, and reproductive tract infections are common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine synechiae (Asherman's syndrome), primarily cause infrequent menstruation, reduced menstrual flow, and amenorrhea.

Chronic liver disease, hematological disorders, and other chronic debilitating conditions can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to menstrual irregularities.

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is also a contributing factor to menstrual irregularities.

Other Factors

The use of intrauterine devices can lead to menstrual irregularities.

Excessive dieting, intense physical activity or fatigue, smoking, alcohol abuse, and staying up late can lead to a decrease in bodily functions, affecting the body's balance and potentially causing endocrine imbalances, resulting in menstrual irregularities.

Shortened menstrual cycle: the cycle occurs at least 7 days earlier, or even twice a month.

Prolonged menstrual cycle: the cycle exceeds 35 days.

Irregular menstrual cycle: a shift of more than 7 days earlier or later.

Increased menstrual flow: the menstrual cycle is essentially normal, but the flow is significantly increased, exceeding 80ml, or lasting more than 7 days.

Decreased menstrual flow: the menstrual cycle is essentially normal, but the flow is very little, less than 20ml, or even stops after a few drops of blood.

Amenorrhea: primarily secondary amenorrhea, indicating the cessation of menstruation for 6 months after normal menstruation is established, or the cessation of menstruation for 3 cycles based on the individual's original menstrual cycle.

Quit smoking.

Avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue.

Some women experience menstrual changes due to excessive exercise and need to reduce the intensity or frequency of their workouts.

If emotional factors cause menstrual abnormalities, learning self-regulation and controlling intense emotional fluctuations can help. Effective stress relief methods can be used, and psychological counseling may be beneficial when necessary.

Significant weight changes can also affect menstruation. Weight gain can make ovulation more difficult, so weight loss is beneficial for treating menstrual irregularities. However, it is important to note that extreme and sudden weight loss can also lead to irregular menstruation.

Keep warm and avoid excessive consumption of cold drinks, especially in hot weather.

Discontinue the use of medications that can cause menstrual irregularities.

Maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia, avoid sexual activity during menstruation, and prevent infections.

Balance work and rest, take adequate rest, and avoid excessive fatigue.

Enhance warmth during menstruation, add clothing in a timely manner, and avoid exposure to cold.

What should be considered in the daily life management of patients with menstrual irregularities?

Exercise: engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance physical fitness and improve the body's ability to resist illness.

Diet: pay attention to a balanced diet, consume more lean meats, dairy products, fresh fruits, and vegetables to enhance nutrition.

Diet should be diverse: daily diet should include fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy products, seafood, soy products, and nuts. The staple food can be whole grains or starchy foods.

Eat appropriately: avoid overeating and follow dietary guidelines for adults as recommended by the "Chinese Dietary Guidelines," which suggest daily food intake of 250-400g of starchy foods, 50-150g of grains (including legumes), 300-500g of vegetables, 200-350g of fruits, 40-75g of meat, 40-50g of eggs, 40-75g of seafood, 25-35g of soy products and nuts, and 300g of dairy and dairy products.

Moderate salt and fat intake.

Balance coarse and fine foods: choose some minimally processed foods, such as whole grains.

Limit sweet consumption: excessive consumption of sweets can increase the risk of dental caries, diabetes, and obesity, so excessive intake should be avoided.

Eat three balanced meals: it is recommended to arrange three meals each day and try not to skip breakfast.

Dietary taboos

Avoid excessive consumption of smoked meats, try to avoid alcohol, and if consumed, ensure it is in moderation. Avoid a high-salt diet, with daily salt intake not exceeding 6g, avoid excessive consumption of sugars and sugary drinks, avoid excessive fat intake, with daily fat intake not exceeding 30g, especially avoid excessive trans fat intake, and choose healthier oils. Use vegetable oil instead of solid fats.

During menstruation, it is advisable to avoid engaging in strenuous physical labor and vigorous exercise to prevent discomfort. Pay attention to dietary adjustments, consume fewer cold, spicy, and stimulating foods before and during menstruation, and drink plenty of hot water as needed.

Maintain mental health and emotional well-being, learn self-regulation, and avoid negative emotional stimuli.

Avoid excessive dieting, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Avoid the misuse of medications, strictly adhere to medical advice for proper medication use, and prevent the occurrence of menstrual irregularities and other adverse conditions.

Seek timely treatment for gynecological diseases to avoid affecting the normal function of the reproductive system.