What can I do About an Abnormal Menstrual Cycle?

There are a number of causes of an abnormal menstrual cycle. A menstrual cycle that is very short or very long may be considered abnormal, as well as if a menstrual cycle is skipped for a month or more. Some women experience severe menstrual cramps during an abnormal menstrual cycle. It is normal for one's cycle to vary a bit from month to month, and certain dietary or lifestyle changes can cause increased variation, but if the cycle remains abnormal for a few months it is a good idea to visit a gynecologist to rule out any problems.

Diet is a leading cause of an abnormal menstrual cycle, generally a diet that does not include enough calories or nutrition. It is important to eat a balanced diet, and to eat enough calories every day to keep the body healthy and help to ensure a normal menstrual cycle. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia often cause the cessation of a menstrual period. In addition, exercising too much can also have the same effect, and lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle or none at all. Do not exercise to the point of exhaustion, and be sure to stay hydrated and eat enough calories in relation to the ones you are burning through exercise.

Medications, particularly contraceptives, can also cause an abnormal menstrual cycle. If this occurs, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor to switch you to a different pill, or a different contraceptive method altogether. Depending on the hormone levels in each pill, it may affect you differently than someone else, and many women have to try a number of different birth control pills before finding one that works without any negative side effects. Other prescription drugs, as well as illegal drugs, can all have an impact on the menstrual cycle.

Stress can have an effect on your menstrual cycle, as can a change in routine, amount of sleep, or sexual activity. Again, usually an abnormal menstrual cycle will right itself within a few months, and get back on an average 28-day schedule, with a menstrual period that lasts between five and seven days. If this does not occur, however, something physiological may be to blame, such as hormonal changes in the body, or a condition such as a thyroid disorder. A doctor will be able to determine this, generally through a series of blood tests. Some women simply have abnormal menstrual cycles, however, and there is not anything that can be done to change it.