8 diseases that can affect your period
Physical illnesses can affect your period! From polycystic ovary syndrome to uterine fibroids, some health conditions can cause irregular periods and other problems.
If you are in the reproductive stage, you will have a period once a month. During periods, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina, causing bleeding that lasts for three days. It can cause period pain or joint pain, as well as mood swings. But menstruation is important, especially if you want to get pregnant one day. Irregular periods are often a sign of hormonal activity and fertility. However, irregular periods can be a sign of a health problem. In fact, some diseases can affect your period.
8 medical conditions that affect your period
Here are some health conditions that can affect your period and menstrual cycle:
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that goes beyond hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or weight gain. It can cause absent or irregular periods due to hormonal imbalance. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2016, approximately 75 to 85 percent of women with PCOS suffer from irregular periods.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease in which the lining of the uterus eventually grows outside the uterus, causing menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and severe colds. The disease affects approximately 190 million women of reproductive age (ages 15 and over) worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it is associated with severe pain during periods.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can be severe or long-term. A 2022 study published in the journal Frontiers found that 30% of participants with uterine fibroids suffered from menorrhagia, or heavy bleeding. Women with uterine fibroids may also experience menstrual bleeding, blood clots, abdominal pain, back pain, and urinary problems.
4. Thyroid disease
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid diseases. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs, while hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. A 2020 study published in the journal Current Clinical Research and Practice found that the majority of menstrual irregularities in women with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were 30% and 7.5%, respectively. Hypothyroidism can cause heavy periods, while hyperthyroidism can cause periods that are invisible or absent.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and difficulty with sexual intercourse in pregnant women. It can also cause irregular menstruation and severe colds. It can be difficult to diagnose because most women have no symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out to prevent complications.
6. Chronic stress
Stress is not painful and can be beneficial because it causes our bodies to release adrenaline to help us complete tasks. However, chronic stress that builds up over time can affect health by causing anxiety, muscle pain, and weakness, according to the American Psychological Association. Chronic stress can also lead to hormonal imbalances, causing irregular or absent periods. Chronic stress is thought to be a variable associated with menstrual irregularities, according to a new study published in August 2024 in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.
7. Eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia are more than just eating disorders and weight problems. Strict dietary restrictions or overeating can disrupt hormonal balance and delay menstruation.
8. Diabetes
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be associated with menstruation. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, researchers found that more than a third of young women with type 1 diabetes experienced irregular menstrual periods. People with type 2 diabetes may also be at risk for irregular menstrual periods.
Treatment for conditions that affect menstruation
Here are treatment options for conditions that can affect your periods:
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Weight control through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. Birth control pills can regulate menstrual bleeding and reduce symptoms such as acne and hirsutism.
2. Endometriosis
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Birth control pills and hormonal IUDs can help slow the growth of endometrial tissue. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrial tissue.
3. Uterine fibroids
If symptoms are mild, regular follow-up will be sufficient. Hormonal treatments such as birth control can help control symptoms. In severe cases, myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be necessary.
4. Thyroid disease
Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to normalize hormone levels. Antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine study for hyperthyroidism. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery such as thyroidectomy. It involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease
While antibiotics are necessary to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve any discomfort associated with it. In severe cases, surgery to remove tissue may be necessary.
6. Chronic stress
Mindfulness, meditation, and counseling are some of the stress management techniques that can help people with chronic stress. A regular walk or some form of exercise for 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress and heal the body.
7. Eating disorders
If you have an eating disorder, working with a nutritionist can help you improve your eating habits. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and other therapies may also be helpful if you need to deal with psychological issues.
8. Diabetes
Taking insulin is one of the most important treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. Carbohydrate and fat intake should also be monitored and controlled. Managing type 2 diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Whether you have endometriosis or diabetes, treatment can affect your period. You need to manage these conditions to improve your pregnancy and overall health.