Is it just me who has a toxic relationship with her period? I think that both they and I are “that toxic person” in each other’s lives; we are unable to live apart from one another (because I chose to be that way for myself) or together. In our seven-year relationship, they have never been on time. Have they ever arrived on the scheduled dates and complained that I worry about unimportant details?
Putting my sense of humor aside, most of us menstruators have the problem of unpredictable dates and stocks of clothes that have died to save our asses. How many of us (brown kids) have the memory of having to skip important days because of the white skirt or shorts and the fear of staining them? Even as an adult, I have to plan my shirts around possible period dates, which are never on time. There are many possible causes, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions:
There are many causes of abnormal periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions:
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Stress and lifestyle factors such as gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, dieting, changes in exercise routines, travel, illness, or other disruptions in a woman’s daily routine can have an impact on her menstrual cycle.
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Birth control pills: The majority of birth control pills contain both oestrogen and progesterone (although some only contain progesterone).The pills prevent pregnancy by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. Going on or off birth control pills can affect menstruation. Some women have irregular or missed periods for up to six months after discontinuing birth control pills.
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Uterine polyps or fibroids: Uterine polyps are small, noncancerous growths in the lining of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are tumors that attach to the wall of the uterus. They cause inconsistent, heavy, and painful periods.
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Endometriosis: The endometrial tissue that lines the uterus breaks down every month and is discharged with the menstrual flow. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue starts to grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis may cause abnormal bleeding, cramps or pain before and during periods, and painful intercourse.
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. Bacteria may enter the vagina via sexual contact, gynecologic procedures, or through childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
and then spread to the uterus and upper genital tract.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries make large amounts of androgens, which are male hormones. Small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) may form in the ovaries. The hormonal changes can prevent eggs from maturing, so ovulation may not take place consistently. Sometimes a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome will have irregular periods or stop menstruating completely. This condition may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, although the exact cause is unknown.
Other causes of abnormal menstruation include:
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Cervical cancer or uterine cancer.
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Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners),
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Bleeding disorders, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, or pituitary disorders that affect hormonal balance are examples of medical conditions.
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complications associated with pregnancy, including miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus; for example, within the fallopian tube).