Irregular menstrual cycles are common and can have a number of causes, including fluctuating hormones, medical conditions or lifestyle factors. Fortunately, there are ways to improve this and manage and regulate your cycle.
Causes of an irregular cycle
Hormonal fluctuations
Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a key role in the menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in these hormones can occur due to puberty, menopause, stress or weight changes.
Irregular menstrual cycles are common in teenagers, especially in the first few years after their period starts. This is usually due to the fact that hormones are still developing and stabilizing. The hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, can fluctuate greatly during this time. It can sometimes take several years for the cycle to become regular. During this time, it is important to be patient and understand that irregular menstrual cycles in teenagers are normal. Keeping a menstrual diary can be helpful in recognizing patterns. There are also various apps for this that make it very easy to keep track of everything. If you really notice that it is irregular for a longer period of time, contact your GP. They can then advise you on the best course of action or refer you to a gynaecologist.
Medical conditions
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) : This causes hormonal imbalances and can lead to irregular or absent ovulations. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect women during their reproductive years. It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, increased levels of male hormones (androgens), and irregular periods.
Endometriosis : This can cause painful and irregular periods. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis, and sometimes even outside the pelvic area.
Fibroids and Polyps : Fibroids are benign growths that develop in the muscle layer of the uterus. Polyps are small, benign growths that develop on the inner lining of the uterine wall. They can vary in size and can occur singly or multiple.
Contraception and medication
Lifestyle factors
Like stress, intense exercise, and changes in diet or weight can all affect your menstrual cycle. Stress can disrupt the balance of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which affects the hormones that regulate menstruation. Intense exercise can lead to low body fat percentages, which reduces estrogen production and can suppress ovulation. Drastic diet changes or weight loss can cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in irregular or missed periods. Likewise, weight gain can lead to excess estrogen, which can also disrupt the regularity of your cycle.
What can help to gain more control?
While an irregular cycle can be annoying at times, there are several ways to deal with it and actions you can take to see improvements.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is also not recommended for teenagers who suffer from an irregular cycle. Often, in teenagers, it is because your body is still getting used to the hormones and then it is not wise to apply hormone therapy immediately.
- The combination pill helps to regulate the cycle by providing constant hormone levels.
- Progesterone therapy can help balance estrogen and progesterone by adding extra progesterone, which regulates the menstrual cycle. This can be done through pills, creams, or injections, depending on your needs.
Lifestyle adjustments
Stress Management : Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress. 
Healthy diet and exercise : regular exercise and a balanced diet can support hormonal balance. The right nutrition can help restore balance to your cycle. In collaboration with Marlon Haandrikman, we have written four recipes that fit each phase of your cycle. If you have more questions about nutrition and your cycle, it is interesting to contact an orthomolecular therapist. An orthomolecular therapist focuses on optimizing health by adjusting nutrition and using nutritional supplements to achieve optimal balance in the body.
Adequate rest : Get enough sleep and avoid excessive stress. Sleep and rest are crucial to your menstrual cycle because they help regulate hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which indirectly affect the production of reproductive hormones. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt the regularity of your cycle. On average, you should sleep 7-9 hours per night to support your hormonal health and promote a regular menstrual cycle.
Natural Remedies
Herbal Therapy : Herbs such as vitex (chasteberry) may help regulate hormones. Vitex works by affecting the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of several hormones, including prolactin. It may improve the balance between estrogen and progesterone, which helps normalize the menstrual cycle, reduce PMS symptoms, and promote regular ovulation.
Supplements : Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can also contribute to a healthier cycle. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce menstrual pain and regulate hormones. Vitamin D plays a role in the production of sex hormones and can have a positive effect on hormonal balance, which is essential for a regular cycle. Additionally, a vitamin D deficiency can be associated with menstrual problems, so supplementation may be important.
Medical support 
In case of persistent problems it is important to seek medical help. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and propose a personalized treatment. Think of the family doctor or the gynecologist.
An irregular menstrual cycle can have many different causes, but fortunately there are also many ways to deal with it and regulate your cycle. Through medical treatments, lifestyle changes or natural remedies you can work towards a regular and predictable cycle.
