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8 lifestyle mistakes that are probably messing up your menstrual cycle

It’s time for some damage control ladies as these common lifestyle mistakes could be the reason you have irregular periods.
irregular periods
Don’t mess with your periods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 22 Apr 2020, 18:01 pm IST
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Irregularity, uncanny pain, and feeling grumpy are just some of the things associated with our periods. But what can you do about them? Did you just say nothing? Well, that’s not true!

Have you ever wondered why your periods are tougher and/or more irregular than your friends? That’s because you indulge in certain things that are making your periods go out of whack.

That’s why we’ve got Dr Veena Aurangabadwala, gynaecologist at Zen Multispecialty hospital, Mumbai to talk about the habits that are giving you irregular periods:

1. You’re not sleeping enough
Inadequate sleep is your period’s ultimate foe. “Insufficient sleep can disrupt the hormonal balance in your body and due to that irregular periods are experienced,” says Dr Aurangabadwala. She also suggests that women who suffer from insomnia are likely to experience irregular periods.

2. You’re exercising too much and not properly
If you’ve just started working out with full josh, then irregular periods are going to haunt you. “Suddenly starting a rigorous workout and that too without warming up first can be fatal for your menstrual cycle. You should gradually step it up especially if you have not been working out for quite some time,” says Dr Aurangabadwala.

irregular periods
Exercising too much all of a sudden can also mess with your menstrual cycle. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

In fact, she also suggests that sudden vigorous exercising can also lead to weight gain as your body doesn’t adapt easily to this change and you might need medical help.

3. You’re far too stressed
According to the doctor, stress is one of the biggest reasons for irregular periods. Says Dr Aurangabadwala: “Due to work pressure your mental health gets disrupted which affects your cycle. In extreme cases it can also lead to PCOS.”

4. Your eating habits could be to blame too
Your body needs to adapt to certain situations in order to function smoothly, so if you suddenly go on a crash diet or start binge eating, then it will affect your hormones and ultimately mess with your menstrual cycle.

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binge eating
Yes ladies, binge eating can impact your periods as well. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. You smoke and drink too much
Although they don’t have a direct connection to your periods, according to Dr Aurangabadwala they might affect your sleeping patterns which then impacts your periods.

6. You’re just not eating right
If junk food is bae then you are in deep shit. In fact, if you consume excess sugar then also your periods can also go for a toss. Dr Aurangabadwala says: “Excess glucose affects your menstrual cycle and hormones. You should take a balanced diet and include protein, carbs, and fibre in proper proportion. Also, binge eating is a complete no.”

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7. Your cosmetic products are messing with your hormones
“Not all products but shampoo, hair dyes, and medicated moisturizers might have male hormones which can impact your cycle,” warns Dr Aurangabadwala.

shampoo chemicals
Your shampoo might have synthetic male hormones which can screw with your periods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

8. You work irregular shifts
Yes, it’s true. Irregular shifts means disrupted sleeping pattern and ultimately menstrual mess. A study published in the journal Epidemiology finds that women who worked irregular shifts are more prone to have irregular cycles and our expert agrees with it too.

So, how many of these mistakes are you committing? Sisters, when it comes to taking care of your menstrual cycle, it’s better late than never. So take care and happy chumming!

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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