Irregular periods - BSL

What are irregular periods?

Periods are the times when blood comes from a girl's or woman's body. This happens to help their body get ready to have babies one day.

Irregular periods mean the bleeding does not happen at the same time each month. Sometimes it comes much earlier, sometimes much later.

This is normal for many people, especially when periods first start.

If you are worried about your periods, you can talk to an adult you trust or see a doctor.

Some tools that can help are using a calendar to mark when periods start and end or using a period-tracking app. These can help you notice any patterns or changes.

What makes periods come at different times?

Here are some reasons why periods might not be on time:

• Body changes, like growing up or being sick.
• Feelings, like being sad or worried.
• Exercise, like playing lots of sports.
• Eating habits, like eating too much or too little.

Some tools that might help:

• Using a calendar or app to keep track of periods.
• Talking to a trusted adult or doctor.

Can stress change my period?

Stress means feeling worried or pressured. It can change the way our bodies work.

If you feel stressed, your period might come earlier or later. Sometimes, it might even stop for a while.

Try relaxing by doing things you like, such as drawing, listening to music, or taking deep breaths. These can help your body feel better.

If you're worried about your period, it's a good idea to talk to a parent or doctor who can help you understand more.

How does PCOS change periods?

PCOS can make periods different or hard to know when they will come. Here is how:

• Irregular Periods: Periods might not come every month. They can be late or skip months.
• Heavy Periods: When periods do come, they can be very heavy and last many days.
• Painful Periods: Periods could hurt more than usual, causing cramps.

Tools that can help:

• Period Tracker App: Use an app to note down when periods come. This can help know when they might come back.
• Calendar: Mark period days on a calendar to see patterns.
• Talk to a Doctor: A doctor can give advice and help if periods are very hard to manage.

When should I see a doctor about irregular periods?

Irregular periods can be when your period doesn't come at the same time every month.

You should see a doctor if: - Your periods are very heavy or last a long time. - You have a lot of pain during your period. - Your periods stopped for more than 3 months without a reason like pregnancy. - You are younger than 9 or older than 50 and still get periods.

If you need help keeping track of your periods, you can: - Use a calendar to mark the days you have your period. - Use a phone app to remind you when your period should start.

Seeing a doctor can help you find out why your periods are irregular and what can be done.

Do birth control pills help make periods regular?

Birth control pills can help make periods regular. This means they can help your periods come at the same time each month.

If periods are not regular, birth control pills might help. But always talk to a doctor first.

Pictures and simple charts can be useful. A calendar can also help keep track of periods.

How does weight change periods?

Weight can change how your period works. If you lose a lot of weight or gain a lot of weight, your period might be different.

Eating healthy and staying active can help keep your period regular. If you are worried about your weight or your period, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor.

Using a calendar to track your period can help you see any changes. Apps on your phone can also help you keep track of your periods.

Is it okay to not have a period?

Sometimes, people might not have their period. This can happen for many reasons.

If your period is late or doesn't come, it might be good to ask a doctor. They can help you understand why.

You can also try using a calendar or app to track your period each month. This can help you see if things change.

Can exercise change my period?

How does the thyroid affect periods?

Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It makes hormones that help your body work properly.

If your thyroid is not working right, it can change your periods. Here is how:

• If your thyroid makes too many hormones or too few, your periods can be heavier or lighter.
• Your periods might come more often or not come at all.

If you notice changes in your periods, it is a good idea to visit a doctor. They can help check if your thyroid is the cause.

Using a calendar to track your periods can help you notice any changes. This can be a useful tool to share with your doctor.

How can changes in daily life help with irregular periods?

Here are some easy ways to help:

• Eat healthy foods: Try to eat fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They keep your body strong.
• Exercise regularly: Doing things like walking or dancing can help you feel better.
• Get enough sleep: Try to sleep for about 8 hours a night. Good sleep helps your body work well.
• Relax and reduce stress: Doing things like taking deep breaths or drawing can help you feel calm.

If you find this hard, ask someone you trust or a doctor for help. They can give you more tips and support.

Can medicine change your periods?

How does age affect periods?

As girls and women get older, their periods can change. Here are some things that might happen:

• Young age: When girls start their periods, they might not be regular. This is normal.
• Teenage years: Periods can start to become more regular as they grow.
• 20s and 30s: Many women have regular periods during these years.
• 40s and 50s: As women get older, before menopause, periods might become less regular again.

A tool called a calendar can help you track periods. Writing down the days you get your period can help you see patterns over time. Talking to a doctor is also a good idea if you have questions about your period.

Can irregular periods make it harder to have a baby?

Periods are another way to say when you bleed every month. If your periods do not come at the same time each month, they are called irregular.

Irregular periods can make it harder to tell when you can have a baby. This is because it is more difficult to know when you are ovulating. Ovulating is when your body is ready to make a baby.

If you want to have a baby but have irregular periods, talk to a doctor. They can help you understand what to do.

Need help? You can:

• Use a calendar to track your periods.
• Use apps to understand your cycle better.

Can nature help with irregular periods?

Do you have periods that don’t come regularly? Sometimes nature can help.

Here are some simple ideas:

• Herbal teas: Try drinking chamomile or ginger tea.
• Healthy foods: Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
• Exercise: Go for a walk or do some gentle yoga.

It's good to ask a grown-up or doctor for advice too. They can guide you.