Disturbed Menstrual Cycles in Young Female

Q: Hi, I am 19 years old female and I am having irregular periods. My menstrual cycle was fine till last year. I’ve been facing this problem since March 2012. When I consulted a gynecologist, who gave me a course of medicines including diane-35. I had to use the medications for 6 months, during which my periods were regular. Once I stopped the course, I started facing the same problem. I got my periods twice in a span of one month. I am under medication for hypothyroidism since 3 years and my thyroid levels are under control.
Is this a very serious problem? What should I do to get this cured? I am about 160 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. Am I over weight?  What should be my ideal weight? Please help me.
By- Ramya

Reply:

Here are some common causes of irregular periods among young women. You had got some relief from Diane-35 (cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol). Cyproterone acetate is a progestin and Ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen. First, it’s not a very safe drug and it’s good that your doctor had stopped it. But your change in symptoms point towards some hormonal disorder.

You also mentioned that you have hypothyroidism. It is well known fact that thyroid disorders may manifest as irregular menstrual cycles in many individuals.

So it would be a good idea to consult an endocrinologist for thorough assessment for hormonal imbalance.

You may also need a detailed gynecological exam to rule out such problems as PCOS.  There is some link of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with higher body weight.

You have 160 cm height and 65 kg weight. Hence your-
Body mass index BMI = 25.4 kg/m2
Body surface area BSA = 1.68 m2.
Your ideal weight is 52 kg. (Hence you are currently overweight).
Body Mass Index – BMI indicates fat portion of your body. You should keep it between 18.5 and 25.

Your weight may also be linked to underlying thyroid problem. You should consult with an endocrine specialist about all these possibilities.

Take care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Irregular Menstrual Periods in Young Woman

  1. Marie

    I am 17 years old. For the past 4-5 months, I have been having some weird periods! I have very slow almost no bleeding at first, it’s sometimes red or brown and sometimes it is mixed with the normal transparent-white discharge. It’s so weird, so to stop it I take some tablets! After about 1 week or so I have my periods and they are absolutely normal, this has been going on for a while now! Why can’t I have just my normal periods! Why do I have to go through that horrible discharge stage!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you a virgin? Let us know for a better insight into your problem.

      Also, let us know why were you prescribed those tablets. In all likelihood, those tablets are progesterone pills. This is an external hormone.

      Reply
      1. Marie

        Yes, I am a virgin. Those tablets were transamin, my mom gave them to me saying that they would stop your periods or whatever they are. What should I do? I’m freaking out!

        Reply
        1. Marie

          One more thing, for the last few months I was having this, what I call is discharge, after 10-12 days of my normal menstruation, but this time I am having them exact on the date of my previous period, like my last period was on 12 may and now I’m having this discharge on the 12th of June! Also, the tablets that my mom gave me, stops this discharge very quickly, like max 2 days! Should I take them again to stop this discharge? I’m going through it right now.

          Reply
        2. Buddy M.D. Post author

          You may take those tablets, if they help you. These medicines are anti-fibrinolytic. They help in clearing out clots and clean the uterus. It is possible that your menses revert back to normal in 2 or 3 cycles.

          However, if your cycles continue to behave like this, it is better to visit a gyne.

          You may require pills for some time, which may help your body establish normal cycles.

          Reply
          1. Marie

            Okay! thank you so much! This really helped me a lot!
            Just one more question please, what should be the dose? How many tablets ( Transamin) should I take ? And when you say they will revert back to normal in 2-3 cycles, does this mean that I can have this discharge again in the next month!

          2. Marie

            Also is there any health advice that you would want to give me? Any diet I should follow and things that will help me get my periods back to normal.

          3. Buddy M.D. Post author

            Let the dose be 250mg twice a day. If it is a 500mg pill, you may require only one tablet daily.

            You may get the discharge again. Just continue with the medication.

            There are natural cleansers for the uterus. Include more of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, particularly papaya, pumpkin and green leafy vegetables. Cut down on fried fatty stuff and junk food of all types.

  2. Marie

    Should I have these tablets only when the discharge occurs or for the whole month or so? Okay, I will work on my diet! Thank you for all the help and the great information you have provided me with!

    Reply
  3. kattyrine Lim

    Hi, I have irregular period and I’m three to four months delayed. I read that turmeric powder really works. Is it OK for me to try?. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may give it a try. There is no harm.

      Turmeric has uterotonic properties. It has also been used to control the hormonal balance in women, which is the primary cause of irregular menses.

      You just need to know the right dose and mode of administration. Consult an expert before taking turmeric about the correct way to take it.

      Reply
  4. Kanu

    Hello doc ,

    I am 28 and I have been undergoing irregular menstrual cycle. I have undergone medical treatment but then again gap of 1 and a half months occurs once in six months. I am engaged and planning to get married soon. Would that be a problem? Gyne says that the size of my regenerating organs is perfect. Please suggest. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If your gyne has checked your pelvic organs, it’s alright. You may go for marriage. Sometimes, irregular menses may be due to mere stress, mental or emotional. Such factor ease up after marriage and symptoms go away on their own. Don’t worry too much for it.

      Continue with the prescribed medicines, your doctor has given.

      You may get your thyroid (TSH levels) checked up sometime. This may be a cause of irregular menses.

      Reply
      1. kanu

        Thanks for the help doc, I got thyroid checked up and TSH level is also OK. Can I plan for baby just after the marriage, medical course was completed one year back. Due to irregular periods, I have put on weight. Could you please send some home remedies to look graceful and reduce weight since the big occasion is about to come and I don’t want to go for such treatment which can become burden in my getting pregnant.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Reducing weight would definitely help. This would profoundly improve your symptoms too. For this, you need to watch your diet. Avoid all fatty and fried food stuff. Abstain from junk food.

          Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. As you include more of fruits and veggies in your meals, other food stuffs would automatically get reduced in quantities. Read more on weight reduction.

          You may plan your baby anytime after marriage.

          Reply
  5. Heenu

    Dr. I’m a 16 yr old. From past few months, I’m getting my period very early, like 2 times in a month, in less than 18 days. What could be the reason for this and what should I do?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It is common to have irregularities in menses, when the body is adjusting to the newer age group yet to come.

      Just try to relax. If you are too stressed up at school or home, you need to ease it off. Hormones listen to your emotions. As you stabilize emotionally, your menses are likely to get back regular.

      Wait for 3 more cycles. If it doesn’t get better, you may need to see a gyne and get an U/S done.

      Reply
  6. Osinach

    I’m 29 yrs. My case is irregular menstruation for long time now. What is cause of it and how can it treat it? Please help me. This is 13 yrs of the problem.

    Reply
  7. Gladys

    I’m 29 yrs. The ultrasound scan says that uterus is normal sized 3.4×5.2×9.9 and anteverted, the myometrium is homogeneous and has no mass. Endometrium is 0.28 thick and adnexal, the ovaries are bulky, right is 13.8ml left 12.1ml with numerous anechoic masses scattered in them. Please sir, what is my problem? In this case that makes me not to see my menstrual period. I need help and how do I treat it and bear children to my husband? God bless you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This indicates that you are having some hormonal problem. A normal and regular pattern of menstrual cycles is attained when the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are secreted in adequate amounts and in a cyclic manner.

      You need to see a gyne for this. She may suggest you to take hormonal pills for some time. These would help in establishing your menstrual cycles.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to see a gyne. A physical exam is required. She may want to go for a D&C.

      This is to investigate the pathology going on in the uterus.

      Reply
  8. Aeiou

    Hi. I’m 23 years old. For almost a year I have got improper periods. I mean less flow. I used to have a regular flow of at least 6 days but now, it had reduced to hardly 4 days. I’m a virgin and have not used any pills. I don’t masturbate. I have not consulted a gynaecologist. My flow has reduced compared to last year. Kindly suggest me some home remedies for a normal flow.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Before treating, it’s important to assess why your flow has reduced.

      Mostly, mild reduction of flow, as in your case, may occur due to temporary hormonal fluctuation. These may be caused due to emotional or physical stress. Flow returns back to normal as circumstances around you improve.

      Other common causes include disturbances in thyroid profile. For this, a thyroid profile test is done.

      Reply
  9. B.Swapna

    Sir iam 19 years .I had irregular periods altrnate in peroids but now it is 4months till there is no period.i went to hospital they told u have a hypothyrodism .is it dangerous ? My height 5feet and weight 41 is there any problem?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Not dangerous. But you need proper treatment for it, starting at the earliest.

      This hormone should be maintain at the desired levels for optimum body functioning. Hypo state means you have less of this hormone in your body. You’ll need to take a pill everyday for correction.

      Reply

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