How Changes in Weight Affect Menstrual Cycles
Weight fluctuations can have a significant impact on the regularity of menstrual cycles. Whether it’s losing or gaining weight rapidly, such changes can disrupt the normal rhythm of periods. For women who are trying to conceive, irregular periods caused by weight issues can be particularly worrisome. The underlying cause behind these disruptions lies in the hormonal changes triggered by excessive or insufficient body fat.
Medication and its Impact on Menstrual Periods
When women begin taking birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin, it is not uncommon for their menstrual periods to become irregular. Similarly, when they stop taking these pills, irregular periods may occur as well. In fact, it may take up to six months for menstrual cycles to regulate after discontinuing the use of birth control. Besides birth control pills, certain over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also bring about changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.