What Can Change Your Period? Common Reasons for Menstrual Cycle Changes

Your period is an important part of your monthly routine, but it doesn’t always stay the same. You might notice your cycle length changes, your flow gets heavier or lighter, or your usual symptoms become different. Sometimes, these changes are normal, but other times, they might signal that something else is going on.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the most common reasons why periods change and how to handle these changes. From hormonal imbalances to stress and diet, there are many factors that can influence your period. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a big role in controlling your period. If your hormone levels fluctuate, it can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. This can happen for several reasons, such as:

• Puberty: When you first start having periods, your body is adjusting to new hormone levels, which can make your cycle irregular for a while.
• Pregnancy: If you become pregnant, your period will stop, but you may notice spotting in early pregnancy that can be mistaken for a light period.
• Menopause: As you approach menopause, your hormone levels drop, leading to changes in your cycle until periods stop completely.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a condition that affects your ovaries and can cause irregular periods or even stop them altogether.

If you suspect that hormonal issues like PCOS are affecting your period, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. You can find helpful information on NHS about diagnosing and managing PCOS.

How to Handle It:

For mild hormone-related changes, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as this can help balance your hormones. Consider tracking your cycle with an app so you can keep an eye on any changes.

Helpful Tip: If your flow becomes heavier or lighter due to hormonal shifts, you might want to switch to period underwear, which is designed to provide comfort and protection no matter how much your flow changes.

Stress

Stress is another big factor that can affect your period. When you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol, which can mess with the hormones that regulate your period.

Periods may become irregular, delayed, or even skipped when you’re under a lot of stress. This is your body’s way of responding to the extra pressure it’s under. Whether it’s school, work, or personal issues, stress can take a toll on your menstrual cycle.

How to Handle It:

Managing stress is important for your overall health and well-being. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises. Making time for self-care can help bring your cycle back to normal. For more on stress management, Mind UK offers excellent resources.

Did you know? A sudden change in menstrual cycle length due to stress is more common than you might think. If your period flow seems different, keeping a journal can help you track any correlations between stress levels and your menstrual health.

Diet and Nutrition

What you eat can also affect your menstrual cycle. A sudden change in diet, whether it’s eating too little or too much, can lead to changes in your period. For example:

• Weight Changes: Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can impact your cycle. Extreme dieting or rapid weight loss can stop your period altogether.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Not getting enough iron, magnesium, or healthy fats in your diet can affect your period. Iron deficiency, in particular, can cause your period to become lighter or irregular.

How to Handle It:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate your cycle. Make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, especially iron, to support a healthy menstrual cycle. Consider including iron-rich foods like leafy greens or supplements in your diet. British Dietetic Association has excellent guidance on how to maintain a balanced diet.

Pro Tip: Whether your period is light or heavy, having the right protection matters. Our period underwear can absorb different levels of flow, making it a great option for all types of periods.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also cause changes in your period. If you notice a sudden or drastic change, it might be due to an underlying health issue. Here are a few conditions that can affect your cycle:

• Thyroid Disorders: Your thyroid helps regulate hormones, and if it’s underactive or overactive, it can lead to irregular or heavy periods.
• Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and longer periods.
• Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and irregular cycles.

How to Handle It:

If you suspect a medical condition is causing changes in your period, it’s important to see a doctor. They can diagnose and treat the issue, helping you get back to a more regular cycle.

Medications

Certain medications can influence your period as well. Birth control pills, for example, can lighten your flow or stop it altogether. Other medications, such as blood thinners, can make periods heavier or longer.

How to Handle It:

If you think your medication is affecting your cycle, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative treatment. For more information on medications that affect your period, Healthline has some great resources.

Lifestyle Changes

Whether it’s starting a new exercise routine, moving to a different time zone, or shifting to a new sleep schedule, lifestyle changes can have an impact on your menstrual cycle.

How lifestyle changes affect your period:

• Exercise: Intense physical activity, particularly in endurance sports, can lead to missed or irregular periods.
• Sleep changes: Disrupting your circadian rhythm through irregular sleep patterns can also affect hormone production.
• Jet lag or shift work: These disruptions to your body’s internal clock can delay or speed up your cycle.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While occasional changes in your menstrual cycle can be normal, it’s important to see a healthcare professional if:

• Your period suddenly becomes very heavy or painful.
• You stop having periods for several months.
• You experience spotting between periods.
• You suspect an underlying health condition.

Early detection of any potential underlying health conditions is essential. For more information on when to seek help, NHS offers clear guidelines.

Be Prepared for Changes

Your period may change throughout your life for various reasons, from hormonal shifts to lifestyle changes. Understanding the causes can help you better manage your cycle. And when your flow changes, whether it’s lighter or heavier, our period underwear is here to keep you covered with comfortable, eco-friendly options designed for all flow levels.

By knowing what to expect, you can take control of your menstrual health and feel confident no matter what changes come your way.