Irregular menstrual cycles are a common issue faced by many women.

What is Menstruation?
Menstruation refers to the discharge of blood and uterine lining when fertilization between an egg and sperm does not occur. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, estrogen hormones stimulate the thickening of the uterine lining. Meanwhile, one of the ovaries releases an egg during ovulation. If the egg is fertilized, it forms an embryo, which moves to the uterus and implants itself into the thickened lining, supported by the hormone progesterone.

If fertilization does not occur, the levels of progesterone decrease, causing the uterine lining to shed and exit the body as menstruation.

What is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?
-A typical menstrual cycle occurs every 28 to 30 days.
-The menstrual period usually lasts 5 to 7 days.
-The daily blood flow should not exceed 80 cc.

What Defines an Irregular Menstrual Cycle?
-Daily blood flow exceeding 80 cc.
-Menstruation lasting longer than 7 days.
-Missed periods or cycles not following a regular schedule.
-Menstrual blood containing clots.
-Spotting or bleeding outside of the normal cycle.
-Post-coital bleeding.

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Natural Causes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to missed periods.
Hormonal Imbalance: Estrogen and progesterone, regulated by the pituitary gland, are crucial for ovulation. Any imbalance can result in irregular cycles or prolonged bleeding.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Diseases like stress, obesity, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt hormone levels.
Medication Use: Certain medications, such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, psychiatric drugs, antihypertensives, and birth control pills, can affect hormonal balance.
Lifestyle Factors: Habits like dietary choices, exercise routines, sleep patterns, and stress management play a significant role in hormone regulation.

How to Regulate Menstrual Cycles?
-Balanced Diet: Consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods and avoid excessive fats and sugars.

-Adequate Sleep: Proper rest supports normal and balanced hormone function.

-Stress Management: High stress levels trigger cortisol release, disrupting hypothalamus function and affecting the pituitary gland, which regulates hormones.

This imbalance can lead to delayed, skipped, or lighter periods.

Nutritional Supplements: Incorporating vitamins, herbal extracts, and natural supplements can help.

For example, Biocraft Plus Sea Buckthorn is a popular probiotic supplement that helps restore hormonal balance. It reduces oxidative stress, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation, and minimizes risks of obesity and diabetes. Additionally, sea buckthorn extract, rich in vitamins and minerals, helps balance estrogen, prevents hypertension, reduces blood clotting, lowers cholesterol, and provides antioxidant benefits.
By adopting these practices, women can better manage their menstrual health and maintain hormonal balance.