4 Things That Could Be Affecting Your Flow

Your Stage of Life and Your Flow

The first time you experience your period may be unpredictable. Your body is working at getting into a set routine during this early time in your menstrual history. It’s not uncommon to have a single period, then miss a few months, only to have your period return. Similarly, it’s common to have several months of regular periods, only to inexplicably skip a month. Your body is simply adjusting to a new process! Women who have reached the premenopausal stage may also experience progressively less frequent periods until ultimately stopping altogether in menopause.

Your Lifestyle Can Affect Your Cycle

Your lifestyle and how it changes your body can also have a profound effect on your flow. Many women with too low of a body fat percentage or who exercise excessively may experience a pause in their cycles, or conversely, experience longer periods than usual. If you believe your period may be affected by an eating disorder, you should seek medical attention right away. Alternatively, excess levels of stress can also affect your flow, changing it from what has been normal to your or causing your cycle to stop and start.

Medications and Menstruation

Different types of medication are one of the most common sources for changes in the regularity of womens’ cycles. Drugs such as anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, weight loss medications, steroids, hormone treatments, and ADHD medications are capable of altering your normal flow. If you believe a medication is affecting the regularity of your cycle, your doctor may be able to make adjustments to your medication or dosage amounts to help correct the problem, or change your medication.

Health Conditions That May Affect Your Flow

Even illnesses as normal as a bad cold or a bout of influenza are enough to potentially alter your cycle. If you are experiencing a severe illness, it’s practically expected that your cycle will be affected. If your period has become consistent in its irregularity, you should notify your family doctor right away. Some conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can also cause problems with your cycle, making them irregular, excessively heavy, and less frequent. If you believe your flow is being affected by a health condition, you should seek help from your doctor.