Irregular menstrual cycles are very common and can stem from many causes including puberty, menopause, changes in diet, and underlying medical conditions. Many women attempt to regulate these inconsistencies by taking birth control pills. Yoga however, provides a natural and risk free alternative.
Possible Causes of Irregular Periods
Several factors affect how often you menstruate and for how long including: stress, excessive exercise, and extreme weight fluctuation. Menstrual patterns also fluctuate with age and throughout transitional periods such as the beginning of puberty or perimenopause.
Irregular periods can also be triggered by other unrelated life changes.Problems in the reproductive system, such as infections affecting the uterus and ovaries, can also cause irregular periods. In some cases, bouts of irregular periods can also be caused by unplanned pregnancies or miscarriages. Certain forms of birth control can also initiate menstrual irregularity.
Yoga as a Remedy for Irregular Periods
Yoga can ease the negative symptoms of your periods while also helping to regulate their frequency. If you are searching for a natural way to control your menstrual patterns there are certain poses designed to calm the nervous and endocrine system. By soothing these systems you will be enabling the body to manage hormonal changes more efficiently. The advised poses include:
- Reclining hero pose
- Head-to-knee pose
- Reclining bound angle pose
If you struggle with abdominal cramps, and other pains associated with menstrual periods, there are additional poses for you to consider. Generally, positions that require you to bend or stretch at the midsection help to relieve these kind of aches. Try out the following:
- Forward bend
- Reclining bound angle pose
- Support half moon
Recommendations for Using Yoga for Irregular Periods
It is important to remember that irregular periods can be a symptom of an underlying condition that may require medical attention. If you are beginning to experience menstrual irregularities, you should talk with your doctor before beginning a yoga routine.
Sources
- Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause". November 2007.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007