What are the causes of menstrual irregularity?

In general, menstrual irregularity refers to dysmenorrhea. Menstrual disorders may be caused by various factors such as emotional disturbances, dieting for weight loss, abnormal thyroid function, endometritis, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Emotional abnormalities

Long-term mental stress and emotional fluctuations can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to hormonal imbalances and consequently affecting the menstrual cycle. In daily life, relaxation training techniques can be used to help regulate these issues.

2. Dieting for weight loss

Excessive dieting leads to insufficient energy intake, causing significant depletion of body fat and protein, which affects estrogen synthesis and results in menstrual irregularities. It is important to increase nutritional intake and ensure a balanced supply of energy and essential nutrients.

3. Abnormal thyroid function

Thyroid dysfunction can result from autoimmune issues, improper iodine intake, and other causes. Thyroid abnormalities may affect the body's metabolism and endocrine system, thereby disrupting the menstrual cycle and causing the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by fatigue, cold intolerance, and others. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets as prescribed.

4. Endometritis

Endometritis may be associated with bacterial infections, childbirth, or sexually transmitted diseases. Inflammation can cause congestion and edema of the endometrium, thus affecting the menstrual cycle and flow, leading to menstrual disorders. Symptoms may include lower abdominal pain and increased vaginal discharge. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance using medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, fuyankang tablets, or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets.

5. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS may be triggered by genetic factors, endocrine imbalances, or unhealthy lifestyle habits. Patients often have elevated levels of androgens, causing developmental arrest of ovarian follicles and failure to form dominant follicles, thereby disrupting the menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include infertility and hirsutism. Treatment should follow medical guidance with medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, conjugated estrogens tablets, or acarbose tablets.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, managing emotions effectively, eating a balanced diet, avoiding extreme dieting, and paying attention to bodily changes are essential for maintaining a regular and healthy menstrual cycle.