Issue #22: irregular. impromptu. september.
what to know about irregular periods, why we shouldn't normalize maternal exhaustion, the power of a bedroom remodel, and the magic of September weekends.
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“You might be the sweetest peach on the tree, but some people just don’t like peaches.”
Irregular periods
Menstrual cycles are a regular part of life for most of us, but not all cycles are the same. Irregular periods are a common concern and can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions. Understanding what irregular periods are and what causes them can provide clarity and help you determine when it might be time to seek medical advice.
What Are Irregular Periods?
A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days, with menstruation itself lasting anywhere from 2 to 7 days. When periods deviate from this pattern, they are considered irregular. Irregular periods can manifest in various ways:
Early or Late Periods: When your period starts earlier or later than usual.
Missed Periods: If you skip a cycle or have fewer than nine periods in a year.
Heavy or Light Flow: A significant change in the amount of bleeding.
Spotting: Light bleeding that occurs between periods.
Prolonged Periods: Bleeding that lasts longer than a week.
Occasional irregularities are common and usually not a cause for alarm. However, consistent irregularities may indicate an underlying health issue.
Common Causes of Irregular Periods
Hormonal Imbalances- click the links for some of our favorite resources.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): One of the most common causes of irregular periods, PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation. It can result in missed periods, prolonged cycles, or even periods that stop altogether.
Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can disrupt menstrual cycles. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and its dysfunction can lead to irregular periods.
Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations become more frequent, leading to irregular periods. This stage, known as perimenopause, can last several years before periods cease entirely. If you haven’t downloaded our Peri.Menopause Guide, here it is:
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Chronic Stress: Emotional or physical stress can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the hormones responsible for menstruation. Significant stress can lead to delayed or missed periods.
Sudden Weight Changes: Rapid weight gain or loss can disrupt hormonal balance. Low body weight, in particular, can prevent ovulation and lead to irregular or missed periods. Similarly, obesity can affect hormone levels and lead to irregular cycles.
Excessive Exercise: High-intensity physical activity, especially when combined with low body fat, can interfere with the menstrual cycle. Athletes or those engaging in strenuous exercise may experience skipped periods or very light periods.
Birth Control and Medications
Hormonal Birth Control: Certain birth control methods, like the pill, IUD, or implants, can cause irregular bleeding, particularly when you first start using them. While some women experience lighter, more predictable periods, others may notice spotting or irregular bleeding.
Medications: Some medications, especially those affecting hormonal balance, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or chemotherapy drugs, can lead to irregular cycles.
Underlying Health Conditions
Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and intense pain during menstruation.
Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause prolonged or heavy periods and bleeding between periods.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs, PID can result in irregular periods, pain, and other complications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Missing a period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, some women experience light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period.
Breastfeeding: Many women experience irregular periods or no periods at all while breastfeeding, especially in the early months. This is due to the hormonal changes that suppress ovulation.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional irregular periods are often harmless, it's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
Consistently irregular periods for several months.
Periods that are very heavy or prolonged.
Severe pain during your period.
No periods for three or more consecutive cycles (and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding).
Irregular periods can sometimes signal underlying health conditions that need to be addressed.
TASTE: Peach Cobbler. This peach cobbler recipe was so good that we wanted to share it with everyone before peach season ends! (see full impromptu dinner party menu below). While we love ice cream, topping it with heavy cream was a bit of magic. Sweet, juicy peaches bubbling under a thick, buttery cloud of golden topping, it takes minutes to stir together. Thanks Jennie for sharing this recipe with us from MKE’s own Erin Clarke of Well Plated!
SEE: EVOLVE Mindful Market. Mark your calendars and come and see us at The Ivy House for the Evolve Mindful Market on Sunday, September 22nd! Designed to help you prioritize your personal wellness journey, this event features a vibrant array of amazing vendors with personalized approaches across diverse wellness disciplines. Whether you're looking for education, inspiration, or new avenues of self-exploration, you'll find it all here.
SMELL: Natural Spray to Eliminate Pet Odors. So I (Rebecca) am bringing home a rescue puppy this week!!! We are excited, but I am nervous! It has been 13 years since we had to potty train a dog and I am not excited about all the smells. I found this natural DIY remedy to get rid of pet odors with just a few ingredients–a natural solution to a natural problem;) Wish me luck!
HEAR: Normalizing Maternal Exhaustion Hid My Real Problem: Chronic Illness. “Mothers are inundated with messages from every conceivable source that exhaustion goes hand-in-hand with motherhood. We are told that this is what we signed up for. That it is normal to feel burnt out and fatigued when you have children. Even after the nighttime wake-ups end, we are told that being tired is simply to be expected.” But what if it is more? Exhaustion for mothers may be common, but it is not “normal.” And it is certainly not okay.
TOUCH: The Sleep-Divorce Trend: Is sleeping apart better for married couples? More couples are opting for unconventional sleeping arrangements by choosing separate beds or even separate bedrooms. This growing trend, often referred to as a "sleep divorce," is more common than it seems, especially among younger people who reject the stigma of sleeping apart. Couples are choosing to sleep separately for various reasons, from reducing disruptions like snoring or late-night screen time to simply appreciating the comfort of having their own space.
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September is National Suicide Prevention + Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and foster conversations around mental health. One critical aspect often overlooked is the connection between hormonal fluctuations and mental well-being, particularly in women. Periods of significant hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause, can intensify episodes of depression and mood swings, making it a crucial time for mental health support.
It's vital to recognize that hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety, making women more vulnerable to severe mood changes during these periods. Education and awareness are key to ensuring that women feel supported and empowered to seek help. This National Suicide Prevention Month, let’s remember the importance of mental health at every stage of life. By recognizing the impact of hormonal fluctuations on mood and depression, we can better support women during these critical times. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone, and help is available.
Resources:
Therapy and Support Groups Specializing in Perimenopause
we are working on something- stay tuned for details to come.
the magic of CONNECTION + IMPROMPTU gatherings + SEASONAL eating
We love it when things come full circle! We welcomed summer in with Issue #13 Summer Wandering and this past weekend offered the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of summer with an impromptu neighborhood dinner party. Who can resist a text from a friend on a lazy holiday weekend that says “I have an itch to cook. I am making corn risotto with scallops for dinner…our place 6:00pm” AND one of our babysitters was available last minute (SO bonus adult-only dinner)! Read on for recipes inspired by the last minute dishes everyone brought that made the perfect low-key late summer/early fall gathering and some thoughts on the power of a room refresh.
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