Diet and Tips to Treat Menstrual Irregularities: Normalize Menstrual Cycles Naturally

As per a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a vegetarian diet is linked to menstrual irregularities. The study found that the incidence of menstrual irregularities among females on a non vegetarian diet was 4.9 % as against the incidence in females on a vegetarian diet, which was as high as 26.5 %. The study was published in 1991 and covered a sample of 75 females.

Menstrual irregularities is associated with problems with the menstrual cycle which can include a complete absence of periods (amenorrhea), frequent menses (metrorrhagia), prolonged or excessive bleeding (menorrhagia) or painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). Though the causes for each of the condition is different, there are certain factors that remain common when it comes to the management of menstrual irregularities.

Menstrual Irregularities may be associated with a wide range of health implications, which often depend upon the nature of the menstrual disorder:

• Excessive bleeding may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. Further, anemia may be linked to weakness, fatigue, tiredness, fragile bones, and depression.
• Poor or infrequent menstrual bleeding may be associated with obesity, indigestion, abdominal bloating and distention, and irritability. These manifestations are usually related to hormonal irregularities that are associated with poor bleeding.
• Menstrual irregularities may also be linked with infertility and loss of libido in some cases.

When menstrual irregularities are linked to hormonal/endocrinal disorders such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovarian disease, the manifestation of symptoms could include the symptoms associated with these endocrinal disorders.

Diet plays a very crucial role in normalizing the menstrual cycle. Dietary problems can result in menstrual irregularities ranging from abnormal uterine bleeding to absence of periods. Here are some simple dietary measures:

• Avoid processed foods and consume whole grain food products. Brown bread should be preferred to white bread.
• Consuming fresh foods is also very important. Avoid foods that have gone moldy, especially, since they increase the risk of allergies. Organic foods should be preferred.
• Increase your intake of vegetables. Vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins which are essential to normalize the menstrual cycle and treat menstrual irregularities successfully.
• Legumes like kidney beans, split peas, black beans, black eyed beans are decidedly beneficial.
• Limit the intake of seeds and nuts. Unlike other foods, seeds and nuts don’t provide complete proteins and are also associated with an increased risk of becoming rancid.
• Increase your consumption of fish, lean meat and eggs. These foods are high in protein and help treat menstrual irregularities.
• Fruits are an important source of dietary fiber and vitamins, and should be consumed fresh and regularly. Seasonal fruits are recommended.

Here are some simple dietary guidelines that can help in normalizing the menstrual cycle:

• Olive oil and sesame oil are considered the best, since they are cold pressed and unrefined oils. Store oils in brown bottles in order to minimize the effects of sunlight on them.
• Include flax seed oil, evening primrose oils or oil from fatty fish in your diet. These oils are rich in Essential fatty acids and help fight menstrual irregularities effectively.
• Seaweeds are loaded with vitamins, amino acids and minerals and are an excellent source of iodine, iron and calcium. Studies have shown that seaweeds can help fight stress, boost stamina and enhance libido.
• Water is essential, as it helps flush out the toxins and detoxify the body and prevents dehydration. Three liters of water each day is recommended for an adult female.

Homeopathy has been proved to be enormously effective in the management of menstural irregularities. Homeopathy offers several advantages, given that it is free from side effects even when taken over a prolonged duration of time. Some of the homeopathic remedies that have been effectual in dealing with menstural irregularities include:

• Pulsatilla: This remedy is effective in dealing with irregularities associated with erratic bleeding patterns, frequent or delayed periods.
• Sepia: This remedy helps tackle irregularities associated with delayed periods with very scanty bleeding. Presence of large blood clots during periods is often indicative of the use of this remedy.
• Thuja: This remedy is useful in females where menstural irregularities are associated with obesity or thyroid dysfunction.

Other homeopathic remedies that are beneficial are: Ferrum Phos and Calcarea Phos, which should be used in low potency.

It is however recommended to consult a qualified homeopathic doctor before attempting to use any of these medicines, as it is critical to identify the right medicine for the condition.