Irregular Periods in early childhood

An irregular period is a matter of grave concern amongst women.  It is quite a common phenomenon amongst young girls to have irregular periods during their first year of menstruation. However, it is not considered normal if she misses her period for 3 to 5 months in a row, especially if she has had a period regularly for some months before that. The length of your cycle may change from month to month. During puberty, a teenage child goes through a lot of changes in her body, which can also affect her menstrual cycle in different ways each month.

There has been an increase, in the number of children suffering from irregularity in periods due to recent changes in lifestyle and food habits of children. While hormonal changes could be the cause of irregular periods , our current lifestyle plays a major role in leading to hormonal imbalance. Nowadays school going children undergo a lot of stress due to various factors including exams, peer pressure, social pressure from parents and teachers.  Thus, it is the duty of teachers in school as well as parents to keep a check on their kids, as today’s lifestyle has many adverse effects on our kids. While irregularity due to lifestyle may sound normal but with increasing number of cases, it is a warning sign for us.

 Dr. R. V. Thenmozhi, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician from Fortis Malar shares her  thoughts and experiences on this issue.

Why do teenagers get irregular periods?

First few years after they start their cycle , system is still very immature and eggs may not develop and so the menstruation cycles can be irregular.

What are the causes and symptoms?

Beyond that time, polycystic ovarian syndrome is the commonest cause for delayed cycles. It also it has a genetic cause and lifestyle also plays a major role.

Why is there an increase in the number of cases of irregular periods among school children?

It has a genetic cause but lifestyle is the reason for the symptoms.

What can parents and school teachers do to help the children who go through this condition?

Parents and teachers can help them in preventing  obesity by advice on healthy diet and avoiding junk food . They can also increase the opportunity for regular sports activity.

When is the right time to speak to your Doctor regarding your irregular periods?

They should meet the doctor in the initial stage, to learn about the condition and get it controlled, before the complications develop. Prolonged and heavy bleeding warrants immediate visit to a doctor.

For Appointments :  Dr. R. V. Thenmozhi, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician from Fortis Malar