The speaker, Dr. Anjali Kumar, discusses irregular periods, delayed periods, and missed periods. She explains that the menstrual cycle is controlled by four hormones: FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone, and that any disruption to these hormones can cause irregular periods.
Dr. Kumar notes that irregular periods can be normal during certain phases of life, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and perimenopause. However, she also discusses pathological reasons for irregular periods, including thyroid problems, PCOS, premature ovarian failure, and lifestyle factors such as excessive weight gain, stress, and certain medications.
To tackle the problem of irregular periods, Dr. Kumar recommends getting investigated, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, managing stress, and having good sleep hygiene. She also suggests practicing yoga and taking care of one's body.
Key points:
* Irregular periods can be normal during certain phases of life, but can also be caused by pathological reasons.
* Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular periods.
* Lifestyle factors such as weight gain, stress, and certain medications can contribute to irregular periods.
* A healthy diet, physical activity, stress management, and good sleep hygiene can help regulate periods.
* Yoga and self-care can also be beneficial in managing irregular periods.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The duration of a menstrual cycle is typically between 22 to 35 days.
2. There is no such thing as a "28-day cycle" for everyone, as cycle length can vary from person to person.
3. A variation of 5-7 days in cycle length is considered normal.
4. If cycle length varies by more than 8 days, or if irregularity occurs more than 2-3 times a year, it may be a sign of an underlying issue.
5. The menstrual cycle is controlled by four hormones: FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.
6. The hypothalamus gland in the brain produces a hormone called GnRH, which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH.
7. FSH acts on the ovary to develop eggs, which produce estrogen.
8. When estrogen levels reach a critical value, the pituitary gland releases LH, which triggers ovulation.
9. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle is called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
10. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and if pregnancy does not occur, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing the uterus to shed its lining and resulting in a period.
11. The menstrual cycle has two phases: the pre-ovulatory phase (also known as the proliferative or follicular phase) and the post-ovulatory phase (also known as the luteal or secretory phase).
12. The pre-ovulatory phase is variable, while the post-ovulatory phase is fixed and lasts for 14 days.
13. Physiological reasons for irregular periods include adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, and perimenopause.
14. Pathological or abnormal reasons for irregular periods include thyroid problems, excess prolactin, PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease), premature ovarian failure, and certain medications.
15. Lifestyle factors that can contribute to irregular periods include excessive weight gain or obesity, physical or mental stress, and excessive exercise.
16. A healthy diet, moderate physical activity, and good sleep hygiene can help regulate menstrual cycles.
17. Stress management is important for regulating menstrual cycles, and addressing the root cause of stress is key.
18. Yoga can be beneficial for stress management, physical capacity, and overall health.