Did you know that nearly 14% of the Indian population suffers from infertility problems? Yes, a lot of factors including sedentary lifestyles, sleeplessness, and improper dietary habits indirectly contribute to this condition. While it is quite tricky to find the symptoms of infertility in men, it can easily be identified from menstrual cycle patterns in women. Today, we are going to discuss how irregular or no periods is a concern to be taken care of.

Ovulation

We have heard women say that they bleed for nearly 8 to 12 days during periods. On the contrary, there are others who get their periods only once in 3 months. Both are an issue of concern and signify lack of ovulation which ultimately leads to problems in pregnancy. Abnormal periods might be because of a condition called anovulation where the ovaries (female reproductive organs) don’t release the oocyte.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one other reason for irregular periods and is majorly due to hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. Multiple fluid-filled sacs tend to get accumulated over the surface of the ovaries causing this medical condition to occur. The symptoms of PCOS are visible to the naked eye in the form of excess facial hair, acne, or overweight. Most of the PCOS cases go unnoticed as nearly 80% of women with the issue don’t sense any kind of pain until diagnosed.

Thyroid

Both hyper- and hypothyroidism have the ability to cause infertility in women. Here again, hormonal imbalance occurs leading to irregular or no periods. Usually, drugs are prescribed to keep the thyroid hormones in control. But, a change in food habits could also do some good in maintaining the thyroid levels.

Ways to regularize periods & improve fertility

  1. Fluid intake may sound too mainstream, but, trust us; it will do wonders to your entire system and of course, in regulating periods and issues like PCOS.
  2. Consuming foods rich in iron and fiber help in regulating the periods by taking care of the menstrual cycle. Also, check out ‘5 Foods That Cure Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome Naturally’ to know more.
  3. Kick away the sedentary lifestyle. Obesity seems to be one among the major reasons for infertility and, in fact, stats tell us that one in every 6 couples from urban cities has a high probability of facing pregnancy problems. This is because, working women are bound to tight schedules, financial responsibilities, and stress that they hardly find time to take care of their own selves. Practicing yoga is proven to be one of the best methods to improve our bodily functions and is even recommended by general practitioners these days.
  4. Sleep and infertility is a topic that often isn’t talked about. Yes, sleeplessness disrupts the regular functioning of our organs and can have a negative effect on pregnancy just like the toxicity of smoking, and alcohol. Take good care of your sleeping patterns and the result will be evident.
  5. Drugs such as Clomid and Serophene are usually prescribed to regularize periods. These have majorly benefitted women to increase the chances of getting pregnant. But, make sure you only take drugs suggested by a gynecologist to avoid side effects and consequences.

Today, medical advancement is so high that there are several ways like artificial insemination by which semen is introduced into a woman’s uterus to give birth to a child. But, let’s keep this procedure as the last option and focus on our overall health to increase the chances of fertility.