Our bodies usually follow a natural pattern, like the changing seasons. But sometimes, the rhythm of our periods can get a bit off. Before we jump into the helpful world of yoga, let's first talk about what irregular periods are. This blog is here to guide you through the basics and explore how yoga can make a positive difference. Let us get to know a little bit about periods, understand them better, and discover how yoga can bring balance and ease the difficulties associated with irregular periods.
What is an Irregular period and why it happens
An irregular period refers to a menstrual cycle that doesn't follow the typical pattern of a 28-day cycle. The time between periods may vary, and the flow might be heavier or lighter than regular periods.
They can be caused from various factors. The primary reason for irregular period is due to hormonal imbalances. Stress and lifestyle choices also play a significant role. Hormonal imbalance can also be caused due to high stress levels, poor diet, insufficient exercise, and lack of sleep. Extreme weight changes, either through rapid loss or gain, can also impact menstrual regularity in women.
Try these Yoga poses to tackle Irregular periods
Yoga helps women by bringing balance to their bodies. You must try these 6 simple yoga poses that can help you reduce stress, improve hormones, and regulate periods.
1. Balasana (Child's Pose)
Balasana is a gentle stretch that helps to relieve stress and tension in the pelvic area. It also promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system, which can be beneficial for hormonal balance.
How to perform this yoga: Kneel on the mat, sit back on your heels, and extend your arms forward while lowering your chest towards the floor. This pose can be practiced at any time, especially during the menstrual cycle for soothing relief.
2. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)
The Baddha Konasan opens up the hips and stretches the inner thighs that improves the blood circulation to the pelvic area. It helps in relieving menstrual discomfort and regulating the menstrual cycle.
How to perform this yoga: Sit with the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to drop to the sides. Hold your feet and gently flap your knees up and down. Practice this pose regularly, including during the menstrual cycle, for optimal benefits.
Also read: Retrograde Menstruation: Causes and it's symptoms
3. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
The Marjaryasana-Bit is a dynamic movement that promotes flexibility in the spine. It massages the abdominal organs, stimulates the reproductive organs, and helps regulate menstrual cycles. This gentle flow can be practiced regularly, that can help you from menstrual discomfort.
How to perform this yoga: Start on your hands and knees, flowing between arching your back (Cow Pose) and rounding it (Cat Pose).
4. Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose)
The Legs up the Wall Pose or Viparita Karani is a restorative inversion that promotes blood circulation to the pelvic region. It reduces stress and helps balance the endocrine system. This pose is particularly beneficial for relaxation. This yoga can be practiced regularly, including during the menstrual cycle.
How to perform this yoga: Lie on your back, extend your legs up the wall, and relax in this position.
5. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
The Supta Baddha Konasana opens the hips and stimulates abdominal organs, aiding in releasing tension in the pelvic area. It promotes relaxation and can be practiced regularly to support menstrual regularity and ease discomfort.
How to perform this yoga: Lie on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and allow your knees to fall to the sides. Support your knees with small pillow if needed.
6. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
The Paschimottanasana or the Seated Forward Bend stretches the spine, hamstrings, and pelvic region. It helps relieve menstrual discomfort and improves the functioning of reproductive organs.
How to perform this yoga: Sit with legs extended, inhale, lengthen your spine, and exhale, bending forward from the hips toward your feet.
Some other factors for irregular periods
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone imbalances, such as the ones caused by an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen, are a major cause of irregular periods. Thyroid problems or PCOS may be the cause of this. Unbalanced levels of these hormones might lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
Weight Changes
Weight fluctuations, such as significant weight gain or loss, might mess with our hormones and cause irregular menstruation. This is due to the strong correlation between our weight and our body's balance. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight is very important for regular menstrual cycles.
Breastfeeding
In certain cases, irregular periods may arise from breastfeeding after giving birth. The hormones can disrupt the regular menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stressful lives might interfere with hormones and cause irregular periods. Unhealthy eating habits, little sleep, and inactivity can all cause disruptions. Menstrual cycle regularity can be restored by adopting lifestyle modifications to lower stress and lead healthier lives.
Medical Conditions
Menstruation can be disrupted by some medical diseases, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. These illnesses have an impact on the reproductive system and may cause irregular menstruation. Restoring regular menstruation patterns might be aided by seeking your doctor’s advice and treatment for certain problems.
Overall
The gentle yet powerful impact of these asanas can positively influence hormonal harmony. We hope that the practice of yoga and including these poses in your daily routine will help you balance and manage your irregular periods. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please feel free to comment below.