Menstruation period is the monthly series wherein the uterus sheds its lining resulting into vaginal bleeding. It's the sign marking puberty in girls and also prepares the body for future reproduction. Period cycle varies from an average of 28 days to 40 days depending upon the body structure and hormone level.

However, any change in the general cycle length counts for irregularity that can be damaging to health and needs proper treatment.  

What Are Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are defined as any change that occurs in the menstruation cycle. If your time between every period changes frequently, you tend to lose lesser or more blood during periods than usual or there is a variation in the number of days your period lasts, it states that you have irregular periods.

Causes of Irregular Periods

• An intrauterine device (IUD)
• Change of birth control pills 
• Excessive  exercise
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding
• Severe scarring on uterus lining 
• Stress
• Overactive thyroid 
• Thickening uterine lining
• Uterine fibroids

Treatment options

Medical Ways

If you experience irregular periods in your teenage, it is advisable to treat it properly or else there can be future complications. Most importantly, an irregular period will prevent you from conceiving in the future. You can go for medical ways. Doctors do a blood test and check your hormone levels and the thyroid function. Medicines are provided accordingly and if you are diagnosed with any of the above mentioned conditions, then you will be treated for that.

Home Remedies for Irregular Periods

There are certain home remedies that will help you balance the hormone level and control the period irregularity. You can try these natural remedies:

1. Ginger: Ginger is extremely beneficial for regulating periods. Just boil one-half tsp of ground ginger in little water for 5-7 minutes. Add some sugar and drink three times in a day before your meals. Do it for a month or more as you are convenient. 

2. Cinnamon: Add one-half tsp of cinnamon powder to a glass of milk. Drink it daily for many weeks. You can even drink tea adding cinnamon or simply chew the cinnamon sticks on a regular basis. It has great effect on regulating periods.

3. Sesame Seeds and Jaggery: You will have to roast sesame seeds and grind with little jaggery. Eating this on empty stomach will can cure the irregularities. Avoid eating it during the period days.

4. Aloe Vera: Get fresh aloe vera gel and mix it with 1 tsp honey. Eat everyday before breakfast. Follow this for three months, you will notice the change. This mixture should also be avoided during period days.

5. Unripe Papaya: Eating unripe papaya or drinking its juice can also help in regulating the menstrual cycle. Avoid drinking the juice during periods.   

6. Turmeric: It's a great herb and helpful in treating irregular periods too. Eat one-quarter tsp of turmeric with either milk, honey or jaggery for weeks.

7. Coriander Seeds: Boil a teaspoon of coriander seeds in two cups water until water quantity comes down to one cup. Strain out the seeds and drink the liquid three times daily.

8. Fennel: Soak two tbsp of fennel seeds in one glass of water overnight. Strain out the seeds in the morning and drink the liquid. Do it till the menses become regular.

9. Mint: Mint has ayurvedic properties. Consume one tsp of dried mint powder with one tsp of honey.

Repeat three times a day.

10. Carrot Juice: Drinking a glass of carrot juice on a regular basis for three months can help in regulating the hormonal balance. 

It's better to treat irregular periods timely than to create severe complications that will affect your future health!