Overview

One type of menstrual cycle irregularity that may affect women who are or are not pregnant is oligomenorrhoea. In this instance, the cycle may be exceptionally lengthy, and the menstrual discharge may be infrequent. To be more precise, it is referred to as oligomenorrhea when there is a gap of more than 35 days but not 90 days between two menstrual cycles. We refer to the latter situation as amenorrhoea. A scanty cycle is often the result of taking the medication. In certain cases, oligomenorrhea is simply a matter of age; in very young women, the cycle may take years to become regular. 

However, there are instances where abnormalities are linked to medical conditions (like diabetes polycystic ovarian syndrome, or thyroid issues), a deficiency in the prolactin hormone, or the use of medications (like antipsychotics and antiepileptics). Lastly, oligomenorrhea can occur in young women who engage in extremely strenuous exercise (like participating in a competitive sport) or who suffer from eating disorders like bulimia nervosa or anorexia.

Causes

The following are some of the causes of oligomenorrhea: 

• PCOS: is characterized by an excess of androgens (such as testosterone) in the body, which can interfere with ovulation the period in your cycle when your ovaries release an egg.

• Androgen-secreting tumors: These are cancers that can develop on the adrenal glands or ovaries. They can emit androgens that cause irregular menstruation. These tumors frequently cause symptoms that resemble PCOS. 

• Cushing’s syndrome: When you have Cushing’s your body overproduces cortisol, which can cause hormone abnormalities that affect your menstrual cycle. 

• Prolactinoma: A tumor known as prolactinoma causes your pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of prolactin and insufficient amounts of sex hormones such as estrogen which are necessary for a regular menstrual cycle.

• Primary ovarian syndrome: This condition causes your ovaries to cease producing eggs sooner than normal, usually before menopause. Additionally, they cease releasing estrogen, a hormone necessary for normal menstruation. 

• Hyperthyroidism: An excess of prolactin and insufficient estrogen production is caused by the thyroid gland stimulating the pituitary gland. 

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a disorder in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough enzymes to produce the hormones required for menstruation from birth. 

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are left untreated might result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The ensuing inflammation and infection may cause irregular menstruation. 

• Endometrial adhesions or Asherman's syndrome: Your regular menstrual flow is disrupted by scar tissue on your uterus or cervix, which is typically the result of gynecological surgery such as dilatation and curettage

• Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have been related to oligomenorrhea. Both are underweight (common in Type 1 diabetes) and overweight (common in Type 2 diabetes). Individuals frequently have it. 

• Eating disorders: Nutritional inadequacies resulting from illnesses such as bulimia anorexia and binge eating can stop or postpone your menstrual cycle. 

• Extreme exercise: Excessive exercise can cause your body to become so strained that it becomes impossible to perform essential regular functions such as menstruation. 

• A few drugs may cause irregular intervals such as birth control pills, which are examples of hormonal contraceptives and antipsychotic inhibitors of epilepsy.

Symptoms

The most typical symptom of oligomenorrhea is missed or delayed periods however other symptoms may also exist depending on the underlying cause of your irregular periods. Among the symptoms are,

• Acne 

• Headaches 

• Hot flashes 

• Stomach ache 

• Discharge from the vagina 

• Visual impairment 

• Overgrowth of hair on your body and face.

Ayurvedic View

Aartava kshaya- Aartava means menstrual blood, which is considered sara bhaga (nutrient part of rasa dhatu), its aagneya in nature. There is less bleeding observed, when there is obstruction of nourishment of aartava due to kapha dosha and shoshana (depletion) of aartava in aartavaha srotas due to vata dosha, this is oligomenorrhea. Ayurveda way of approach is to correct dhatva agni responsible for formation of this aartava, bringing dosha back to prakruta awastha and measures to check and correct root cause of this disease by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Abhyangam   Bashpa Swedanam   Nasyam   Vamanam    Uttaravasti   Lepanam   Churna pinda swedanam   Pinda swedanam   Pachanam

Naturopathy Treatments

Hip bath Spinal spray Immersion bath Enema Steam bath Mud therapy Pelvic Packs Abdomen compress Reflexology   Acupuncture  Diet therapy   Clinical yoga   Pranayama