Can irregular periods cause health issues in women?

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular menstrual cycles led to cardiovascular diseases. "Long or short menstrual cycle length was associated with increased risks of CVD and atrial fibrillation but not myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke. Short cycle length was associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction," the study published in May 2023.

As per the US National Institutes of Health, 14% to 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles. This means, that this population of reproductive women have shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter cycles, and deal with several complications like painful abdominal cramps. The irregular menstrual cycle also includes cases of anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur. Otherwise, in a healthy woman, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days.

"Ovarian hormones play diverse roles in a woman's health apart from regulation of reproduction. Estrogen hormone influences neuroendocrine, skeletal, adipose, and cardiovascular systems," explains Dr. Jayashree Nagaraj Bhasgi, Senior Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore. Changes in the body's level of estrogen and progesterone disturb periods in several women and this is a potential risk factor for several complications that are directly related to the heart.

"Estrogens are known to decrease cholesterol levels as they help in the oxidation of lipids rather than deposition. This protective effect is lost during the transition where the menstrual cycles are irregular and also during menopause. In the absence of estrogen, lipids tend to get deposited especially in blood vessels a condition called atherosclerosis- which causes the narrowing of the lumen of the vessel. There is a seven-fold increase in coronary artery sclerosis in menopause," explains Dr. Jayashree.

The abnormal levels of estrogen affect the blood pressure and obesity in individuals. "Obesity is seen when there is a decline in estrogen levels. It is associated with decreasing concentrations of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants which correlate with increased risks of heart and vascular disease," explains the expert.

Several studies have found a link between type 2 diabetes and irregular periods in women. "Sometimes women who have irregular periods, often have high androgen levels, have insulin resistance, and suffer from PCOS or PCOD," says Dr. Aruna Kalra- Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. Women with PCOS are at a high risk of developing diabetes. "And we all know that PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian disease syndrome is a syndrome in which a girl can have dyslipidemia which is like cholesterol level should be abnormal, cholesterol would be high and that is why they are more prone to cardiac or coronary diseases," Dr. Kalra adds. This sheds light on the connection between PCOS and two potential risk factors for heart disease– diabetes and high cholesterol.

Dr. Jayashree recommends: Evidently estrogen hormone plays a significant role in maintaining a woman’s health during her premenopausal time. It’s imperative that a woman maintains a healthy lifestyle and ideal weight during her menstruating years more so in the premenopausal period to defer the onset of diseases in menopausal years and to enjoy a quality life.

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