Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose:My menstrual cycle has always been irregular and never follows a monthly pattern. In the first half of the year, I had an ultrasound which indicated undifferentiated follicles. After adjusting for three months, my cycle still didn’t regulate. I take medication, and I have my period every month when I take it, but I don’t have it when I don’t take it. I’ve been married for over a year and haven’t been able to conceive yet. I want to have children, so I’d like to consult about which tests we should undergo if my husband and I go together for examination. Thank you!
First follow-up question: But how can I ovulate if I don’t have developed follicles? I want to know the specific tests that need to be done. I plan to go for the check-up next week, but I’d like to understand the details first.
Doctor's answer:
Many factors can cause menstrual irregularities, including psychological and dietary factors, as well as medical conditions. Therefore, when experiencing issues such as early menstruation, delayed periods, prolonged periods, or excessive or insufficient blood flow, it is crucial not to take them lightly. These are all symptoms of menstrual irregularities and require early regulation. If the irregularities are caused by medical conditions, it is essential to treat the underlying disease as soon as possible.How to address menstrual irregularities? Here are six health-preserving methods to help regulate them.
1. After the first menstrual period, girls may experience unstable periods, which is a normal phenomenon. However, to avoid long-term menstrual irregularities, girls should not deliberately restrict their diet or overeat after their first period. They should focus on consuming foods that promote red blood cell growth and enhance immunity, such as animal liver, bone broth, lean meat, seaweed, shrimp skin, and leafy vegetables. This helps replenish red blood cell loss in the body and strengthens hematopoietic function.
2. Pay attention to the hygiene and cleanliness of the external genitalia. Women should absolutely avoid sexual activity during menstruation, and those with heavy menstrual flow should avoid consuming brown sugar. Underwear should be soft, cotton, and made of breathable material. It should be washed and changed frequently, and the cleaned underwear should be dried in the sun.
3. What are the precautions in daily life? Women should develop a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, excessive sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol, or overeating. Dress in appropriate temperatures, and develop the habit of washing the external genitalia with warm water before going to bed each night, paying special attention to menstrual hygiene.
4. Dietary regulation can also be effective in addressing menstrual issues. Below are two dietary methods to help regulate menstrual problems.
(1) Black glutinous rice porridge: Use 30 grams of jujubes and 100 grams of glutinous rice, and add a certain amount of longan to cook into porridge. Once it is cooked into a porridge consistency, add a little brown sugar according to personal taste. Regularly consuming this food can help regulate menstrual irregularities.
(2) Lotus root, black fungus, and old duck stew: First, cook the old duck with ginger and yellow wine until it is 80% cooked. Then, add the cleaned lotus root and soaked black fungus to the pot. Finally, add an appropriate amount of salt and chicken essence, and the stew is ready to eat. This lotus root, black fungus, and old duck stew can also help regulate menstrual irregularities.
5. Exercise methods to regulate menstruation: Women should choose aerobic exercises suitable for their physical condition, such as walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, and ball games. Swimming should be avoided during menstruation to prevent infections caused by bacteria entering the reproductive organs when their self-cleaning function is reduced. Exercise can enhance physical fitness and regulate the balance of the endocrine system.
6. Additionally, long-term mental stress, suppressing anger, or experiencing significant psychological trauma can all lead to menstrual irregularities or conditions such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. Women should maintain a positive and stable mood in daily life, focus on self-cultivation, avoid excessive worry and emotional excitement, to maintain and stabilize the balance of the internal environment and ensure the normal menstrual cycle.