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 said I had undeveloped 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—what tests should I and my husband undergo if we go together for the checkup? 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 checkup next week, but I’d like to understand what they are first.
Doctor's answer:
Many factors can cause irregular menstruation, including psychological and dietary factors, as well as medical conditions. Therefore, when issues such as early menstruation, delayed periods, prolonged periods, or excessive or insufficient bleeding occur, it is crucial not to take them lightly. These are all symptoms of irregular menstruation, and it is important to regulate them early. If the irregular menstruation is caused by a medical condition, it is essential to treat the underlying disease as soon as possible.How to address irregular menstruation? Here are six health-preserving methods to help regulate it.
1. After the first menstrual period, girls may experience unstable periods, which is a normal phenomenon. However, to avoid long-term irregular menstruation issues, 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. Those with heavy menstrual flow should avoid consuming brown sugar. Underwear should be soft, cotton, and have good ventilation and breathability. It should be washed and changed frequently, and the washed underwear should be dried in the sun.
3. What precautions should be taken in daily life? Women should develop a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late or oversleeping, 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 rice porridge: Use 30 grams of jujubes and 100 grams of glutinous rice, adding a certain amount of longan to cook into porridge. Once the porridge is ready, add a little brown sugar according to personal taste. Regular consumption of this food can help regulate irregular menstruation.
(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 it is ready to eat. This lotus root, black fungus, and old duck stew can also help regulate menstrual issues.
5. Exercise methods to regulate menstruation: Women should choose aerobic exercises suitable for their physical condition, such as walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, and playing ball games. Swimming should be avoided during menstruation to prevent bacteria from entering the reproductive organs when their self-cleaning function is reduced, which could cause infections. 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 disorders or conditions like 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.