Can irregular periods raise the risk of heart disease? Find out – Times of India

For most women, monthly periods come up like clockwork, and are usually taken as a good sign of well-being. However, having irregular periods is something that draws concern. From the risk of PCOS, stress and reproductive health, irregular periods can take a huge toll on vital body functioning. In fact, as per doctors, your periods can also have an impact on your heart health, and hence, should be checked out at once. But how concerned should you be? We explain

What makes irregular periods a big risk?

While missing out or having irregular monthly flow can happen due to quite a few many causes, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the prime causes which lead to irregular menstruation.

Known to affect 1 in 8 women of reproductive ages, PCOS is starting to turn into an epidemic on its own, with more and more cases being reported in recent years. The condition, which is hugely caused by lifestyle problems, hormonal imbalances can lead to problematic effects on the overall health, including weight gain, hormonal disruption, disturbed period flow, reproductive issues and flag the risk of metabolic differences. However, what raises alarm bells is that despite being such a common disease, many women continue to be blatantly unaware, or misinformed about their symptoms, and have poor knowledge about what they are suffering from is PCOS. This, in turn, not only impacts their reproductive health gravely, but also leads to delayed diagnosis, poor overall health. In particular, ignoring the risk factors can mean bad news for the heart.

PCOS, irregular periods and heart health: What's the connection?

With PCOS, one of the primary features which is reported amongst most women is irregular periods. The troubled periods are caused by hormonal problems, which further offset metabolic differences, including insulin resistance. Having excess levels of male hormones in the body, along with insulin resistance (which is characteristic of diabetes) can raise cholesterol, lipid profiles as well. This, in turn, is how women with PCOS or undergoing period problems could put them at the risk of developing heart diseases, or having an elevated risk of cardiac ailments.

Studies have also found that women who do have PCOS have a whopping 28% higher risk of developing heart problems than women who normally menstruate and do not suffer from consequential irregularities. Plus, the overall risk of heart disease amongst women is also on the higher side than men, which again makes the situation worrisome and one which requires attention.

Now, one of the prime reasons as to why PCOS raises the risk of heart problems lies in the symptoms and side-effects it creates. Insulin resistance, for example, does not just lead to diabetes, but also raises other metabolic flags in the body. From a cardiovascular viewpoint, being insulin resistant, undergoing high loads of stress (another common factor with PCOS) raised lipid levels and other metabolic abnormalities doubles up the risk of heart problems. This is one of the reasons as to why doctors attest that early diagnosis, and management of PCOS is important.

Since women suffering from PCOS can also face weight problems, and find it strugglesome to lose weight, they also put themselves at the risk of inflammation and higher BMI levels. Inflammation and obesity are precursors for vascular problems and again, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Sedentary lifestyle, poor to no level of physical activity can also make the risk graver. Thus, it's imperative to be aware, manage and treat PCOS from the initial stage.

How can you manage PCOS and lower your risk of heart problems?

With PCOS, while there's no available medical cure, the best way possible to effectively manage and curb one's PCOS symptoms lies in critical lifestyle modifications. Here are some of the ways how women with PCOS can reduce their risk, and lead a healthy life:

-Work towards weight reduction and maintaining good BMI levels suitable for your age and height.

-Follow a good diet, and minimize intake of added sugar and processed foods.

-Have an antioxidant, protein rich diet. Lessen your dependence on junk, preserved, packaged or other foods which may have chemical traces.

-Some women also benefit from going gluten-free or dairy-free

-Make sure you workout or engage in physical activity, 4-5 times a week. Moderate intensity exercises are best suited.

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Can irregular periods raise the risk of heart disease? Find out - Times of India