Circadian Rhythm Disorders - Irregular & Long Menstrual Cycles

It may be comforting to know that most women don't have consistent 28-day menstrual cycles. A menstrual cycle can be considered regular if it averages between 26 and 35 days. An irregular cycle is frequently shorter or longer than this average, and may also include a missed period.

Concerns with irregular & long cycles

An irregular menstrual pattern may be an indication of ovulation problems and can be a major factor in infertility. Irregular cycles may also release hormones inconsistently and may add to mood and pain problems. Irregular and long cycles are sometimes also associated with heavy cramping and bleeding.

What makes a regular menstrual cycle?

Menstrual cycles depend heavily on our body clocks to cycle properly. The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in the brain (SCN or body clock) signals the ovaries to develop the egg sac, and again about 14 days later, the body clock starts the release of the egg. The body clock uses bright light signals like sunlight to set its daily sleep/wake rhythm, and it relies on moonlight to regulate the menstrual cycle. As explained in Dr. Smolensky's book, The Body Clock Guide to Better Health:

"Our words, 'menstruation,' 'moon,' and 'month,' all come from the Greek word for 'measure of time.' A woman's menstrual cycle runs its course in about twenty-eight days, one lunar cycle. Periods usually start spontaneously in the week of the full moon in women not using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, particularly those with ample exposure to natural daylight and dark cues."

What causes a menstrual cycle to change?

Darkness may be one of the biggest reasons menstrual cycles become irregular. Women who live near the equator or in sunny regions are more fertile and have stronger and more regular menstrual patterns than women who live in northern regions or spend more time indoors. Also, menstrual cycles during the darker winter months are longer than in the summer.

Irregularity may also be caused by stress, too much exercise, illness or weight problems. Low body weight can prevent ovulation because the body needs a minimum amount of body fat. Being overweight is linked to irregular cycles and heavy bleeding. Because of health concerns, you should consult with your doctor if you experience irregular menstrual cycles.

Restoring regular cycles

Knowing that healthy periods are in sync with the lunar cycle, scientists use artificial moonlight to regularize erratic menstrual cycles. Several studies show that using light at night regulates irregular and longer menstrual cycles, even in women whose periods lasted nine weeks or more. Irregular and long menstrual cycles were normalized within a few weeks of treatment. Apollo Health has participated in many of these studies.

Predictability

Aside from improved health, a main advantage is that regular cycles are much easier to deal with. Women schedule their lives around their cycle; work, vacations, physical activities and social engagements are all affected by a period. Regular periods help you to schedule better and anticipate and minimize pain.

Apollo Health Tips

• BRITEWAVE Therapy 15-30 minutes in the morning and evening to extend your active day length. BRITEWAVE light is specially designed to produce the active hormone, serotonin and suppress melatonin. Melatonin is often called the 'hibernation hormone' and is thought to restrict other hormones that promote a healthy menstrual cycle. Your body produces higher levels of melatonin during the winter, and when you don't get enough bright light.
• Nighttime light. Use a 50-watt table lamp approximately three feet from your bedside. You only have to use this light on days 13 through 17 of your cycle. This will replicate the level of a bright, moonlight night and should regulate your cycle within a few weeks. This level of nightlight will also help control the production of melatonin.
• Natural Supplements.

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