PCOS & Periods: Why Is Your Cycle Irregular?

Ever feel like your period's playing hide and seek with a blindfold on and no rules? If you’ve been left guessing when (or if) your next cycle will show up, we totally get you. For many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods are more than just an occasional inconvenience; they’re a key sign that something deeper is happening hormonally. While it might seem like your body’s gone rogue, there are clear reasons behind the chaos, and understanding them is the first step towards getting a clearer picture of what’s really going on.

It’s not always easy to tell if you have PCOS, as it is different for everyone, but irregular periods are one of the common telltale signs of PCOS. In this blog, let's explore the connection between PCOS and periods, and share natural ways to bring your cycle back on track. 

What is PCOS & how does it affect your periods?

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine/metabolic disorders that affects your hormonal functions and leads to a wide range of symptoms like irregular periods, acne, extra facial hair, scalp hair thinning, and excess weight or obesity. PCOS and periods share a complicated relationship. If your period is delayed by more than 35 days or lasts unusually long, it could be a key sign of PCOS. But how exactly does PCOS mess with your menstrual cycle?

What normally happens during a menstrual cycle:

• Each month, your ovaries are supposed to grow a small fluid-filled sac called a follicle. 

• Around day 14, the follicle matures and releases an egg - a process known as ovulation. 

• If the egg isn't fertilised by an external stimulus (male sperm), it breaks down and exits your body as part of your period (a mix of blood, mucus, and tissue).

But in women with PCOS, instead of growing and releasing one mature follicle, the ovaries develop multiple small follicles that don’t fully mature. Perhaps, ovulation doesn’t happen every month as it should, and the ovaries start producing more testosterone (a male hormone that women also produce in small amounts).

What’s normal vs what’s not with your period in PCOS

In PCOS, irregular or missed period cycles are common, with cycles longer than 35 days or fewer than nine periods per year being telltale signs. However, some women with PCOS can have regular periods, though they may still not be ovulating. 

What’s normal with PCOS and periods?

Regular periods with PCOS are characterised by your cycle arriving approximately every 21-35 days and lasting a typical duration of 2-7days. 

What’s not normal with PCOS and periods?

• Infrequent periods: Fewer than 9 periods per year or cycles longer than 35 days. 

• Prolonged periods or heavy bleeding: Periods lasting longer than normal or with excessive bleeding. 

• Irregular periods: Periods that come and go, or are very light to very heavy. 

• Missed periods: This means not having your period for a long time, like skipping three in a row.

Why do you miss your periods with PCOS?

With PCOS and no period, it all comes down to hormones. Let’s simplify the science behind this: 

• Two hormones produced by the pituitary gland are key drivers of menstruation: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). 

• Women with PCOS often have too much LH and too little FSH. 

• This disrupts normal egg development. As a result, the ovaries produce immature eggs that don't fully develop or mature, and therefore, ovulation doesn't occur.

• Women with regular menstrual cycles experience ovulation, during which progesterone is typically released from a structure called the corpus luteum. 

• In a typical cycle, ovulation triggers the formation of the corpus luteum, which forms from the follicle after releasing an egg. This structure releases progesterone, a hormone that helps build up the uterine lining, creating a fertile environment.

• But with PCOS, no ovulation means no corpus luteum, which means little to no progesterone. Without enough progesterone, the signal for the uterus to build and shed its lining is missing, which leads to irregular periods. 

That said, many women with PCOS do still menstruate, but the pattern is often altered: it may be lighter than normal, heavier than normal, or highly variable. 

Tips to get your period back naturally

PCOS with no periods, irregular periods, or highly variable periods is a concern for many women. But don’t despair, several natural strategies can help rebalance your hormones and get you back to the regular programming of happy, healthy cycles.

Here are some natural remedies to help manage PCOS and period-related issues:

• Yoga is known as a holistic healer and has been shown to support various menstrual issues. Specific asanas like Pranamasana, Dandasana, Ashtanga, and many more can help regulate menstrual cycles, balance hormones, and ease cramping and pelvic discomfort.

• Maintaining a healthy weight to get your period back naturally is crucial. If you have a larger body, it is recommended that you lose weight, but in a sustainable way. A minimum of 5 kg weight loss is proven to regularise periods gradually. 

• Regular exercise is often considered the gold standard for PCOS management. It not only helps regulate your menstrual cycles but also reduces pain, improves insulin sensitivity, and boosts mood.

• Cinnamon appears to be beneficial for both regulating menstrual cycles and relieving pain. You could add cinnamon powder to your smoothie bowls, yoghurt, or savoury meals for a flavour boost. 

• Stress wreaks havoc on your hormones and drains your energy levels, especially during your cycle. Incorporate stress-reducing habits into your routine, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or even a calming walk outdoors.

Can you have PCOS and still get regular periods?

Yes, it is possible to have a regular period cycle even with PCOS. While it is true that irregular or absent periods are common symptoms of PCOS, many women still experience normal menstrual cycles despite having the condition. Why? Because PCOS exists on a spectrum, it can manifest in a variety of ways, from excessive hair growth and acne to insulin resistance and weight gain. Not every woman with PCOS will show the same symptoms or experience the same level of hormonal imbalance. 

The final takeaway

To sum it up, missed periods after puberty are rarely random. It is often your body’s way of signalling that something’s off. Perhaps taking necessary action is crucial. Prioritise period hygiene, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, exercise regularly, and include stress-relieving practices like yoga or meditation to help regulate your cycle. Most importantly, don’t shy away from talking about PCOS and periods. If your periods have become irregular, seek support or talk to a healthcare professional. Keeping your menstrual issues under wraps is a disservice to your health. So, break the taboo and take a step towards a healthier future. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you have PCOS and still get regular periods?

Yes, some women with PCOS still experience regular periods. PCOS is a spectrum disorder, and not everyone has the same symptoms or level of hormonal imbalance.

2. Why does PCOS cause irregular periods?

PCOS disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones, especially by increasing levels of luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone while lowering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This imbalance prevents regular ovulation, leading to missed, delayed, or prolonged periods.

3. Can PCOS go away on its own?

PCOS doesn’t go away completely, but its symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.