Doctor on Period Health: Girls often think that if their periods come on time every month, everything is fine, but that's not the case. Let's explain what doctors warn about this.

Do regular periods mean everything is fine?

Having Regular Periods Means Your Hormones Are Balanced: Women often assume that if their periods come on time every month, their hormones are perfectly fine. Regular bleeding every 28 to 30 days brings them relief, and they assume that everything is balanced within their bodies. But the truth is, regular periods are just an external sign, not the whole picture. Let's find out what experts have to say about this.

The hormonal system is extremely complex. It involves the brain, ovaries, thyroid, adrenal glands, and metabolism, all interconnected. Sometimes, this system maintains regular periods despite internal stress and imbalances. This is why some women experience regular periods but experience fertility issues, severe pain, mood swings, or premenstrual problems.

What do experts say?

Dr. Radhika Sheth, medical director of Luma Fertility, told TOI that it's common in medical practice for women with regular periods to experience chronic hormonal imbalances. She says periods are merely a consequence, while the underlying hormonal process is much deeper and more sensitive. A common but overlooked problem is progesterone deficiency, known as luteal phase insufficiency. In this condition, a woman ovulates on time and has regular periods, but insufficient progesterone can prevent pregnancy. If testing isn't done at the right time, this problem can go undetected for years.

Problems with regular periods

Similarly, PCOS is often associated with irregular periods, but many women with the mild or metabolic form have regular periods. Yet, they may also have insulin resistance or a mild hormonal imbalance, which affects egg quality and fertility. Mild thyroid or prolactin disorders can also impair ovulation and hormonal support without affecting periods. Furthermore, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and irregular eating habits increase cortisol levels in the body, gradually disrupting hormonal balance.

What things should not be ignored?

Doctors say that symptoms like severe mood swings, painful periods, persistent fatigue, bloating, low libido, or emotional instability shouldn't be ignored as normal. These signs indicate that even if your periods are regular, your body is trying to find balance internally.