Many of the underlying causes of menstrual disorders cannot be prevented. However, women can reduce the risk of some causes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Beneficial steps include:

• Making appropriate changes in diet and exercise activity to achieve a healthy weight. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, for example, can often be managed by maintaining a healthy weight. Women may wish to consult a registered dietician for assistance with dietary changes. Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may need to gain weight in order to restore normal menstruation.
  
  
• Avoiding recreational drug use, excessive alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.
  
  
• Striving for a healthy balance in work, recreation and rest.
  
  
• Assessing areas of stress or conflict in life. If necessary, contacting a mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist) for help dealing with stress.

In addition, women should take the proper steps to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. This includes using condoms consistently during sexual contact, especially with high-risk partners. These include sexual partners who have multiple sexual partners, people whose sexual background is unknown and intravenous drug users.