Menstrual Irregularities

What are Menstrual Irregularities?

A "regular" menstrual cycle is generally considered to be 28 days, but many women have cycles that range from 21-35 days. When periods occur outside of this range, or when bleeding patterns change significantly, it's referred to as a menstrual irregularity. This can include:

• Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation for three or more months in a woman who previously had regular periods. 

• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent periods, typically with cycles longer than 35 days. 

• Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. 

• Menorrhagia: Bleeding between periods or spotting. 

• Polymenorrhea: Short cycles with frequent periods, usually less than 21 days apart. 

Menstrual irregularities can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common contributors is hormonal imbalance. 

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Hormonal Imbalances and Menstrual Irregularities

Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a delicate balance of hormones, primarily estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to irregular periods. Common causes of hormonal imbalances that affect menstruation include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Elevated androgens and insulin resistance can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular or absent periods. 

• Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to irregular cycles. 

• Stress: Chronic stress raises levels of cortisol, which can interfere with the production of reproductive hormones, disrupting your menstrual cycle. 

• Perimenopause: Hormonal fluctuations during the transition to menopause can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or skipped cycles. 

• Weight fluctuations: Rapid weight loss or gain, as well as being out of balance with weight, can disrupt hormone production and affect menstruation.  

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The Naturopathic Approach to Menstrual Irregularities 

Medicine is fluid, and there are many different paths to healing. Every individual is unique, and what works best for one person may differ for another. This is why I believe in a comprehensive and integrative approach to health - combining the best of naturopathic care with other evidence-based treatments to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs.

By supporting the body's natural ability to regulate hormones, we aim to restore balance to your cycle. 

Hormone Balancing

Hormonal imbalances are often the culprit behind irregular cycles. To restore hormonal balance, we may use herbs such as:

• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): This herb helps regulate the pituitary gland, supporting the production of progesterone and promoting a healthy menstrual cycle. Vitex is particularly effective for women with low progesterone, which can lead to short luteal phases or missed periods. 

• Maca Root: Known for its ability to balance estrogen and progesterone, maca can be beneficial for women dealing with hormonal fluctuations due to stress or perimenopause. 

• Evening Primrose Oil: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil support hormonal health and can be especially helpful for women with PMS or irregular ovulation. 

Stress Management

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle by increasing cortisol production, which suppresses reproductive hormones. Managing stress is crucial for hormonal balance. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels and promote regular ovulation. 

Acupuncture is also a powerful tool for reducing stress and regulating your cycle. Regular acupuncture treatments can help balance your hormones, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, and relieve stress. 

Dietary Support

Your diet plays a significant role in hormone production and regulation. A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet can help support balanced hormones and improve menstrual regularity. Focus on:

• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil) to support hormone production. 

• Fiber-rich foods (leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes) to help the body eliminate excess estrogen. 

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts to support liver detoxification of hormones. 

It is also essential to stabilize blood sugar levels to prevent insulin spikes, which can disrupt ovulation. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods, and prioritize meals that contain a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. 

Herbs for Menstrual Regulation

In addition to hormone-balancing herbs, certain herbs are known for their ability to support menstrual regularity:

• Red Raspberry Leaf: Often used to tone the uterus and regulate menstrual flow, this herb can help manage both heavy and absent periods. 

• Dong Quai: Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve blood flow and reduce menstrual cramps, Dong Quai can help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms of PMS. 

Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is a gentle and natural way to balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. This practice involves consuming specific seeds at different phases of your cycle:

• Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation): Consume flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds to support estrogen production. 

• Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Menstruation): Consume sesame seeds and sunflower seeds to support progesterone production. 

Seed cycling is a simple, food-based approach that can have profound impact on menstrual regularity. Two companies that provide beautiful Organic seeds that make it easy to seed cycle are Manski's Wellness and Beeya. 

Liver Support

Your liver plays a key role in detoxifying hormones, particularly estrogen. When the liver is overburdened, it may not effectively process excess estrogen, leading to estrogen dominance and irregular cycles. Supporting liver function with herbs like Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Burdock, Schisandra, and Turmeric can help your body metabolize and eliminate excess hormones, promoting a more regular cycle.

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Diagnosis and Understanding Menstrual Irregularities

Diagnosing menstrual irregularities typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your health history, along with blood and urine tests to check hormone levels including FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, androgens, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. In some cases, ultrasounds and additional imaging may be used to rule out conditions like fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis. 

 

A naturopathic assessment may also include looking at your stress levels, nutritional intake, and environmental exposures that could be contributing to hormonal disruption.  

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Menstrual irregularities are a signal from your body that something is out of balance, but with the right support, you can restore harmony to your cycle. A naturopathic approach that includes hormone balancing, stress management, dietary support, and herbal medicine can help you address the root causes of irregular periods. 

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Remember, your body is unique and healing takes time. By taking a holistic approach and addressing the underlying imbalances, you can work toward a more regular, healthy menstrual cycle. If you are ready to explore natural treatments for menstrual irregularities, I am here to guide you. Reach out and book a free discovery call and together we can find the best solutions for your needs.