Irregular Periods and Pregnancy

By Sarah E. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies

Irregular periods - which are defined as those that are longer or shorter than normal; painful; heavier or lighter; or absent - can compromise a woman's chances of motherhood. As such, the first step to manage having irregular periods and trying to get pregnant involves a better knowledge of how to pursue treatment.

Continue reading for more crucial information on irregular periods and pregnancy, including how these abnormalities affect your chance for motherhood and what you can do for treatment.

Irregular periods and pregnancy

Can You Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods?

It is true that it is harder to get pregnant with irregular periods as it can be difficult to predict when you are most fertile. Irregular periods often coincide with irregular ovulation dates. As a reminder, a woman's fertile window occurs about five days before and on the day of ovulation.

Nevertheless, there are measures women can take to track ovulation to improve their chances of getting pregnant with irregular periods.

These include checking cervical mucus for fertility - which usually becomes slippery, clear, and of an egg white consistency closer to ovulation - in addition to measuring basal body temperature (BBT). There is a slight spike in BBT when ovulating. A third practice includes examining one's cervix position, which should be high, soft, and open during ovulation.

What Causes Irregular Periods?

Many women start paying closer attention to their menstrual cycles when trying to conceive, especially those with a history of irregularities.

Irregular periods are common, and are often attributed to changing hormone levels that cause the following medical conditions:

  • Uterine polyps or fibroids
  • Endometriosis 
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

They are also caused by medications, such as blood thinners, steroids, or birth control pills; stress; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); thyroid disorders; infections; complications associated with pregnancy; or uterine or cervical cancer, among others.

To keep track of your periods, use a calendar or application to record the first and last days of your period, any spotting or pain, how many pads or tampons you use per day, and other important symptoms. The information can help a doctor identify the causes of irregular periods.

Treatments for Irregular Periods

Women who are wondering how to get pregnant with irregular periods can do so by treating the underlying cause. In many cases, the root cause of infertility in women is hormonal imbalance.

Irregular periods treatments to achieve hormonal equilibrium start by making simple, lifestyle changes, including consuming a wholesome diet rich in unprocessed foods that will provide your body with the proper nutrients it needs for optimal menstrual health and practicing stress-relief techniques of yoga, medication, tai chi, etc. For better results, consider the use of alternative medicine, like phytoestrogenic or hormone-regulating supplements.

Consult with your doctor for necessary tests before pursuing any treatment regimen. With proper vigilance and a desire for optimal health, you can get pregnant if you have irregular periods within a timely manner.

Related Articles

Irregular Periods in Young Women Irregular Periods in Young Women
Vaginal Bleeding during Postmenopause Vaginal Bleeding during Postmenopause
Irregular Periods in Women Irregular Periods in Women
More on Irregular Periods