Overview
Ovulation and planning intercourse during the fertile window are two important factors required to get pregnant. You might get confused about how to get pregnant with irregular periods. However, women with irregular periods can get pregnant naturally. You can achieve a successful pregnancy by using the right approach. You can make specific lifestyle changes, eat a healthy diet, track ovulation, and use medical guidance from an expert to get pregnant naturally with irregular periods. In this article, you can learn the causes of irregular periods, their effect on fertility, and tips to boost your fertility naturally.
What do you understand about irregular periods?
A normal menstrual cycle lasts 24-38 days. If your cycle varies month to month, comes earlier or later than usual, or skips for 1 or 2 months, you have irregular periods. Let’s learn about its causes.
Causes of Irregular Periods
There are many causes of irregular periods, and some causes affect the ovulation, making it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of irregular periods. In PCOS, the female’s body produces an excess amount of male hormones that do not allow eggs to mature and be released from the ovaries. It may occur in women of the same families. It is also caused by obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Being overweight or underweight can also disrupt normal reproductive functions. Obesity causes a hormonal imbalance that can disturb the menstrual cycle in women.
Stress is also a common factor that affects the functioning of various organs, including reproductive organs. Women who suffer from high levels of mental stress may have irregular periods.
Perimenopause is a time in a woman’s reproductive life when estrogen and progesterone levels start decreasing. This causes irregular ovulation and periods, and stops altogether, indicating menopause. Perimenopause may last for 3-4 years, but in some women it may last for a longer time.
Thyroid disorders can also cause an imbalance of female hormones that can affect ovulation and menstruation. Young girls suffering from thyroid issues also suffer from irregular periods.
Ways to Get Pregnant with Irregular Periods
Some ways for women to get pregnant with irregular periods are given here:
Understand Your Cycles
Women with irregular periods should also understand their menstrual cycles. Record the periods and write down the start and end dates. Also, write about the characteristics of flow. You can notice a pattern in your cycle. This will help you understand your menstrual cycle over a few months and the natural rhythm, which is essential for getting pregnant.
Track the Ovulation
Women must track their ovulation using ovulation prediction kits available in the market. Tracking ovulation helps detect the fertile days in their irregular cycles. There is an increase in the luteinising hormone, which occurs before ovulation. You can test a few days before ovulation while tracking your periods. If you get a positive result, you can start having intercourse with your partner as ovulation occurs within 24-48 hours.
Monitor the Signs for Most Fertile Days
Women with irregular periods should maintain a fertility chart. It will help monitor basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs to identify the fertile period. Basal body temperature rises slightly during ovulation. You can note down your body temperature at the same time in the morning, before getting out of bed. You will notice a slight increase in temperature during ovulation. Cervical mucus also changes during ovulation. It becomes clear, like egg white, and slippery, facilitating sperm's reach of the fallopian tubes.
Act at the Right Time
You should have regular intercourse with your partner when you are about to ovulate. Sperm can live inside a female’s body for a few days, so having intercourse starting a few days before ovulation up to the day will help you to get pregnant. Since it is difficult to predict ovulation with irregular periods, having intercourse regularly can help to get pregnant.
Follow Healthy Fertility Habits
It is very important to maintain overall health when trying to get pregnant with irregular periods. You must adopt healthy habits to maintain overall good health. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Try to keep yourself active throughout the day by doing simple exercises in the morning and evening.
Maintain Optimal Body Weight
Women with irregular periods must maintain a healthy body weight to regularise their menstrual cycle. Being overweight and underweight can make your periods irregular, which can affect fertility. Therefore, underweight women must eat a balanced diet to gain weight, and overweight women should lose weight by doing regular exercise. This can balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Balanced Diet Chart
A healthy diet can also help improve fertility.
- You must consume a balanced diet including fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- You can also add foods high in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Legumes and cereals are high in folate.
- Walnuts, flaxseeds, and legumes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
When should you talk to a fertility specialist?
If you are having trouble getting pregnant along with irregular periods, it is time to speak to a fertility expert. A fertility specialist can suggest supplements to help regulate your periods and induce ovulation. A doctor can also determine the cause of irregular menstrual cycles and recommend a customised treatment plan that may include supplements tailored to your health needs.
Conclusion
Women with irregular periods can also get pregnant naturally. You only need to be patient and devote more time to achieve success. You can track your cycle, use ovulation prediction kits, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to achieve success. If you fail to get pregnant, you can seek medical help. You can visit a fertility expert to know the real cause of infertility and take appropriate treatment to get pregnant.
Common Questions Asked
How do irregular periods affect fertility?
Women with irregular periods have difficulty predicting ovulation. This could cause difficulty in doing intercourse at the right time, miss the fertile window due to unpredictable time, and difficulty in interpreting fertility signs.
How can I track ovulation with irregular periods?
Monitor your periods over a few months and note their start and end dates. This can help to track ovulation days. You may also use ovulation predictor kits or notice changes in your body.
Can I take supplements to regulate my menstrual cycle?
Yes, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, folic acid, and calcium help to regulate periods. You can also consult a fertility expert to know the right supplements to boost fertility.
What foods can help regulate periods?
Foods high in folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, green leafy vegetables, and legumes can help regulate periods as they are rich in nutrients.
What should I do if I am underweight and have irregular periods?
If you are underweight and have irregular periods, you must add foods to increase your body weight. You should consult with a doctor who can make a customised diet plan based on your needs.