Having irregular periods has become a common problem among women in this generation. In fact, 14 to 25% of women experience irregular cycles at some point during their fertile years. This makes them question themselves on how to get pregnant with these irregular cycles.
There are different reasons for that such as PCOS, ovarian insufficiency, thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and many others.
But having irregular cycles doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get pregnant naturally. Read on to learn how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
The best way to get pregnant will largely depend on the cause of your irregular menstrual cycles.
What do regular and irregular periods mean?
Regular menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. The perfect menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one menstruation until the start of your next period.
However, menstrual cycles that consistently last from 21 to 35 days are also considered regular.
Irregular menstrual cycles last less than 21 days or more than 35 days. It can also be considered irregular if it varies widely from month to month.
This means that a cycle that lasts 22 days this month and then 34 days the next month is also considered irregular. Even if these lengths are within the normal range.
Your menstrual cycle doesn’t have to last exactly the same amount of time each month. Menstrual cycles can vary a few days each month and still be normal.
Ovulation symptoms
Knowing the signs that your body will ovulate soon can be a great way to determine your cycles. Tracking your cycles and recognizing your fertile days can teach you a lot about how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Some symptoms of ovulation include:
Variations in your body basal temperature (BBT)
Your basal body temperature changes throughout your cycle. It will reach its lowest point when you ovulate, and immediately rise about half a degree. Measuring your basal body temperature first thing in the morning can help you determine your fertile window.
Changes in your cervical mucus
After your period ends, you’ll have little to no mucus. In a few days, it will become more abundant and it will be white or cloudy. As your ovulation approaches, it will become “egg white-like”, clear, and stretchy and increase in quantity.
Abdominal pain
Some women feel a slight twinge of pain in their lower abdomen when they ovulate. This is known as mittelschmerz (middle pain).
Your cervix will change. As your hormonal levels change leading up to ovulation, your cervix will become softer and it will rise a bit. It will also open up slightly to allow sperm to enter your uterus.
Keeping track of these symptoms can help you determine if you’ll ovulate soon, and figuring out your fertile window can help you get pregnant quickly. You can also use an ovulation predictor kit to predict your fertile days with more accuracy!
How irregular menstrual cycles make it harder to get pregnant?
There are many different conditions that can cause irregular cycles. Experiencing irregular cycles occasionally due to stress or illness can be normal. But if your cycles remain irregular for long periods of time, you should go to the doctor to determine the cause of your menstrual problems.
This is especially important if you want to learn how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. Women with regular cycles have 11 to 13 chances to becoming pregnant in a year. However, women with irregular cycles can have less opportunities than that.
These conditions can cause irregular cycles:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a fairly common disorder in young women, and it affects up to 10 % of women in their reproductive age which makes it the most common endocrine disorder affecting women.
PCOS causes tiny cysts to appear on the ovaries. These cysts interfere with the ovaries’ normal function and can cause irregular cycles and infertility, along with other complications.
Your doctor can prescribe Oral Contraceptives (OCs) to manage your PCOS and help you get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally immediately after discontinuing OCs.
Underactive or overactive thyroid
Your thyroid controls practically every process in your body. Hypo or hyperthyroidism can cause infertility, weight changes, depression, anxiety, and many other symptoms. Once you receive treatment and your thyroid levels return to normal, you’ll be more likely to get pregnant faster.
Hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk. But this hormone also decreases fertility, by interfering with hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian chain and as a result blocking ovulation.
Which is why breastfeeding women are less likely to conceive. In some cases, prolactin hormones can become elevated.
Women who suffer from hyperprolactinemia are less likely to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
This condition can cause other symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and leaking nipples.
Weight problems
A healthy weight is one of the most important factors to get pregnant quickly. Being overweight or underweight can both cause irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders.
Reaching a healthy weight is one of the first things that doctors advise when a woman is unable to fall pregnant naturally.
How to quickly get pregnant with irregular periods?
If you’re dealing with irregular menstrual cycles, you should head to the doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, there are habits that can also help you get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Although these habits can’t replace medical treatment, they can help your fertility get back on track.
Track your ovulation
Using a menstrual calendar mobile application can help you determine your fertile window. Menstrual mobile application will calculate the length on your cycle based on the information you provide, and they also allow you to record other symptoms.
You can also keep track of your body basal temperature and cervical mucus to help you predict ovulation. If you want to determine your fertile days with more accuracy, there are many simple ovulation tests that will let you know exactly when you’re ovulating.
Have more sex
Having sex frequently is one of the best methods to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Remember that sperm can live in your body for up to 6 days. That means that even if you have irregular cycles, your chances of becoming pregnant are much greater if you have frequent sex (once in 2 days) all month.
If you have sex often, you’ll probably catch the fertile days on your calendar.
Give up bad habits
Getting healthy is one of the best ways to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. Depending on the cause of your irregular menstrual cycles, these lifestyle changes might or might not be enough to solve the underlying issue.
However, even if you do need medical treatment, getting healthier will always help you get pregnant faster and sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Get rid of these bad habits to improve your chances of becoming pregnant:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Consuming excessive caffeine
- Not getting enough sleep
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Too much exercise or dieting.
Maintain your ideal weight
Whether you are overweight or underweight, reaching a healthy weight can help with fertility issues.
Both these weight issues can cause hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation, causing irregular cycles and preventing you from falling pregnant naturally. Additionally, moderate exercise has also been shown to help your fertility.
If you’ve decided that you want to try to conceive, reaching a healthy weight can help regulate these imbalances. Keep in mind that in some cases, weight issues are caused by hormonal misbalance and not the other way around.
If you’re having a hard time reaching a healthier weight, talk to your doctor to rule out any hormonal conditions that could be causing these issues.
Eat a healthy diet
Research shows that eating healthy foods is a great way to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. Although there isn’t one specific “fertility diet” that you need to follow, plenty of foods can help improve your chances of conceiving.
These are some of the best foods for fertility:
- Low-mercury fish
- Leafy greens
- Fruits
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Yogurt
- Lean animal protein
- Complex carbs
- Healthy fats.
Incorporate these foods into a balanced diet, along with plenty of water, to improve your odds of getting pregnant quick.
There are also some foods you should avoid if you’re trying to conceive:
- Fried foods
- Refined sugar
- Carbonated drinks or fruit juices
- White bread
- Breakfast cereals
- Starchy vegetables
- Simple carbs
- Trans fats
- High-mercury fish.
De-stress yourself
Stress can have a big negative impact on your menstrual cycle and fertility. Learning how to de-stress can help you get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Chronic stress or even anxiety can delay your ovulation. Research has shown that women who report high levels of stress are more likely to suffer from irregular cycles or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for more than 6 months).
Ironically, actively trying to conceive can lead to some stress and worry. Incorporate some stress management techniques into your routine to manage stress and anxiety. This will improve the odds that you’ll be able to get pregnant faster.
Consult your doctor
Like we’ve stated above, lifestyle changes can help improve your chances of conceiving, but they can’t replace medical treatment for underlying conditions.
If you’re constantly experiencing irregular cycles, head to the doctor so they can determine the cause of your issues.
Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination, an ultrasound, and order laboratory tests to measure your hormonal levels.
This will give them the necessary information to diagnose any health conditions that might be causing your irregular cycles.
They’ll also ask you about your menstruations and look for symptoms of anovulatory cycles.
Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will be able to prescribe the treatment you need. They’ll also be able to advise you on how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally, or refer you to a fertility specialist.
Home treatment for irregular periods
You should never try to diagnose or treat any hormonal imbalances on your own. Making healthier lifestyle choices can help regulate hormonal processes in your body.
If you’re dealing with irregular cycles, try exercising, eating a healthier diet, stress management techniques, yoga, and cutting out unhealthy habits.
These changes can help regulate your cycles. However, you should always consult your doctor about any symptoms related to your menstruation.
The great news is that leading a healthier life and asking your doctor for advice can help get your period back on track so that you can get pregnant fast.
ALSO READ: Malaysia’s Dropping Fertility Rates: What To Do When The Man Is Infertile
It is never easy to walk around without a baby but never give up your hope to have one. Everyone will get their chance but never in the same time. So just wait for your turn, and until then, stay healthy and do a regular check on your menstrual cycle.
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