Irregular periods can signify an impediment to getting pregnant. Follow our 12-step program to deal with this problem:

1. See an Ob / Gyn.
   The best person to seek advice from regarding irregular periods is your gynecologist. The gynecologist is trained to diagnose and understand any lifestyle or health problems that may be causing the change in the period cycle.

2. Be at your optimal weight. Both underweight and obese women will be more likely to suffer from irregular periods and will have problems with ovulation. With weight loss (if you are overweight) or weight gain (if you are underweight) often comes a regular menstrual period cycle, regular ovulations and improved fertility. Check your BMI with our BMI calculator and see if you are overweight HERE.

3. Choose healthy foods. Foods that are high in fats and processed ingredients can cause all sorts of changes in the body including irregular periods. Eating a whole food diet - one that is based on foods you cook or prepare - is the best option for overall body health and for menstrual health.
4. Exercise daily. Recent studies have linked exercise to a huge list of health problems and solutions. Exercise can help to regulate menstrual cycles by reducing the amount of fat surrounding the ovaries and other internal organs.
5. Skip the morning coffee. Caffeine is coming up in research studies left and right for the negative effects on the body. Pregnant women are already advised to avoid caffeine during pregnancy and the same goes for women with irregular periods.
6. Avoid stress at all costs. Stress plays a huge factor in the menstrual period cycle. The more stress felt on a daily basis, the more apt the female is to throw off her menstrual cycle. Stress is often perceived and when the stress is reduced, the menstrual cycle will fall back into a natural rhythm.
7. Keep sanitary supplies on hand. With irregular periods comes the change of starting the next menstrual cycle when the female is not prepared. This means carrying sanitary supplies on hand at all times just in case.
8. Choose the right birth control pill. Several birth control pills are prescribed for their ability to regulate the menstrual cycle. There are even some that stop the cycle all together in women who have very heavy periods or periods that last longer than average. These birth control pills are often low dose medications and their ability to prevent pregnancy should be discussed with the gynecologist prescribing the medication.
9. Understand abnormal. Not every period that follows a cycle other than the 28 days is considered abnormal. Every woman has a different menstrual cycle and just because one woman has her period like clockwork every 28 days does not mean every women will have that same time cycle.
10. Have estrogen (and other hormones) tested. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are three hormones present in the female body that can affect the menstrual cycle and irregular periods. These hormones can be out of balance and thus the menstrual cycle is out of balance. Hormone supplementation is the most common treatment for hormone deficiencies or abnormalities.
11. Note life changes. For women who are changing jobs, moving in the near future or making a huge life change, there can be temporary irregular periods associated with the stress and change.
12. Be patient. If there are changes in life, diet, exercise and weight - the menstrual cycle can also change. Patience and relaxation are the best choices to regulate the menstrual cycle thrown off by any of these causes.