Irregular Periods and Pregnancy: What You Should Know

Irregular Periods And Pregnancy is a common problem for many women who are trying to get pregnant. Sometimes, irregular periods can show issues with ovulation or hormonal imbalances and this can also affect fertility. It’s important to understand how irregular cycles can affect pregnancy. In this blog, we will explain how irregular periods can affect pregnancy and what steps you can take to manage this.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior gynecologist and IVF specialist, has helped many couples to manage their fertility issues. Today, in this blog, we will cover everything about irregular periods and pregnancy. We will discuss the diagnosis, treatment options, and more.

Causes Of Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it’s nothing serious but sometimes it can be a sign of a health issue. Here are some common causes:

• Stress: The brain controls your hormones and periods and too much stress can affect the functioning of the brain.
• Weight Changes: Gaining or losing a lot of weight quickly can affect your cycle.
• Poor Diet: It’s important to eat healthy and avoid too much junk to manage your menstrual health.
• Too Much Exercise: It’s important to note that very heavy workouts can sometimes stop or delay your periods.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Problems with hormones like in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can cause irregular periods.
• Thyroid Problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid can also change your period pattern.
• Birth Control Pills: Starting or stopping pills can affect the timing of your periods.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, or infections can also lead to irregular cycles.

How Irregular Periods Affect Your Fertility?

Irregular periods can make it harder to get pregnant because this means that your body is not ovulating regularly. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and this is the time you are most likely to get pregnant. If you don’t know when or if you are ovulating then it becomes difficult to plan pregnancy.

There are some women with irregular periods who may still ovulate, but not every month. Some others might not ovulate at all. This can lower the chances of fertilization. There are some conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues, which often cause irregular cycles. This can also affect egg quality and hormone balance and these are important for fertility.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and have irregular periods then it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. Irregular periods and pregnancy can be managed with the right tests and treatment to have a healthy lifestyle.

Common Conditions Associated with Irregular Periods

Irregular periods are often associated with certain health conditions. These conditions can affect your hormones and the way your body works. Here are some common ones:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is one of the most common reasons for irregular periods. It happens when the ovaries make too many male hormones and small cysts form inside them.
• Thyroid Problems: Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect your menstrual cycle.
• Diabetes: High or low blood sugar levels can affect hormone balance and may lead to changes in your periods.
• Eating Disorders: Problems like anorexia or bulimia can stop periods because the body doesn’t get enough nutrients to support a regular cycle.
• High Prolactin Levels: Prolactin is a hormone that helps with breast milk. If your body makes too much of it then your periods can become irregular.
• Premature Ovarian Failure: This means the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40 and this can lead to missed or irregular periods.

When to Consult a Doctor for Irregular Periods?

It’s normal for your period to sometimes be a little late or early. But if the changes happen often or seem unusual then it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. You should consult a doctor if:

• You bleed very heavily for more than 7 days.
• Your periods stop for more than 3 months (and you’re not pregnant).
• You have strong pain during periods.
• You notice spotting between periods often.
• The cycle is very short (less than 21 days) or very long (more than 35 days).
• You’re trying to get pregnant but finding it difficult.
• You have signs like weight gain, hair loss, or unusual hair growth on your face/body.

How to Track Ovulation with Irregular Cycles?

Tracking ovulation with irregular periods may seem difficult but it’s possible with the right methods. Ovulation is when your body releases an egg and it’s the best time to try for a baby.

Here are some ways to track ovulation, even if your cycle isn’t regular:

• Track Your Body Temperature: Take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. A slight rise (about 0.5 to 1°F) may mean ovulation has happened.
• Check Cervical Mucus: Around ovulation, your vaginal discharge becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery like raw egg white.
• Use Ovulation Kits: These are home test kits that check your hormone levels in urine. They can help you know when your body is getting ready to release an egg.
• Keep a Period Calendar: Even if your cycle is irregular, tracking your period each month can help you see period cycle and fertility.
• Use an App: There are many mobile apps that help you note symptoms, periods, and other signs. There are some apps that even predict fertile days.

Treatment Options for Irregular Periods and Pregnancy

It’s important to know the cause of the irregular cycle. It’s important to find the reasons to help the doctors find the right treatment. Here are some common options:

• Lifestyle Changes: It’s important to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and reduce stress to make your periods more regular and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
• Medicines to Balance Hormones: Doctors may give medicines like hormonal pills to control your menstrual cycle. If you’re trying to conceive, they might suggest ovulation-stimulating medicines like clomiphene or letrozole.
• Treatment for PCOS or Thyroid Issues: It’s important to treat conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalance to help your irregular periods and pregnancy.
• Fertility Treatments: There are many treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) that may be suggested when natural methods don’t work.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may ask you to track ovulation through blood tests, ultrasounds, or home kits to find the right time to get pregnant.

Tips to Improve Fertility with Irregular Periods

There are some lifestyle changes that you can do to improve your chances to get pregnant. Here are some helpful lifestyle tips which you can follow:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Try to include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats in your diet.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect your hormones and periods. Try to maintain a weight that’s healthy for your body type.
• Exercise Regularly: Do simple activities like walking, yoga, or light workouts to balance your hormones and support a regular cycle.
• Reduce Stress: It’s important to reduce stress because it can affect your hormones. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time doing the things you enjoy.
• Sleep Well: Good sleep is important to help your body to rest and keep your hormones in balance. Try to have 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: It’s better to avoid these because they can affect your fertility and overall health.

Final Words

Irregular periods and pregnancy can be difficult to understand for many women who are trying to conceive. In this blog, we’ve explained what irregular periods mean, what causes them and how they affect your chances of getting pregnant. We have also explained what you can do to improve your fertility. It’s important to know about these to take the right steps on your fertility journey.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has supported many women with irregular cycles and fertility challenges. If you need help or have questions, feel free to contact us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected]. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Can You Get Pregnant with Irregular Periods?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with irregular periods, but it might take longer. Tracking ovulation can be harder, so getting medical guidance can help.

• Can I be pregnant with irregular periods?

Yes, if you have had unprotected sex, pregnancy is still possible even if your periods are not regular. A pregnancy test or doctor’s visit can confirm it.

• How much delay in periods is normal?

A delay of a few days (up to a week) can be normal sometimes. But if your periods are often late or you skip months, it’s best to speak to a doctor.

• What are the symptoms of pregnancy for irregular periods?

Some signs include missed periods, tiredness, nausea, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. If you notice these, take a test or visit your doctor.

• Is it possible to miss your period but not be pregnant?

Yes, stress, weight changes, illness, or hormonal issues can delay or stop your period even if you’re not pregnant.