Signs of an Irregular Cycle: A Balancing Act

Even if we’ve had hundreds of periods in our lives, I think most of us still greet the first day of our period with the thought, “Already?! Again?!” Some of us experience easy and regular cycles, while others don’t so often. Whatever side of the spectrum you are on, most would opt for the easiest and most breezy cycle they can have.

While some discomfort is normal, there may be times when our bodies are trying to send a different message. Imbalances, sporadic timeliness, and cramps that put you in the fetal position can all be signs of an irregular cycle.

Here are 5 common signs of an irregular cycle and some tips to find your balance:

1. Cramps that hinder your style: Because a lot of things happen in our bodies when we start our period, it’s normal to feel the cramps and it’s our body’s way of communicating with us. But when cramps regularly prevent us from getting through the days, it’s time to make some changes. Our stress levels, dietary habits and hormonal imbalance can all contribute.
2. Bleeding patterns: If you bleed irregularly, bleed between periods, or have noticeably heavy bleeding, it could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance and need attention. It’s also a good idea to focus on liver health because our livers help process excess hormones from the body.
3. Emotions are the main players: A little irritability and emotional impulsiveness are just part of female hormones. Feeling so down that it affects the quality of your life is another story. It is important to find mood balance as hormone cycles change into another. Exercise, nutrients, mood-enhancing herbs and teas, and cycle tracking can all help improve your mood before and during your period. It is equally important to tune in to the times when you are most likely to be emotionally vulnerable. Take space and release emotions when necessary.
4. Fatigue that doesn’t go away: It’s normal to need more sleep during certain phases of our cycle, and we should listen to our body when it asks for rest. But fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest and nutrients can tell us that our livers are sluggish and hormones are starting to take over. It is also an indication that our adrenal glands need more nourishment.
5. The Gastro Show: Our appetites can fluctuate during our cycle, but constant trips to the bathroom, uncomfortable bloating that doesn’t go away after a day or two, and feelings of nausea can indicate a deeper problem. It stems from the same reason pregnant women suffer from morning sickness during their early trimester; too much of one hormone causing the scale to become uneven.

Herbal aids to help regulate and soothe your cycle

Many discomforts arise from imbalanced hormones. Sometimes it’s too much estrogen, sometimes it’s too much progesterone and sometimes it’s not enough. The best place to start is by taking herbs that will help bring your body back into balance, no matter which side you are on. Herbs like Vitex, Wild Yam, Dandelion and Burdock are all staples that help achieve ease and balance. Vitex and Wild Yam harmonize hormones, while Dandelion and Burdock support liver and hormone processing. These herbs, plus other great plant-based allies, can be found in Cycle Harmony and Cycle Changes. Cycle Harmony can be taken throughout the cycle to support each stage and stage. For people in perimenopause or menopause, Cycle Changes helps alleviate the discomfort associated with the hormone shift. For extra emotional support, PMS Emotional supports a positive mood and a calm nervous system to help you get through the day.

Listening to your body and feeling for the signals of irregularities is a great act of self-care! If any discomfort worsens over time and is not relieved by increased nutrition and herbal support, seek advice from a doctor or naturopathic doctor.

Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey leader at WishGarden Herbs.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.

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