How to Get Pregnant with Irregular Periods: Tracking and Fertility Tips

This article will cover everything you need to know about irregular periods so you can take control of your cycle and fertility. Read on for more.

The average menstrual cycle totals about 28 days (with day one being when your period comes—the day you start bleeding). Minor fluctuations here and there are common, but a cycle is considered “irregular” when it falls outside the range of 24 to 38 days. 1

Irregular cycles can take many forms. Sometimes, a cycle being irregular just means your period will arrive at an unpredictable time, but it’ll still come more or less every month. Other times, it may mean going for a long stretch without a period at all and then getting one unexpectedly.

One of the main causes of irregular periods is stress. Whether that comes in the form of workplace drama, family issues, financial setbacks, or something else, life’s ups and downs can take a toll on your hormones and throw your cycle off. 2

There are also several health problems that can cause an irregular cycle, which range from mild to serious. Some of the most common suspects include:

• Weight issues: Being significantly underweight or overweight can throw your hormones off balance and affect your menstruation and ovulation. 3
• Thyroid issues: When your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can affect your hormonal regulation. Other symptoms of thyroid issues include mental fuzziness, weight changes, hair loss, and constipation. 4
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder leads to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and the presence of elevated androgen levels (testosterone) in your system. 5
• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI): This is a condition in which your ovaries stop working before you hit 40. You’ll experience irregular or no periods, low estrogen, and other symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and mood changes. 6
• Perimenopause: When you approach menopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels will naturally decline, leading to irregular cycles and ovulation. This transition lasts 2–8 years and makes getting pregnant more difficult. Expect symptoms like frequent urination, night sweats, and insomnia. 7

This list isn’t exhaustive, and there are other health issues that can cause menstrual irregularity, including certain types of diabetes.

Should you see a doctor about irregular periods?

It’s OK to shrug off the occasional deviation from your ordinary cycle due to temporary factors like stress, travel, or changes in your exercise routine. However, if your cycle is consistently irregular or you see any other concerning signs, you should see a doctor to rule out the more serious issues listed above.

You should definitely get medical attention if any of the following sound familiar: 8

• Your period has been MIA for two or more months.
• When you do get your period, your menstrual bleeding lasts for more than a week.
• You saturate a pad or tampon with blood every 1–2 hours..
• You have severe period pain.
• You’ve tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for a year (if you’re under 35) or six months (if you’re 35 or older). 9

Ovulation happens when your ovary drops a mature egg, which is necessary for you to get pregnant. An irregular cycle makes it hard to predict when ovulation will occur, which in turn makes it harder to conceive.

When you have irregular periods, you might not ovulate every month at all, or you may find that it happens at different times each cycle. Adding to the confusion, you can get your “period” without ovulating (although that isn’t considered menstruation), and the reverse is also true: you can ovulate without getting your period. 10

When your periods aren’t playing nice, tracking your cycle can feel like a guessing game. Fortunately, there are ways to manage irregular periods and improve your chances of conceiving.

How to detect ovulation when you have irregular cycles

If you have irregular cycles, it can be hard to predict when you’re due to ovulate. Using an ovulation calculator can help, and there are also several other methods you can use to track your cycle. The first three can be done at home, whereas the last requires visiting a doctor.

• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs): You can use an ovulation test strip to spot spikes in something called the “luteinizing hormone” (LH), which occurs 24–48 hours before you ovulate. (Note that, because LH is similar to the hormone that pregnancy tests check for, ovulation tests can also be positive if you’re pregnant already, although you shouldn’t use one as a substitute for a real pregnancy test.) 11
• Basal body temperature (BBT) charting: You can also sometimes get a handle on an irregular cycle by tracking your body’s temperature. There may be a subtle uptick after ovulation. 12
• Cervical mucus monitoring: If you see clear, stretch, egg-white-like mucus after wiping, that can also be one of the signs of ovulation. 13
• Transvaginal ultrasound and blood work: This method can’t be done at home. If you’re really struggling, doctors can use ultrasound imaging and blood tests to determine if and when you’re ovulating. 14

You aren’t limited to just one method, of course—combining multiple will give you a more complete picture of your cycle.

Lifestyle adjustments to regularize your cycle

As mentioned, sometimes irregular periods are caused by medical issues, which you can’t (and shouldn’t) treat on your own. However, sometimes, they’re caused by lifestyle factors.

If you maintain a healthy weight, adopt a regular exercise routine (without overdoing it), and eat a balanced diet, you may find that your periods come more regularly. Also, make time for relaxing activities, like meditating or walking in nature. It’s important not to dismiss the role that stress can play in your hormonal cycle.

Medical interventions for irregular periods

As mentioned, if your irregular periods have persisted for a while, it’s worth seeing a doctor. Even if it turns out that there’s nothing seriously wrong with you, a professional can work with you to root out the underlying cause behind your misbehaving cycle and tailor a treatment plan. This will make it much easier to conceive than if you keep trying to tackle this alone.

The treatment plan your doctor will recommend will depend on the likely cause of your irregular cycle. In some cases, they may prescribe you medication, possibly containing progestin (a man-made version of progesterone). 15

They may also try to address the root cause of your irregularity, if they think that’s feasible. For instance, if they suspect you have a nutritional deficiency, they’ll take a look at your diet with you and see if there are any adjustments you can make that may solve the problem.

Again, irregular periods are frustrating. Know that you’re not alone and that your unruly cycle probably isn’t a deal-breaker on your path to parenthood.

If you’re struggling with this, be patient with yourself. Getting your cycle to regulate itself will take time, and the less pressure you put on yourself, the more likely it is that Mother Nature will smile on your efforts. Good luck!