Irregular periods

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or other underlying condition.

There are a number of potential reasons for irregular menstrual cycles. Finding out more about the root cause can help to plan a protocol to support regular periods and hormone health. Nutrition and herbal supports can be highly effective in supporting menstrual issues.

Key Facts

A variety of conditions may cause irregular cycles including PCOS, thyroid conditions and adrenal issues. These conditions can benefit hugely from a functional medicine approach
Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by stress, excessive exercise, calorie restriction, being underweight and malabsorption of nutrients, particularly iron deficiency
Regular blood tests do not always give sufficient information about hormones. We use functional medicine tests such as the DUTCH comprehensive hormone test to personalise protocols
Herbal formulas can be highly effective at balancing hormones and restoring a cycle
Longer term absence of periods can affect your bone health
If you have no periods, it is important to rule out any serious underlying cause with your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor about possible causes of spotting during your cycle and keep up to date with regular cervical smear tests.

Best Test Options

Help Me Find The Right Plan

I actually got a period - a miracle!! Not only that, I have had another and am really beginning to feel a lot better in myself. I had many signs of hormonal changes and just general PMS type symptoms such as hormonal skin break-outs, slight cramping, the odd mood changes - but all that I feel relate to signs of a returning menstrual cycle. I still follow much of the advice and overall I feel very well. So a BIG THANK YOU! I feel like you have really helped me get to where I am now and I am so hopeful that when the time comes that we want to start a family that we will be able to do this.
Patient
Dublin
I had been having irregular periods since I was eighteen. I had been to countless doctors, allergy clinics, gynaecologists and specialists and was tested for everything under the sun, but there was no definitive answer. It was actually on the day of my third consultation that my period returned. It’s amazing to have been given both a reason and a solution to my problem and to know that it was something in my control that I could change as long as I was given good concrete advice on what to do. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience. My Nutritionist was also welcoming and warm, which makes discussing such problems so much easier. And as well as my periods returning, I just feel a million times better in every aspect of my health.
Patient
Dublin
While other doctors cover up symptoms with drugs, with Positive Nutrition I got a data-analysed, personalised approach with very specific nutrients and supplements to heal from the inside. The body is a system and everything is connected; after 2 months of the protocol my period returned after being absent for over 4 years. With this, multiple health problems improved including inflammation, digestion, skin health and depression. My consultations have massively improved my quality of life
Patient
Dublin

Patient Story

History

Rosanna attended our clinic with highly irregular periods for two years since her first child was born. She was hoping to conceive again at some point and wanted to make sure her hormones had returned to a balanced state after her pregnancy. She also felt very run down and was lacking in sleep and eating on the run.

Tests

Rosanna carried out advanced thyroid tests to rule out thyroid issues which are common after pregnancy. We also measured her sex hormone levels such as oestrogen, progesterone but also testosterone, SHBG and prolactin to rule out PCOS or additional underlying conditions.

A Functional Nutritional Profile was carried out to assess nutritional deficiencies which may be contributing to her fatigue, stress and imbalanced hormones.

Rosanna had low iron stores, low vitamin D and low zinc and magnesium, all of which could have contributed to her fatigue, reduced resilience to stress and hormonal imbalances.

Plan

Rosanna adapted her eating habits to support her energy and stress levels, including more dietary sources of iron, zinc and magnesium.

A simple plan with practical suggestions and easy recipes were provided given her very busy lifestyle.

A tailored supplement protocol was recommended to restore critical levels of nutrients and a herb and nutrient complex was used to balance her hormone levels.

Outcome

Rosanna’s cycles returned to normal within 3 months of commencing the protocol. She continued with the healthy eating plan and re-tested her most critical minerals before trying to conceive again.

“I’m delighted with the progress so far, My cycle is much more regular and predictable. We’ll start trying again soon so will be back to you for more advice then!”

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