Irregular Cycles - What's My Body Telling Me?

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles: What’s My Body Telling Me?

Today, we’re diving into the topic of irregular menstrual cycles and what your body might be trying to tell you. It's crucial to start with the belief that our bodies are always looking out for us. So, if you're experiencing irregular cycles, it's essential to understand the messages your body is sending.

Defining Irregular Cycles

Irregular menstrual cycles are those that fall outside the 21 to 35-day range from the first day of one bleed to the first day of the next. Even if your cycles fall within this range, inconsistency from one cycle to the next (e.g., 26 days one month, 32 days the next) is also considered irregular- although you have a likelihood of ovulating if you’re within the 21-35 day window. You can use other measures like a rise in basal body temperature and changes in cervical mucus to also give you clues into ovulation. Consistency in our body’s rhythms—whether it’s menstrual cycles, bowel habits, mood, or sleep—is a significant indicator of overall health.

The Impact of External and Internal Consistency

Creating consistency in your external environment, such as regular sleep and eating schedules, supports internal bodily functions. For example, traveling to different time zones often disrupts menstrual cycles due to changes in light exposure, sleep, and eating patterns.

Medical Causes of Irregular Cycles

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
• PCOS is a common cause of irregular cycles and is characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone.
• Symptoms include chin hairs, nipple hairs, back hairs, belly hairs, jawline acne, and confirmed high androgen levels on blood tests.
• PCOS can also be identified via ultrasound showing cysts on the ovaries.
• Diagnostic criteria are based on presence of 2 out of 3 of the following symptoms: High androgens (on blood tests or based on symptoms of hair growth and acne), Irregular cycles, cysts on ultrasound. There are different sub-types of PCOS- checking for insulin resistance, inflammation and having a history of oral contraceptive use. 
2. Thyroid Conditions:
• Thyroid disorders are another common cause of irregular cycles. The thyroid acts as the body's conductor, orchestrating the rhythm of various bodily functions.
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) symptoms include feeling cold, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) symptoms include feeling hot, sweating, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and frequent bowel movements.
• Blood tests for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) help diagnose thyroid issues. Further testing of thyroid hormones Free T3 and Free T4 as well as thyroid antibodies will give a more thorough assessment of your thyroid. 
3. Prolactin Levels:
• High prolactin levels can disrupt menstrual cycles. Prolactin is responsible for breast milk production and can be elevated if you're breastfeeding or due to a pituitary gland issue.
4. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea:
• This condition occurs when the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates ovulation, reduces hormone production due to insufficient calorie intake triggering significant stress to the body. 
5. Perimenopause:
• As women approach menopause, the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases, leading to irregular cycles. This is a natural progression that occurs. 

Functional Causes of Irregular Cycles

Addressing irregular cycles from a functional perspective involves focusing on the four female fundamentals: nervous system health, metabolic balance, nutrient intake, and blood sugar regulation.

1. Nervous System Health:
• A balanced nervous system supports overall health. Stress can push your body into a state of imbalance, affecting menstrual regularity.
• Think of the nervous system as a traffic light: green (flow and ease), orange (stress and urgency), and red (fatigue and depression).
• Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help maintain a balanced (green light) state.
• When our nervous system is in an orange or red light, the knock on effects in the body affect the connection and rhythm between the brain and ovaries, this then impacts hormone production and regularity of our menstrual cycle. 
2. Metabolic Balance:
• Metabolic health is really how our cells utilize energy. If our other 3 fundamentals aren’t cared for, how our cells utilize energy is affected. One of the first signs you may notice is an irregular menstrual cycle. 
• Direct ways you can support your metabolism:
1. Regular physical activity, such as a daily 20-30 minute walk, helps regulate metabolism and supports menstrual health.
2. Eating consistently throughout the day and pairing carbohydrates with proteins can help stabilize blood sugars.
3. Nutrient Intake:
• Appropriate nutrient intake allows for the cells to metabolize energy effectively. Giving them the building blocks to be able to perform their function and allowing for the connection between the brain and ovaries to be consistent. 
• Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. Testing your nutrient levels can help identify deficiencies and guide dietary adjustments. (Test your fundamentals here)
4. Blood Sugar Regulation:
• Blood sugar dysregulation can raise blood sugars, this impacts the other fundamentals: Increasing cortisol, which when chronic, slows thyroid function. High blood sugars increase insulin levels, this then decreases sex hormone binding globulin which then raises free hormones which can trigger high amounts of androgens, a cornerstone of PCOS. High blood sugars require calcium, magnesium, manganese and chromium to balance. Consistently high blood sugars place load on these nutrients and cause imbalance. 
• Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial for hormonal health. Avoiding refined sugars and focusing on whole foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Moving your body after meals can aid in blood sugar regulation.

Energetic Perspective on Irregular Cycles

Energetics involves understanding the unseen forces that impact our physical health. Irregular cycles can indicate underlying stress or uncertainty in various aspects of life, such as relationships, job stability, or finances. Addressing these stressors can help restore balance to your menstrual cycles.

Medical Tests for Irregular Cycles

If you're experiencing irregular cycles, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider and get the following tests:

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
• Prolactin
• SHBG
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone- Ideally with Free T4 and Free T3 and antibodies) 
• Testosterone levels (free and bound)
• DHEA and DHEA-S
• Oestradiol and progesterone (21 day if possible)  levels
• Blood sugars: HbA1c, fasting insulin, Glucose tolerance test
• Pelvic ultrasound

These tests help identify any significant issues with the brain, thyroid, liver, pancreas, adrenal glands or ovaries.

Supporting Your Body Naturally

1. Nervous System:
• Focus on activities that bring pleasure and play. Practice relaxation techniques to maintain a balanced nervous system.
2. Metabolism:
• Incorporate daily movement and outdoor activities. Sunlight and grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces) can boost metabolism.
3. Nutrients:
• Ensure a balanced intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Whole foods rich in essential nutrients support overall health.
4. Blood Sugar:
• Eat balanced meals with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods.

Where to from here?

Understanding what your body is telling you through irregular menstrual cycles is crucial for maintaining overall health. By addressing the medical, functional, and energetic aspects of your health, you can support your body in achieving regular cycles. Always consult with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment. Focus on the four female fundamentals—nervous system health, metabolic balance, nutrient intake, and blood sugar regulation—to support your menstrual health.

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