variance in cycle length

[sparkle5301]

Hi Gabriella
I am hoping you can help, or at least give me some advice.

I had a mirena removed august 2008, and my periods returned straight away, with a cycle length of 24 days.

At the beginning of this year, I had two cycles of 28 days, then last month 35 days. This cycle was only 23 days.

I have cut out all alcohol, and have reduced to one coffee per day. I do not eat junk food at all, and exercise approx. 4 times per week.

My question is, is it normal to have a variance in cylce length? Does this mean I will not be able to get pregnant? Is there anything I can do, or have checked ie. hormone levels? I just feel like something isn't quite right, as I get period pain for most of my cycle.

Thanking you in advance.

[GabrielaRosa]

Hi Gabriella
I am hoping you can help, or at least give me some advice.

I had a mirena removed august 2008, and my periods returned straight away, with a cycle length of 24 days.

At the beginning of this year, I had two cycles of 28 days, then last month 35 days. This cycle was only 23 days.

I have cut out all alcohol, and have reduced to one coffee per day. I do not eat junk food at all, and exercise approx. 4 times per week.

My question is, is it normal to have a variance in cylce length? Does this mean I will not be able to get pregnant? Is there anything I can do, or have checked ie. hormone levels? I just feel like something isn't quite right, as I get period pain for most of my cycle.

Thanking you in advance.

Hi Sparkle, (I love that name!)

Cycle lengths can vary and there are many reasons namely nutritional deficiencies, stress, environmental exposure to toxins, and many others in between. The fact that you were on the Mirena can also indicate another possibility about why you are now experiencing possible hormonal imbalances. The Mirena is an IUD that also releases hormones onto your blood stream, which have a similar effect to the pill and the added IUD effect.

Cycle variation does not necessarily mean you cannot or will not conceive... Depending on which part of your cycle (folllicular--1st half or luteal--2nd half) is shorted there can be some difficulty for a pregnancy to take place. However, this is often an easy to address issue—provided you use the right tools.

Mostly a problem arises when the luteal phase is shortened because it doesn't allow the endometrium enough time to prepare itself implantation. A luteal phase that is 11 days or shorter can mean an infertile cycle. Also period pain is not normal despite being a very common symptoms for a lot of women. Often this results as an imbalance in hormones that is best addressed with a natural approach.

Herbal medicines are an excellent way to address this issue. I’d highly recommend visiting an experience practitioner who understands the female cycle and who would be able to support you though this. You will also find some more information on my website.

Best wishes!

Gabriela Rosa | Author, Natural Fertility Specialist, Researcher, Speaker
BHSc, ND, Post Grad NFM, DBM, Dip Nut, MATMS, MNHAA
EFT | Natural Fertility | Women’s & Men's Health

‘Committed to helping couples create healthy babies and empowering individuals through better health.’