What is Amenorrhea
Causes of Absent Period
When to see a Doctor
Herbs to Promote Menstruation
Abdominal/Fertility Massage
Summary
It can be quite frustrating if you are trying to get pregnant, yet have no period. Having a healthy cycle is step one for boosting your fertility naturally and being able to get pregnant. There is a myriad of reasons your cycle may be irregular such as stress, dietary deficiencies, low body weight, getting off of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, perimenopause or other underlying issues.
Since the lining of the uterus is not being shed, it is very important to clear out the old blood and establish a healthy cycle again. This can be done naturally and effectively with herbs and nutrition. I have talked with many clients who have been offered synthetic estrogen to get their period going again… taking synthetic estrogen for this issue is like using a sledge hammer on a thumb tack.
Absent Period… Otherwise Known as Amenorrhea
Absent period is known as amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is divided into two distinct groups: primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea, with secondary amenorrhea being the most common.
Note: Absent menstrual cycles due to perimenopause and menopause are not considered amenorrhea.
Primary Amenorrhea
Defined as the absence of menstruation by the age of 14 with no secondary sexual characteristics, or the absence of menstruation by the age of 16 regardless of secondary sexual characteristics. Examples of secondary sexual characteristics in women are enlargement of breasts, widening of hips, armpit, pubic and leg hair and body odor. Primary amenorrhea is uncommon, happening in about only 0.3% of women.
Often natural therapies do not work as well for women with primary amenorrhea because there is usually an underlying developmental issue for those women. In the case of primary amenorrhea, it may be best to find a reproductive endocrinologist to work with. We are not saying natural therapies and herbs will not work for primary amenorrhea, just that this condition is more difficult to work with. It is still very beneficial to eat well and choose healthy lifestyle practices.
Secondary amenorrhea
Defined as the absence of menstruation for the total of at least 3 previous menstrual cycle lengths, or at least 6 months in a woman who previously had a menstrual cycle and is still in her reproductive years. Reproductive years are defined as menarche, when a woman begins her menstrual cycle in puberty, until menopause, which happens around the ages of 40-55. Secondary amenorrhea is more common than primary amenorrhea.
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Causes of Absent Period
A menstrual cycle that has stopped is not a disease, it may be a sign that there is an underlying imbalance in the body. A regular menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex system of messages and actions orchestrated by the endocrine system. The endocrine glands work together to send messages via hormones. This is called the feedback loop.
In very simple terms the hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormones) which signals to the pituitary to produce LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to signal to the ovaries that it is their turn to release estrogen and progesterone, which is recognized by the pituitary gland.
Simple right? Not so. As you can see a healthy cycle is dependent on each part of the feedback loop functioning properly. Think of it as an orchestra; if just one part of the cycle is off, it will throw the entire cycle off, causing imbalances that can affect regular menstrual cycles.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Sometimes the body is not getting enough nutrition daily to be able to sustain normal functions, including the menstrual cycle. There are many very important nutrients the body requires to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. Nutritional deficiencies can actually cause menstrual cycle irregularities and eventually may cause the entire cycle to stop.
What you eat daily makes up every part of your body. You are what you eat!
Learn how to eat a healthy whole food fertility diet! Harvard performed a recent study that showed an 80% decrease in infertility with the lifestyle changes made by switching to a fertility diet. Women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors, including changing specific aspects of their diets, experienced more than 80 percent less relative risk of infertility due to ovulatory disorders compared to women who engaged in none of the factors.
Eating a wide variety of whole foods is vital to a healthy menstrual cycle. The body relies on the foods we consume daily to function at its best. There are key nutrients and foods that support a healthy menstrual cycle; if any of these are lacking there may be a deficiency that may be contributing to an absent period. Be sure you are getting enough of the following…
Iron: Studies have shown that women who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer anovulation (lack of ovulation) and possibly poor egg health, which can inhibit pregnancy at a rate 60% higher than those with sufficient iron stores in their blood, according to researchers from Nova IVI Fertility Centre and Jaya College of Arts and Sciences in India, as published in 2014 in the International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review.
Foods rich in iron are divided into two groups heme and nonheme. This simply means it comes from an animal source or a non-animal source. Heme iron sources are grass fed, free-range organic bison, chicken, eggs, elk, beef, and wild caught Alaskan salmon. Nonheme iron-rich foods include blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beans, nettles, amaranth, dark leafy greens, Turkish apricots (unsulphured), seaweed, and quinoa.
In their book The Fertility Diet, Jorge Chavarro, MD and Walter C. Willett, MD reveal, from the landmark Nurses’ Health Study, research proving that food can boost fertility. About iron in particular Chavarrio and Willett share, “In a study of women who were having ovulation problems, 40% became fertile after supplementing with iron.”
Vitamin C: Vitamin C may improve hormone levels and increase fertility in women. The body requires food sources of vitamin C for proper iron absorption, so be sure to eat a food high in vitamin C when consuming a food high in iron. Great food sources of vitamin C are red bell peppers, oranges, strawberries and hibiscus flower tea.
B Vitamins: Green vegetables are rich in B vitamins which are necessary for proper hormonal balance. Think of Swiss chard, kale, watercress, seaweed, spirulina, collard greens, nettles, parsley and basil!
Essential fatty acids: EFA’s are important for hormone production. Many women are low in EFAs, specifically omega 3. Some foods rich in EFAs are flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines, halibut, shrimp, snapper, scallops, chia seeds and cod liver oil.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol is necessary for hormone production. Avoid eating a ‘low-fat’ diet and make sure to eat a diet that includes whole fat animal products sourced from grass-fed animals. Foods rich in clean cholesterol: grass-fed beef, raw milk from grass-fed cows or goats, whole milk yogurt and kefir, free-range/pastured eggs, butter from grass-fed milk (Kerry Gold is a common one), and coconut oil.
Fiber: Fiber helps to remove excess hormones from the body which may be causing hormonal imbalance. Fiber also helps to regulate the blood sugar levels, which helps to reduce fertility issues such as PCOS and immunological issues, and promotes healthy hormonal balance. Some examples of high fiber foods are fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, and beans.
Zinc: This is just one of the minerals that the body uses to keep hormone levels (like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) stable throughout the entire menstrual cycle. A woman’s body needs a certain amount of zinc to produce mature eggs that are ripe for fertilization. The richest sources of zinc are oysters, raw pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and tahini (a.k.a. sesame seed butter).
A great way to support the body in getting all the necessary nutrients it needs daily is to take a whole food multivitamin. Including a whole food multivitamin, along with eating a fertility diet, is one of the first steps in getting your period back!
Being Overweight or Underweight
There is a direct link between anovulation and obesity. Body fat cells, called adipocytes, produce estrogen. Obese women may have too much estrogen due to too much body fat. Women who are underweight may also have anovulation due to lack of body fat. There may not be enough estrogen or adequate cholesterol levels being maintained to support the menstrual cycle. Studies out of Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of North Carolina have shown that women with extreme exercise habits have significantly lower levels of estradiol due to low levels of body fat in key areas of the body, leading to anovulation. We share dtudy details in our guide Is Exercise Good Or Bad For Fertility?.
Estrogen is essential for healthy bone formation, healthy gene expression, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and is vital for a healthy menstrual cycle. Too much estrogen, or too little in the body may cause the feedback loop to not function properly and the menstrual cycle may cease. Now you can see why it is so important to have adequate amounts of body fat; not too much and not too little!
PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, sometimes also called polycystic ovarian dysfunction, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. There are two distinct and consistent features of PCOS: absent periods or inconsistent menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (the body is producing too many androgens, the most common one being testosterone).
Stress
Stress may cause the body to stop the menstrual cycle. Stress causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin that prevent our fertility hormones from being released at the correct times in the menstrual cycle. This can cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle by affecting how the adrenal glands function. Reducing stress and supporting adrenal health is essential to a healthy menstrual cycle and is a relatively easy fix for healthy fertility. The adrenal glands also directly impact thyroid health.
Thyroid issues
Poor thyroid function may cause the menstrual cycle to stop. An overactive thyroid that produces too many thyroid hormones is called Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. An absent menstrual cycle is a sign of hyperthyroidism, where irregular or heavy cycles may be a sign of hypothyroidism.
Pituitary tumor
A pituitary tumor may cause disruption in the release and manufacturing of certain hormones which may cause the menstrual cycle to stop.
Premature Ovarian Failure
POF, also known as Ovarian Hypofunction, is defined as a loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40. The menstrual cycle may cease before the age of 40, or become sporadic. This means that menopause comes earlier than normal.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. As perimenopause progresses toward menopause, it is normal for menstrual cycles to become irregular and for hormone levels to fluctuate. The menstrual cycle may become absent for many cycles and then suddenly come back for a couple cycles, and then goes away again, becoming sporadic for some years. As ovarian reserve diminishes and egg health declines, FSH levels rise and the menstrual cycle will become more and more irregular, until eventually it stops.
Menopause is defined as absent menstruation for a year or longer. Menopause may also be confirmed by elevated FSH levels between 60 to 100mL/L on two tests done at least 1 month apart, and/or LH levels greater than 50mIU/L and estradiol levels less than 50pg/mL. Natural therapies cannot reverse the aging process or bring back the menstrual cycles in a woman who has already gone through, or is going through menopause.
When to see a doctor!
If you have not had a menstrual period for 3 consecutive cycles or more, it is time to make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner. They can help you to determine what the causes may be. Most medical doctors will often prescribe oral contraceptives (birth control pill) to get the menstrual cycle to regulate. It is important to realize that this method will force the body to have a cycle and prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives do not solve the problem of why the menstrual cycle is absent to begin with. Luckily there are natural therapies such as herbs, specific massage techniques, supplements, stress reduction techniques, and dietary changes than can help support the body in regulating the menstrual cycle in most cases.
Herbs to Promote Menstruation
Before heading right for herbs that are 
known to help bring back the menstrual cycle (emmenagogues) it is also important to consider herbs that support healing of the cause of the absent menstrual cycle. Why is it you are not having a period to begin with? Once you know what is causing this to happen, you will be able to formulate a plan for yourself. This is vital when desiring to use herbs as well. For example, there are herbs that support hormonal balance through endocrine system support, some that help the body to respond to stress and others that have a direct action on the uterus.
Important caution: It is extremely important to rule out pregnancy prior to beginning any herbs for fertility, especially those used to bring back a menstrual cycle. Most herbs that help to regulate the menstrual cycle are not safe for pregnancy.
Herbs to Bring on Menstruation
The following herbs may help to bring on a menstrual period. All the herbs in this section will only be effective if the menstrual period is absent due to hormonal imbalance. If the menstrual cycle is absent due to nutritional deficiencies, these herbs may not be as effective. It is very important that dietary changes are in place before beginning any herbs to bring back the menstrual cycle.
Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh has been used for hundreds of years to help bring back the menstrual cycle. Black cohosh promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle while helping to support a calm uterus.
Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis)
This is the main herb for this issue. Dong Quai works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it helps support the body to bring back an absent period. It does this by nourishing the blood (it is in nearly all Chinese herbal blood-building formulas because it is iron rich), improving hormonal regulation, and aiding in uterine tone.
Motherwort aerial parts (Leonurus cardiaca)
This herb is very effective at reducing uterine muscle spasm and cramping and improving uterine tone. Motherwort has been found to mildly stimulate the uterus, while also aiding the uterus to work efficiently, which is helpful in bringing on menstruation.
White Peony (Paeonia officinalis)
This herb helps build the blood and increase circulation to the reproductive organs. Overall, White Peony provides excellent hormone balancing support and aids in pain reduction and relaxation. White Peony moves the blood in the pelvic area, offering support for uterine stagnant conditions including absent period.
Since it can be challenging to source all of these herbs in the proper ratios, the team of Natural Fertility Specialists at Natural Fertility Info.com created a formula specifically to address this need.
We have been receiving great results and feedback from the Rejuvaflow formula. Click here for more information.
Herbs to Promote Regular Menstrual Cycles
The following herbs would be used once the first menstrual period comes back or after performing a Fertility Cleanse.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari helps to promote regular menstrual cycles by aiding in regulation of estrogen levels. Shatavari is also an adaptogen that supports endocrine system function for healthy hormonal balance.
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
This herb has been shown to normalize ovulation in infertile women. Tribulus supports healthy hormone levels, is a known female reproductive system tonic, and may increase libido.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
Vitex is another great herb for amenorrhea due to hormonal imbalance. It helps to balance the hormones while not containing any hormones within the herb itself. Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. Numerous botanical/herb books report clinical data and studies showing the effectiveness of vitex for all types of menstrual cycle irregularities when used for many months consistently.
Vitex has been found to help normalize ovulation, improve a short luteal phase, support healthy hormone levels, and reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
In her book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Physician, Midwife, and Herbalist Dr. Aviva Romm and Registered Herbalist Bevin Clair, MS, CHS share of reports showing that Vitex can be extremely helpful in bringing back the menstrual cycle in women with absent periods due to eating disorders and lack of menstruation due to breastfeeding. We do not advise weaning a baby until they are over a year old. For mothers of older babies who are ready to try to conceive again, and still have yet to begin menstruating, vitex may be an option.
If you have not had a menstrual cycle for two or more months, you may want to consider performing a Fertility Cleanse. Fertility cleansing helps to cleanse the uterus of old blood and tissues while helping the liver to get rid of excess hormones to promote a healthy menstrual cycle. If after doing a Fertility Cleanse your period still does not come back and you have implemented a nutrient dense fertility diet, consider herbs to bring back the menstrual cycle.
Self Fertility Massage
A uterus that is not stimulated to shed the endometrium, or sheds the endometrium inadequately each month, may become atrophied. This means the muscles lose their tone and strength. If the mucosa lining known as the stratum functionale is not stimulated to secrete mucus and build up the endometrium, then the uterus is not lubricated and may become “dry” and weak. You can see why this would not be the best environment to house an embryo. Having a regular menstrual cycle is essential to having a healthy uterus.
Here’s how Self Fertility Massage aids the body in regulating menstrual cycles:
- Promotes hormonal balance*
- Helps to reduce stress and stress hormones*
- Improves communication within the endocrine system*
- Increases circulation to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes*
- Promotes the movement of fluids*
- Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues*
Learn all about how Self Fertility Massage may help to promote a healthy menstrual cycle here…
Summary
Overall, it is extremely important to begin by nourishing the body through good nutrition. Your dietary habits are your foundation; without that in place first, the body is not going to respond to herbs for amenorrhea as well. Second, be sure to include a good whole food multivitamin, reduce stress and exercise regularly. Third, consider an herbal program for getting the menstrual cycle back on track. Last, but not least, practice fertility massage regularly. This combination is a great plan for working to promote a healthy menstrual cycle long-term! Be patient, the body needs time to establish a cycle. Be gentle with yourself and your body will come back into balance.
- What Is Amenorrhea? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/absence-periods
- S.Sasikumar, J.Shyam, Sundar, D.Dakshayani, R.Prabavathy, and M.KarthikaInt. J. Curr. Res. Aca. Rev. (2014); 2(2): 96-115. A study on significant biochemical changes in the serum of infertile women. Retrieved from http://www.ijcrar.com/vol-2-2/Sasikumar%20Sathiyanarayanan,%20et%20al.pdf
- Chavarro, J.E., Rich-Edwards, J.W., Rosner, B.A., Willett,W.C. (Nov. 2007). Diet and Lifestyle in the Prevention of Ovulatory Disorder Infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology Volume 110 – Issue 5 – pp 1050-1058. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000287293.25465.e1 Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5868700_Diet_and_Lifestyle_in_the_Prevention_of_Ovulatory_Disorder_Infertility
- Chavarro, J.E., Willett, W., & Skerrett, P.J. (2009). The fertility diet: Groundbreaking research reveals natural ways to boost ovulation & improve your chances of getting pregnant. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- R E Frisch, R C Snow, L A Johnson, B Gerard, R Barbieri, and B Rosen. Magnetic resonance imaging of overall and regional body fat, estrogen metabolism, and ovulation of athletes compared to controls. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism August 1, 1993 vol. 77 no. 2471-477. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jcem.77.2.8345054
- Hudson, T. (2008). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from: http://drtorihudson.com/general/endocrine-health/pcos/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos/
- Romm, A., Clare, B. (2010). Amenorrhea. In Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health (pp. 122-130). St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
Hello! I have not menstruations about 78 days. My hormones today are:
17-OH progesterone – 1.14 mkg/l
SHBG – 44.8 nmol / l
Dihydrotestosterone – 536 ng / l
Estradiol (E2) – 23.0 ng / l
FSH 3.91 МЕ/l
LH – 3.73 МЕ/l
My doctor said me that it is PCOS. I don’t know what I need to do.
How can I increase the Estradiol (E2)?
Thank you
Hello,
In order to best help you we would need to know more about your health history, your diet, supplements, meds, cycle, etc. as well as and take the time to look at your health history, diet, lab results, etc. We can do this through a Fertility Consultation. You can book one here: https://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/Articles.asp?ID=337
Hi, thank you for the well detailed article very informative. I just wanted some advice regarding the fertility cleanse , my periods have been absent for 5 months after a stillbirth , my gynae mentioned that the delay was due to me still lactating and he prescribed meds to stop that but i’m still desperately waiting for things to go back to normal , 4 months post the stillbirth i got some spotting and recently all i get are just pelvic pains similar to period cramps almost every other day , took a pregnancy test just rule that out the possibility and all 3 were negative. So please just advice on whether i should get the fertility cleanse or other herbs such as Vitex & Maca? Thank you
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It does take time for pregnancy hormones to leave the body, it taking many months is very normal. If your prolactin (causes lactation) is still high you could look into Vitex. The Fertility Cleanse could be helpful by this point in recovery as well. The cramping is your uterus shrinking and things returning to pre-pregnancy state. UteriCalm could help your uterus to calm down if the cramping is uncomfortable.
Great read this was very informative. I learned alot of what I need to do for my cycle to return. I havent had a cycle in 2.5yrs. I tried the ovulation stripes but the LH surge is always high so thats confusing. I dont have insurance so I dont go to the doc to see if it might be PCOS. I want to do a holistic approach and this site is exactly what I was looking for.
Hi, I haven’t had my period in almost 2 months. I’ve done multiple blood tests and ultrasounds which show anovulation. I am starting letrazole next cycle but need to have a period first! The dr I’m working with gave me norethindrone acetate to take for 5 days but it contains lactose so I’d rather not use it. Can I use natural progesterone cream instead for 5 days to start it? Thanks.
Dear Michal,
Do talk to your doctor about trying progesterone or progesterone cream. They are best able to advise you.
Amaka,
I’m so worried now that I still do not have my period. I usually have 28 to 29 to 30 menstrual cycle and I am now 10 days late of my period. For the past three days I feel the same period cramps (the usual cramps I feel whenever I have my period) but still I do not have my period. 3 days ago, I felt soreness/tenderness of my breast but it’s all alright now. I even tried 8 home pregnancy tests and those are all negative. I don’t know what is happening to my body now.
Dear Jemica,
I am not sure Amaka will see your post or be able to offer support. Might it be time to check in with your healthcare provider?
Interested in a consultation
Dear Amaka,
You can learn more about and book a Fertility Consultation here…
Hi ☺️My name is Olya and I have a lean type of PCOS,my period never come without hormones,my androgens are huge,I tried everything,metformine,herbs like vitex,peone and licorice,black cohosh,dong quang, a lot of vitamins like Vit D,B12,omega3,inositol,it did nothing,maybe a slight improvement in hirsutism.I don’t know how to deal with it,can you help me?😔
Dear Olha,
How much of each herb and supplement did you take and for how long? Consider also reviewing our guide Important Natural Health Tips for Women with Lean PCOS.
Hi,
From the blood test (taken last year July), it shows that i have hormonal imbalance. Has been changing diet for the past 6 months and hope for improvement.
But not sure why i still getting missing period (3 months) i taken the birth control pill start of Jan 2019 hoping to push start the period but still nothing.
any advise that will help to get the cycle normal again?
Dear Jas,
Did you have your hormone levels retested in January when you began birth control? What were your doctor’s thoughts on why this is happening? Are you exercising regularly? There are a variety of different factors to take into consideration that it’s hard to offer much advice. While on birth control, Self Fertility Massage and Castor Oil Packs would be worth learning more about along with your healthy diet. We can not however suggest trying herbs with medication. If any interest you, it’s best to wait to begun using them until you no longer take birth control.
I have similar problem like Kims. Tried satavari and birth control but did not get my cycle even once in 6 yrs. except 1 time when i stopped birth control and felt light and pink spotting.
I am desperate to get my cycle back. Doctors always said i am in good health and nothing wrong however i do not ger my cycle. Any suggestions that would give me natural cycle would help.
Thank you
Aparna
Dear Aparna,
Thanks for reaching out! My suggestion is to keep trying to get to the bottom of it, to find the cause. This very guide is our go-to for most women with absent periods. Perhaps it has made some suggestions that resonate with you. There are many aspects that need to be balances in order for menstruation to occur. I just don’t know enough about you to suggest anything more. It seems as though our Fertility Consultations program would be a great fit for you. It offers the chance to share with a fertility herbalist all that you can about fertility and current overall health to receive in return help in creating a natural fertility program to follow. Consider learning more or booking a fertility consultation here…
Yes my period stopped for 2 months now it’s back and I’m having a period and it’s going on 1 in a half months
Dear Michelle,
It really would be best to check in with your doctor to find out what’s going on. A period lasting one and a half months is worthy of investigating the cause. I hope you get answers! It may be a good idea to be sure to eat more iron-rich foods right now too!
I have not have my period for 10 months, this concerning for me as I am only 15. I recently went vegan and started excising, though this is after I lost my period. Every doctor I have gone to has told me I need to stop excising and gain weight. I think I need to explain that I am not underweight nor am I a gym junkie. I do everything in moderation including my eating habits. I have tried many different mainstream doctors but they all want me to gain weight or go on the pill. I have tried eating more food and excising less. I also really would like to avoid the pill. I was hoping you could lend me some advice. I would do anything to get my period back my only obstacle is money.
Dear Kirsty,
My first thoughts too were to ask you your BMI is in a normal range and how much/what work outs you do. I often seen cycles cease temporarily for women who make quick/drastic or significant changes in exercise routines (often resulting in losing weight). There are certain nutrients necessary for the body to make the proper hormones for menstruation and ovulation to happen that sometimes vegan’s don’t get enough of. We share more in our guide 10 Fertility Diet Tips For Vegetarians and Vegans. Beyond focusing on diet and a healthy amount of exericse, we have to suggest women under age 18 work one on one with a practitioner near them. This is important as teen hormones are shifting in so many ways. Perhaps our guide Herbs for Teen Reproductive Health: Steps for Healthy Choices will be helpful as well.
My best!
I’ve searched for “fertility diets”, “natural ways to improve fertility”, “natural ways to regulate your menstrual cycle”, etc etc etc. I somehow seem to always end up back on this website. Even the videos I click on, on youtube most of them are affiliated with this website. (where is the sign? Must be a sign right)..
anyways, it’s been 7 years since I’ve had a regular menstrual cycle (minus June of 2017 when I was taking birth control. it came for 3 days but was more like heavy spotting.) I got the dosage reduced because it made my breasts so sore that just walking became overwhelming cause they would jiggle when i walk. From the new dose I got frustrated after 3 days and stopped taking them. Truth is, I really want to have my period, and I am trying to get pregnant. Taking birth control might rush my body into having a period, but block me from getting pregnant. And I really don’t like taking synthetic drugs. I’m extremely frustrated because all iv ever been recommended is birth control so I don’t even bother to bring it up anymore.
I’ve read about Vitex over and over and did however started taking it. I’ve already gone through two bottles of the Solar brand, tablets and one bottle of the Natures Answer drops, I’m on the second one, and not as much as a little spot. I can’t explain how much I worry about my self, not knowing what my body is going through or why , on top of the frustration of not feeling like a normal woman. Which brings me to ask, would it make sense to order just the Rejuva Flow? Or should I buy all these herbs from a local herbal store and mix them? Maybe to get a stronger dose or something? I don’t know, I’m desperate. I know thats not an easy question to answer, being that you don’t know my health status, (I’ve always been told that I’m pretty healthy and everything seems fine) but I guess any suggestion will do.
Dear Kim,
I am very glad you have found us! Please watch for a direct email from an herbalist on our staff for continued support. We’re here for you!
Good day,
My name is Rene’, I have never gotten my period naturally. I only get my period when using Birth Control. I have undergone Two sets of IVF first 3 eggs ( Low quality ) did not make it , Then the second time around Two ( Best Quality eggs were implanted) and still nothing. The fertility Dr’s normally tries three times and then you rest.Since I have started to work for a homeopathic company and learned about natural medisine. As Per my Dr my Folicles are not developing into eggs due to not having a menstrual cycle.The condition is called RAS. I want to see if Natural remedies can help and make a difference 🙂 Any advise DR?
Kindest regards,
Rene
Dear Rene’,
Thank you for reaching out to us! Just to be clear, I am not a doctor and we do not have a medical doctor on staff. I am sorry for all you are going through. There is indeed an intricate process where by hormones are produced and released at different times throughout the cycle in order for menstruation and ovulation to occur, and for eggs to mature properly.
Natural therapies alone may not help menstruation come naturally/on its own, but there are natural therapies to learn about that are known to support egg health and uterine health. Here are two guides to help you begin learning about these:
How to Increase Your Egg Health in 90 Days
How to Increase Your IVF Success Rate Naturally
I hope this is a helpful place to start!
I am 37yrs old and have had my period in July, August, September, since this year started. Last year I had it 2wice and that was it. Am married and I want to be pregnant next year, what home remedies should I do to help me get pregnant without periods.
In the past, I could go for a whole year with no periods. I have always been irregular since I was 15
Dear Oma,
Are you supporting your menstrual health in any way? I’m curious as you’ve gotten a period three months in a row now and it seems that hasn’t been the case in the past, or ever. Diet, lifestyle and regular exercise are important, as is stress management.
3 General Guidelines to Help Keep Your Period Regular
1. See a doctor to determine what may be causing the irregular periods.
2. Address your nutrition levels. Sometimes all it takes to bring back the menstrual cycle is to feed your body a wide variety of nutrient dense foods and to supplement with a whole food multivitamin.
3. Make sure your reproductive organs are getting adequate circulation.
For more information on the menstrual cycle or each of these issues, click here to read our complete Natural Menstrual Health Guide…
I hope this helps you see what direction to go in, depending on what is causing your period to be irregular.
hello, my name is zara eve. i am a 21 year old, i am about to be 22. okay so it is October now, but i had my last period some time in may. so i finally went to the doctor and got all my tests done. i had hypothyroidism before but now i have hyperthyroidism. so yeah. my doctor told me that she believes that i have not had my periods because of this. after i got off of my birth control my periods became regular, ok i would miss a month here and there bt i got them and they were as normal as ever and i was happy. but i did start breaking out a lot. but yeah in may i stopped so i am worried.
Dear Zara,
That is indeed frustrating and concerning I am sure. I think our best first reference point it going to be the guide Solve Thyroid Problems Before Conceiving a Baby. One does not have to want to conceive to follow the guide. Then given I know so little about you and your lifestyle, consider working one on one with an herbalist on staff if it would be helpful to have support in creating a natural fertility program created just for you. We offer this through our Fertility Consultations (click that link to learn more).
hi there,
Thank you for the information, I am worried also worried about my cycle, I used to be regular but suddenly became irregular which I don’t know why. And now, for 2 months I haven’t bled and for a month now I only have light brown discharge with a little blood and it usually came out in the morning or afternoon. I am worried about it and it makes me feel stressed. I’m 29 yrs old, never gave birth, never tried any medication about it, and never had sex. Could you give me some advice? Thank you so much.
Hello!
I am sorry you are worried! So many things can cause menstrual cycle irregularities and periods to lighted or stop – changes in diet or weight or exercise routines, experiencing stress, starting or stopping natural therapies, even travel. Could any of these things be cause? Light bleeding that is brown is a sign of lack of circulation to the uterus (called a ‘cold uterus’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and old blood that is not properly being expelled. Consider a daily brisk walk, Fertility Yoga, gentle uterine massage or Castor Oil packs, and if this persists, talking to your healthcare provider.
Thank you for the information, im worried about my cycle i skip even for 4 months sometimes i only have brown discharge is it normal ? what is the cause of that brown discharge? where can i get those above herbs? im not stressed my weight is normal i have never had a regular cycle since i always skip
Dear Wendy,
There are a number of reasons a menstrual cycle may be irregular in women in their reproductive years such as stress, dietary deficiencies, low body weight, getting off of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, perimenopause (the phase leading up to menopause), or other underlying health issues.
Does your doctor know why this is happening for you? May I know how old you are?
The herbs in this guide are available from The Natural Fertility Shop.
Hi there,
I need some advice with which supplement to take. I have just started taking vitex agnus castus to try and regulate my periods again after being on the contraceptive depo-nervosa for 18 months. My last injection was November 2017 and haven’t bled at all. Should I be taking dong quai root instead or is it okay to take both? I also have an aromatherapy oil blend to use on my skin to promote bleeding too. Many thanks.
Dear Laura,
Vitex and Dong Quai can be combined if you feel you would benefit from both. I think a great place to learn more about natural therapies for helping the body return to balance after stopping birth control is our guide How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control.
Hi there,
I have been irregular for some time now. When I think my period is going to be regular again it stops. The doctor wants to put me on birth control but I really would like to try it in a different way without the oral contraceptives. I have had a lot of stress and I am under weight. That may be it? I want to know what I can improve in my diet or vitamins maybe to help my body.
Dear Jennifer,
Stress and being underweight can indeed be causes of irregular menstruation. I think two very helpful places to start will be by reading the guides The Natural Fertility Diet: How to Eat for Optimal Fertility and Infertility Due to Being Underweight.
Consider also learning tools to help yourself through the stress: Top 10 Mind and Body Therapies to Help With Fertility Stress, and more about the Fertility Preparation Kit and Self Fertility Massage.
I hope this is helpful, inspiring information!
Hello.
I went off Nuva Ring in December after about 10 years on birthcontrol. I have normal periods December January February and March. I haven’t have one since. I have seen a chiropractor who wants to start me on a natural treatment by getting my spine healthy as well as a Doctor who wants to start me on Progesterone.I have had tons of blood that has all come back normal. Wondering what I can do naturally to get my period back to try to conceive.
Dear Keehlin,
Can you think back to March or April to think of anything that happened that may have contributed to the missing period? Chiropratic care and progesterone have potential to be helpful given what I know. If you choose both, please be sure you let each practitioner know your entire program. AND it is perfectly fine to combine medical and natural approaches. While this guide shares helpful tips, I would also suggest reading our guide How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control.
Hey there!
So i recently got off of birth control in early January and finally received my first period after being off of it in April. I knew that because my body was trying to regulate it could take time. However, although i seemed to have it normally in April and May, I didn’t get my period in June and It is now August and I still haven’t had it. I know Im not pregnant and it is not like me to be so irregular, could it be stress? Ive felt fatigued and bloated but no period, and no baby lol!
Dear Alyssa,
It most certainly could be stress and the body still trying to rebalance after stopping birth control. If you can, try to find tools to help yourself through stress and consider learning more from our guide How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control.
I had a surgery to remove fibroid but after recovery fully from the surgery, my period does not flow well. Every month it gives a sign that I’m menstruating but it scanty and very dark and it been like this for almost two and half year now. What should I do?
Dear Ruth,
Light, dark menstruation is often a sign of lack of uterine tone or low uterine circulation. Consider learning more about:
– Self Fertility Massage
– Castor Oil packs
– Cleansing for Fertility
– Systemic Enzyme Therapy
– Staying hydrated with herbal tea and water
– FertiliCare Phase 1 & 2
Hello ma’am, I’m worried about my health because its been 6 months since I had my menstruation. I did all healthy ways to get back my period but it doesn’t work. I’m asking for your suggestion on this matter ma’am. thank you.
Dear Jarrah,
I’m sorry you are worried! Can you think back over the past 6 months to try to pinpoint a stressful event, diet or lifestyle change, travel, anything that could have caused this? To be honest, the best first step may be to talk to a qualified healthcare provider (doctor or naturopathic doctor) who can examine you and run tests to determine the cause. Then, if you wish to address it and support the body naturally there are likely to be resources here. I’m also curious exactly what “healthy ways” you have tried already and for how long you tried them.
I have purchased Fertilica Maca and Vitex and the Fertility massage program. I’m working with a 20 year old unmarried woman whose menstruation stopped 2 years ago and despite seeing many practitioners her period did not come back. She is underweight (I emphasized her eating more healthy fats and cholesterol foods); she had a pituitary gland tumor which increased her Prolactin levels. Prolactin levels are normal now with meds. I have taught her fertility massage, and how to make castor oil packs. I gave her the fertility diet and do visualizations for stress reduction. I want to start her on herbs but don’t know if I should give her vitex or maca or both. What would you recommend?
Dear Bracha,
Vitex and Maca can be combined, but we can not suggest either with medication should she still be on it. Is there one she seems to need more than the other based on your evaluation? It may also be helpful for her to learn more about Red Clover (click that link) if putting on weight is challenging for her.
Hello,when I was about 17 i was on the depo injection for just 1 time. I never went back after the first 3 months to get it again. After that my period that used to be every month turned into very irregular. then it suddenly just stopped for about a few months then came back again regularly. I have gone to my doctor & she told me i have Second Amenorrhea. She gave me these small pills that i had to take for 10 days to see if i would bleed or not. I did end up having a period, so she said that was a good sign.It’s so frustrating not knowing when i’ll get my period again. I am now 21 and its been about 5 months without having a period i dont know what to do. Can you please suggest anything?
Dear Alondra,
Frustrating indeed! I’m sorry!
I would lead you to our guide How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control. I personally see great benefit from a daily brisk walk, Self Fertility Massage, staying hydrated with water and herbal tea, and eating as healthy as you can. Perhaps that would be an easy place to start and the guide will share other tips that resonate with you.
Trust your body! Regular will return!