Irregular Menstruation
Whether your cycles are running short or long, or your periods are unusually light or heavy, the pattern itself can tell us a lot about what's going on hormonally.
As a Geelong-based naturopath specialising in women's hormone health, I don't just look at "irregular periods" as one problem - I look at exactly what's irregular about your cycle, because long cycles, short cycles, light bleeding and heavy bleeding can each point to quite different underlying causes, and the right support depends on knowing which one you're dealing with.
Long Cycles
Cycles longer than around 35 days are generally considered long, and are commonly associated with PCOS, perimenopause, or hypothyroidism. Getting to the bottom of a long or unpredictable cycle usually starts with understanding whether - and when — you're ovulating, alongside relevant hormone and thyroid testing.
Short Cycles
Cycles shorter than around 24 days are considered short, and cycles under 21 days are often anovulatory (meaning ovulation isn't occurring that cycle). Short cycles are frequently seen in perimenopause and with anovulation more broadly, and treatment focuses on identifying and supporting the underlying hormonal pattern driving the shorter cycle length.
Light Periods
Lighter-than-usual bleeding is commonly associated with PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, endometriosis, under-eating or extreme stress - and is also, of course, completely normal in early pregnancy. Because the causes range from something as manageable as under-fuelling to conditions needing more involved support, getting an accurate picture of what's driving it matters before deciding on a plan.
Heavy Periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding - blood loss that's difficult to manage, causes leakage, or means changing pads or underwear frequently,is commonly linked to fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, polyps, cysts, miscarriage, hypothyroidism, perimenopause or pelvic inflammatory disease. Given how wide that list is, heavy bleeding is one of the cycle changes I take most seriously, and I'll always encourage appropriate investigation alongside naturopathic support.
How I Work With You
I start by mapping your actual cycle pattern - length, flow, ovulation, and how things have changed over time, alongside relevant pathology and, where needed, imaging, so we're working from a clear picture rather than guesswork. From there, treatment is built around diet, lifestyle and supplementation targeted to what's actually driving your particular pattern, and I work alongside your GP or specialist rather than in place of them.
FAQ
What counts as an irregular cycle?
Generally, cycles shorter than 24 days or longer than 35 days, or periods that are unusually light or heavy for you, are all worth looking into.
Do I need to track my cycle before booking?
It helps, but it's not essential - even a rough sense of your pattern over the last few months gives us a useful starting point, and I can guide you on what to track going forward.
Could irregular periods mean something's wrong?
Not necessarily - cycles change for all sorts of reasons, from stress to diet to stage of life, but persistent irregularity is worth investigating properly rather than ignoring, which is exactly what we'd do together.
Will I need blood tests or imaging?
Often, yes. Getting a clear picture usually involves some hormone testing and sometimes an ultrasound, which I can arrange or guide you through via your GP. The timing of reproductive hormone testing is essential, so please wait for my guidance on exactly when in your cycle to test before rushing off to get these done, testing on the wrong day can give a misleading result.
Can you help if I've already been told my hormones are "normal"?
Yes. A "normal" result doesn't always rule out a hormonal pattern worth addressing, and I'll often look at the fuller picture alongside your symptoms.