On average, a regular menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days from the first day of one period until the start of the next. However, menstrual cycles that consistently last from 21 to 35 days are still considered regular.
A cycle is considered irregular if it lasts less than 21 days or more than 35 days, but less than 90. It can also be considered irregular if it varies widely (by more than seven days) from month to month. For example, a cycle that lasts 22 days one month and 34 days the next is also considered irregular, even if these lengths are within the normal range.
The menstrual cycle doesn’t have to last exactly the same amount of time each month to be regular. Menstrual cycles can vary by a few days each month and still be normal.
Knowing the signs of ovulation can be a great way to determine the regularity of a menstrual cycle. Tracking each cycle and recognizing the fertile days can help people trying to conceive figure out how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Some symptoms of ovulation include:
Keeping track of these symptoms can help determine if ovulation is coming soon, and figuring out the fertile window can make getting pregnant easier. An ovulation predictor kit can also predict fertile days with more accuracy.
Flo is a great app! I started using it trying to conceive with long irregular periods. One day I realized my period had still not shown up past the date that it was always late on. I used my last pregnancy test and found out I’m pregnant with my first child. Doctor said I was 5.5 weeks; now I’m happy to say I’m on week 8.
Flo is a great app for learning things to try to get pregnant faster!
There are many different conditions that can cause irregular cycles. Experiencing irregular cycles occasionally due to stress or illness can be normal. But if cycles remain irregular for long periods of time, a health care provider can help determine the cause of any menstrual problems.
This is especially important for those who want to learn how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. The following conditions can cause irregular cycles:
PCOS is a fairly common disorder, affecting around 8–13 percent of the female population in their reproductive years, which makes it the most common female endocrine disorder. PCOS causes tiny “cysts” (not actually cysts, but follicles that don’t fully develop) to appear on the ovaries, interferes with the ovaries’ normal function, and can cause irregular cycles and infertility, along with other complications.
A health care provider can prescribe oral contraceptives to manage irregular menstrual cycles or offer other treatment options to help someone with PCOS get pregnant fast.
The thyroid controls practically every process in the body. Hypo- or hyperthyroidism can cause infertility, weight changes, depression, anxiety, and many other symptoms. Once someone has started treatment and their thyroid levels return to normal, they are typically more likely to get pregnant faster.
This condition is characterized by elevated prolactin — a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk. But this hormone also decreases fertility by interfering with the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian chain and blocking ovulation. This is why the chances of conception are lower while breastfeeding. In some cases, prolactin hormones can become elevated. People who experience hyperprolactinemia are less likely to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. This condition can cause other symptoms such as vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and leaking nipples.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors to become pregnant quickly. Being overweight or underweight can both cause irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders. Reaching a healthy weight is one of the first things that health care providers advise when a person is unable to become pregnant naturally.
A health care provider can help find a diagnosis and suggest treatment for those with irregular menstrual cycles. There are also habits that may make it easier to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. Although these habits can’t replace medical treatment, they may help improve the chances of conception.
Using a menstrual calendar like Flo can help determine the fertile window. Apps like Flo calculate the length of each cycle based on the information provided by the user, and they also track other symptoms.
Keeping track of basal body temperature and cervical mucus can also help predict ovulation. Many simple ovulation tests can also predict ovulation and determine when the chances of conception are highest.
Having sex frequently is also a way to try to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Remember that sperm can live in the body for up to five days. That means that even with irregular cycles, the chances of becoming pregnant are much greater with frequent sex (every day or every other day) all month.
Getting healthy is one of the best ways to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally. Depending on the cause of irregular menstrual cycles, these lifestyle changes might not be enough to solve the underlying issue. However, getting healthier can be an important step to get pregnant faster and sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Here are some healthy habit tips that can help improve the chances of becoming pregnant:
Maintaining a healthy weight can help with fertility issues. Being overweight and underweight can both cause hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation, causing irregular cycles and making it harder to get pregnant naturally. Additionally, moderate exercise may be beneficial for fertility.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormonal balance. Keep in mind that in some cases, weight issues are caused by hormonal imbalance, and not the other way around. A health care provider can help rule out any hormonal conditions that could be making it hard to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Research shows that eating healthy foods may improve fertility. Although there isn’t one specific “fertility diet” to follow, plenty of foods can help improve the chances of conceiving.
These are some of the best foods for fertility:
Incorporate these foods into a balanced diet, along with plenty of water, to improve the odds of getting pregnant quick.
For those who are trying to conceive, it might be better to limit consumption of some foods:
Stress can have a big negative impact on the menstrual cycle and fertility. Learning how to destress may make it easier to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Chronic stress and anxiety can delay ovulation. Research has shown that women who report high levels of stress are more likely to experience irregular cycles or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for more than six months).
Ironically, actively trying to conceive can lead to stress. Incorporating some stress management techniques into the day’s routine can help manage stress and anxiety. This can improve the odds of being able to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally.
Lifestyle changes can sometimes help improve the chances of conceiving, but they can’t replace medical treatment for underlying conditions. A health care provider can determine the cause of irregular cycles that may be making conception difficult.
A health care provider will probably perform a physical examination and ultrasound, and may order laboratory tests to measure hormonal levels. This will give them the necessary information to diagnose any health conditions that might be causing irregular cycles.
They’ll also ask about menstruation and look for symptoms of anovulatory cycles (cycles without ovulation).
Once they have determined a diagnosis, a health care provider may be able to prescribe treatment. They may also be able to advise on how to get pregnant fast with irregular periods naturally or make a referral for a fertility specialist.
It’s important not to try to diagnose or treat any hormonal imbalances on your own. Making healthier lifestyle choices can help regulate hormonal processes in the body.
Exercising, eating a healthy diet, stress management techniques, yoga, and cutting out unhealthy habits may help regulate cycles. However, make sure to consult a health care provider about any concerning symptoms related to menstruation.
Healthy lifestyle habits and help from a health care provider can help manage irregular periods and make it easier to become pregnant fast.
“Abnormal Menstruation (Periods): Types, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods.
NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/.
Robert H. Shmerling, MD. “Fertility and Diet: Is There a Connection?” Harvard Health Blog, 11 Nov. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fertility-and-diet-is-there-a-connection-2018053113949.
