Irregular periods can feel confusing and disheartening, especially when you’re trying to conceive. But let me reassure you: they’re not the end of the road. In my experience, irregular periods are your body’s way of gently saying, “I need a little help,” rather than defining your fertility forever.
Welcome back to my most Googled questions series! This is part two of my six-part series, where I’ll dive into two of the most common concerns women have about irregular periods and misconceptions about pregnancy.
Together, we’ll bust some myths and explore practical, evidence-based advice to help you feel more confident and in control of your fertility journey.
Signs and Solutions for Natural Fertility
When discussing natural fertility, one of the most commonly asked Google questions is…
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU CAN'T GET PREGNANT?
It’s tricky because many menstrual health issues—like PMS, irregular periods, heavy or painful periods, and even early menopause—are often normalised.
We’re often told to just “deal with it,” but let me remind you: these issues don’t necessarily mean you can’t conceive. What they do mean is that your body might need a bit of extra care and attention.
This is why it’s important to investigate the red fertility flags. You can empower yourself by understanding what’s going on with your cycle. If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth exploring further to identify potential red flags.
To help you with this, I’ve created a free online course, An Introduction to Natural Fertility. It is designed specifically to guide you through identifying red flags in your cycle. It also explains how to investigate these issues confidently so you can work with your body rather than against it. Think of it as your starting point for a healthier, more balanced journey to conception.
Recognising Red Flags and Exploring Natural Support
The only true red flags definitely stopping you from getting pregnant are amenorrhea (no bleeding for six months) or menorrhagia (continuous bleeding for six months). These are signals that something isn’t working in your reproductive system, and you’ll need professional help. If this applies to you, immediately contact your GP or a fertility clinic.
For other menstrual health concerns that aren’t as severe but still impact your cycle—such as irregular periods, PMS, or painful cramps—there are natural therapies that can make a real difference. For example, acupuncture is fantastic for addressing gynecological issues, and reflexology can also be helpful. That said, I always recommend acupuncture first, and yes, I am biased. :)
Understanding and Supporting Your Fertility
Even if your cycle is irregular, it doesn't mean you can’t get pregnant. Your ovulation may change, but you can still conceive. I’ve seen this many times in my practice. The key is to start tracking your cycle.
Start using a Basal Body Temperature (BBT) chart to understand your fertility better. This tool helps you track your basal body temperature (the lowest temperature in 24 hours), measured first thing in the morning before any activity.
By recording your temperature daily, you can identify patterns, such as the slight rise in temperature after ovulation caused by increased progesterone levels. A BBT chart is invaluable for understanding the length of your cycle phases, pinpointing ovulation, and identifying your fertile window.
Believe me, you increase your fertility naturally by first understanding it. If you are unsure how to track your BBT or want to learn more, then reach out about my fertility support packages, which can guide you through the process.
Other signs, like not feeling ovulation or not noticing your fertile window or cervical mucus, might suggest hormone imbalances, but that doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. For example, if the first part of your cycle is too short, you may need to work on boosting your estrogen. Implantation could be tricky if the second part is too short, but these issues are fixable.
Instead of what could be wrong, focus on what you can improve. If you want to know where to start, you know where to find me.
Fertility Advice from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
When it comes to fertility advice from a Chinese medicine perspective, the idea of "old tricks" for getting pregnant can seem misleading. That brings me to my next Googled question…
OLD TRICKS TO GETTING PREGNANT?
While some might hope for magical solutions, the reality is that there are no shortcuts or tricks when it comes to fertility.
Chinese medicine, rooted in tradition and backed by research, offers genuine insight into fertility and irregular periods. In ancient cultures, women were guided to prepare for motherhood by prioritising rest, nourishing their bodies with wholesome foods, and living in harmony with their natural rhythms.
The emphasis was on understanding the body, working with the menstrual cycle and irregular periods, and building energy to create the optimal foundation for new life. These timeless practices are just as relevant today, especially for those navigating fertility later in life.
Finding Balance with Yin, Yang, and Your Fertility Journey
From a Chinese medical perspective, fertility is all about balance—specifically, the balance of Yin and Yang energies. Yin, the calming and nourishing force, dominates the first half of your cycle, while Yang, the warming and activating energy, supports the second half.
By aligning with these natural shifts, we can regulate the menstrual cycle and nurture fertility through tailored nutrition and gentle lifestyle adjustments.
I know this can feel like a big subject to get your head around, but don’t worry—you don’t have to understand it all at once. If you’re curious to learn more, I’ve written several articles to guide you through these concepts in manageable steps:
Take your time exploring these resources, and remember—I’m here to help if you need guidance. Remember, your body can do so much when you learn to listen and support it, so here's to the next step of understanding your body and all the amazing things it was built to do.
Prioritising Nutrition Over Supplements for Lasting Fertility Health
In modern society, we’ve become increasingly disconnected from our natural connection to the body. The fast pace of life, endless distractions, and emphasis on quick fixes often pull us away from the wisdom our bodies hold.
Yet, the wisdom of ancient fertility practices still resonates today. Prioritising rest during your period, nourishing your body with wholesome foods, and aligning with your body’s cycles are timeless principles supporting fertility and overall well-being.
Therefore, I always advocate that nutrition comes first. There’s no need to chase the latest natural fertility supplements unless you know what your body needs. Yes, supplements can be helpful, BUT only if you’ve done a blood test to identify what might be missing. Even then, the best place to start is with food. Why? Because real, nourishing food lays the foundation for lasting change in your health and fertility.
If a deficiency is identified, you can use your diet to fill those gaps before supplementing. I also want to add that supplements should only be taken as a backup, NOT the first solution.
The important thing is to give your body the tools it needs to thrive naturally. And when that happens, you’ll be amazed by the incredible things your body can do when you take the time to listen and care for it.
Finally, I want to encourage you to be cautious with “magic” pills or herbs marketed as miracle cures for infertility. While herbs can be incredibly beneficial when used properly, they should be prescribed by a qualified herbalist, not taken randomly. If you're looking for a reputable herbalist, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help you find the right support for your journey.
Navigating Fertility with Irregular Periods
Irregular periods can feel like a roadblock in your fertility journey, but they don’t define your chances of conceiving.
Viewing your cycle as a window into your overall health rather than an obstacle is essential. You can work toward restoring balance by tuning into your body and making lifestyle adjustments.
One of the things I love most about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is its holistic approach to health. Unlike the Western tendency to separate symptoms from the bigger picture, TCM sees you as a whole person, offering tailored advice that considers your body, mind, and unique needs.
Let me show you how to apply TCM’s lifestyle principles to your cycle:
Menstrual phase: Your body works hard during your period, so give it the rest it deserves. Sleep a little longer if you can. An extra hour goes a long way, and replenish what you’ve lost by eating nourishing foods like eggs, leafy greens, and protein-packed meals. Keep things low in sugar to set yourself up for fewer cravings later in your cycle. If you need healthy and delicious recipes, head to my recipe page, where I publish new recipes every month!
Post-menstrual/pre-ovulation phase: It’s time to rebuild your energy as you approach ovulation. Prioritise good sleep (at least eight hours a night), eat nutrient-rich foods, and gently increase your activity levels. This phase is all about strengthening your Yin energy and keeping blood flowing freely to support a smooth transition into the Yang phase.
Ovulation: Ovulation is a delicate process in which Yin transforms into Yang. To support this, keep your meals light, engage in gentle movements like yoga or walking, and give yourself permission to relax. Most importantly, prioritise downtime because stress is no friend to ovulation! Both TCM and Western medicine emphasise this, so make relaxation a key part of your routine.
Post-ovulation and premenstrual phase: Now, the focus shifts to improving blood flow and building a healthy uterine lining. Keep your body moving with stretching or light activity, and warm yourself from the inside out with comforting foods like root vegetables. Adding warming spices to your meals can further support circulation and boost your energy.
When you align your lifestyle with your cycle, as TCM teaches, you’re nurturing your menstrual health and supporting your fertility in a meaningful way. Remember, your body is incredibly wise; it just needs the right support to thrive.
This series is all about sharing insights, not sugar-coating the challenges, but offering real, actionable advice rooted in research and personal experience. If this information could help someone you know, please share it. The more we talk about fertility, the more empowered we become.
I have a favour to ask you. If you can think of any woman who would benefit from knowing the answers to these questions, please share this information with them. I feel like we live in the dark when it comes to understanding our bodies and natural fertility.
Thanks for being here,
Irena x
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