Home Remedies To Regularize Your Periods

On an average, most women experience a 28-day menstrual cycle. However there are many cases where the cycle can range from 21 to 35 days and this is absolutely normal as well. However, if you regularly complain of irregular or missed periods, it may be related to a hormonal imbalance in the body. With a regular cycle, the careful balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone control the functioning of the reproductive system and trigger the beginning of a menstrual period. There are a number of factors that can affect this hormonal balance and cause irregular periods such as:

• One of the main reasons for a missed period is pregnancy. If you are a few days later than normal and have had unprotected sex, it is best to get tested at the earliest.
• Irregular periods are a common occurrence in the early stages of menarche. When a girl first gets her period, it can take a year or so for the cycle to settle down.
• A poor diet and malnutrition can cause irregular periods as well. If you suffer from an eating disorder such as bulimia and anorexia, one of the first symptoms is irregular or missed periods.
• Stress and anxiety can throw hormones off balance and lead to changes in your cycle.
• New birth control methods such as contraceptive pills or a newly inserted IUD can result in a few irregular cycles until the body gets used to the changes.
• Strenuous exercise or a change in your exercise routine can disrupt the hormonal balance as can a sudden weight gain or loss.
• One of the early symptoms of menopause is irregular or missed periods.

While in most cases, irregular periods are nothing to worry about; it is always best to consult with your doctor to check whether there is any underlying medical condition that could be causing the irregularity. There are also a number of home remedies women can try to treat hormonal imbalances and irregular periods such as:

• Drink fresh carrot or grape juice to regulate your menstrual cycle.
• Add papaya, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dill to your daily diet to ensure a healthy and regular menstrual cycle.
• Asafoetida is an age-old cure for menstrual problems. It helps increase the production of progesterone and can also help reduce pain during your menstrual period.
• Aloe vera is believed to help stimulate the uterus and regulate menstrual cycles.
• Proper nutrition is essential to maintain the healthy functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems. If you suffer from irregular periods, try adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These include oily fish like salmon and mackerel, walnuts and flax seeds. Fresh fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and minerals also help improve your overall health. Organic food that is free from chemicals and additives can reduce hormonal imbalances as well.
• Herbal supplements such as Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), and Don Quai contain naturally occurring estrogen that can help remedy any hormonal imbalances in the body. These supplements help improve circulation to the reproductive organs and stimulate menstrual periods. However, these should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment.
• Reduce stress by including yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises into your regular routine.

Other ways to treat a hormonal imbalance include:

• Change your birth control pills or switch to condoms or diaphragms instead.
• Flush out the toxins in your body that may be causing the imbalance by increasing the fiber in your diet. Supplements such as Milk Thistle help detox the liver and reduce the amount of toxins as well.
• Regular exercise helps increase progesterone levels and regulates the menstrual cycle.