At its core, an irregular cycle is one in which ovulation and periods are hard to predict. Rather than a regular 21-35 day cycle, with bleeding that occurs around the same time each month, irregular cycles can be much harder to plan for. 

You may only see a few periods a year, or your cycles may go back and forth between short and long, with PMS that’s just as unpredictable. The uncertainty, coupled with the frustration of feeling that your body isn’t working right can be unbearable at times. But the truth is that around a quarter of women experience irregular cycles at some point in their lives.

And for some women, irregular cycles are just part of their unique hormone balance at that time in their lives

Well, regardless of how regular or not your cycle is, it’s all down to hormones. From the Follicle Stimulating Hormone that kick starts the growth of your eggs each month and the Estrogen and Testosterone produced by your ovaries, to the Luteinizing Hormone that gives your egg a push during Ovulation and the Progesterone that’ll thicken your uterus lining, hormones are all over your menstrual cycle.

And as you’ve probably noticed, it’s a complex, delicate balance that’s easily upset. Whether that’s through imbalances in the aforementioned hormones, or in other, completely unrelated hormones that can have a knock-on effect on your cycle. 

For instance, while Estrogen and Testosterone imbalance can contribute to PCOS and irregular cycles, an over or underactive Thyroid can also lead to irregular cycles. All of our hormones are linked through the Endocrine System, the network that distributes and helps regulate them, and they’re involved in almost every system in your body.

Lots of imbalances can lead to irregular cycles, and not just the ones you’re thinking of.

• Thyroid dysfunction, including Graves disease, Hashimoto’s and over/underactive.
• Chronic stress, including prolonged exposure to Cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Extreme dietary restrictions/exercise regimes can result in low hormone levels and irregular cycle.
• Weight loss/gain can also affect how well your hormones are working.
• Menopause transition is characterized by hormone fluctuations and periods that eventually stop.
• Autoimmune conditions including diabetes.
• Post Pregnancy/Pill hormone fluctuations following pregnancy or coming off the pill can often lead to irregular cycles, but it should be temporary.
• PCOS affects Estrogen levels.
• Endometriosis can also affect Estrogen levels. 
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First and foremost, know that you are not alone. There are literally millions of women around the world going through the exact same thing right now. And the ones that aren’t are either about to, or have done it already. 

And while that doesn’t actually make a physical difference to your cycle, hopefully, it’ll make a big difference in how you feel about your cycle. Which is super-important, because stressing, worrying, fretting, or however you’re dealing can actually make it worse. 

So, aside from destressing whenever you can, take a good look at your cycle and symptoms. Start tracking everything, from headaches to bleeding. That’ll do two things. First, you’ll be able to see any patterns or symptom clusters, as well as cycle lengths. And second, it’ll give you solid data to show your doctor should you need to. 

Then, have think about your diet and sleep quality. Nutrition is crucial for hormone balance, and our app has some incredible recipes tailored for cycle stage and hormone health. But sleep is just as important. So make sure you’re getting enough of it, and keeping to a bedtime routine.

But most importantly, if you’re worried that there may be a hormonal component to your irregular cycles, please talk to a doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying issues, as well as advise on the best treatment paths, should it become necessary.