If your period feels unpredictable — arriving early, late, skipping months, or changing in flow — you’re not alone. Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the most common reasons women seek naturopathic support from me.

From a naturopathic perspective, an irregular period isn’t something to suppress or override — it’s a valuable signal from your body that something deeper is out of balance.

Let’s explore the most common reasons periods become irregular, and how naturopathy, diet, and targeted nutrients can support cycle regulation and hormonal health.

What Is Considered an “Irregular” Period?

A healthy menstrual cycle typically:

• Occurs every 26–35 days
• Has relatively consistent timing month to month
• Includes predictable bleeding patterns and symptoms

Periods may be considered irregular if you experience:

• Cycles shorter than 26 days or longer than 35 days
• Missed periods (amenorrhoea)
• Very heavy or very light bleeding
• Frequent spotting between cycles or in the lead up to your period
• Sudden changes in cycle length

Common Causes of Irregular Periods

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a finely tuned conversation between the brain, ovaries, thyroid, adrenals, and liver. When this communication is disrupted, cycles can quickly become irregular.

Common hormonal patterns behind this include:

• Low progesterone
• Oestrogen dominance
• PCOS-related androgen excess
• Over-exercising
• Metabolic syndrome
• Thyroid dysfunction

As a Naturopath I look at why hormones are imbalanced — not just which ones are “out of range”.

2. Chronic Stress & Cortisol Disregulation

Stress is one of the most underestimated causes of irregular periods. When cortisol remains elevated:

• Ovulation may be delayed or suppressed
• Progesterone production drops
• Cycles may lengthen, shorten, or disappear altogether

This is particularly common in high-functioning women juggling work, family, exercise, and emotional load — something I see often in my Sydney naturopathic clinic.

3. Inadequate Energy & Nutrient Intake

Your body needs sufficient fuel and micronutrients to ovulate regularly. Undereating, rapid weight loss, restrictive diets, intermittent fasting, or skipping meals can signal to the brain that conditions aren’t safe for reproduction. Key nutrients involved in cycle regularity include:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• B-group vitamins
• Iodine & selenium

Even “healthy” diets can fall short if digestion, absorption, or demand is high.

4. Blood Sugar Disregulation

Unstable blood sugar can disrupt ovarian signalling and worsen hormonal symptoms. Blood sugar imbalance can increase insulin and androgen production, contributing to cycle irregularity. This is particularly relevant for:

• PCOS
• Irregular ovulation
• Cycles with significant PMS or cravings

5. Post-Hormonal Contraceptive Changes

After stopping the pill, hormonal IUD, or other contraception, it can take time for the body to re-establish its natural rhythm. This rhythm is reliant on effective communication between our brain, adrenal glands and ovaries.

Some women may experience:

• Delayed ovulation
• Low progesterone
• Absent or irregular periods for months

Naturopathic support during this transition can help gently restore hormonal communication rather than “waiting it out”.

Diet for Cycle Regularity

A hormone-supportive diet aims to:

• Stabilise blood sugar
• Support ovulation
• Nourish the nervous system
• Enhance liver detoxification of hormones

Key dietary principles include:

• Adequate protein throughout the day
• Complex carbohydrates to support ovulation
• Healthy fats for hormone production
• Fibre-rich plant foods to support hormonal balance and glycemic control

This isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency and nourishment.

How Naturopathy Supports Irregular Periods

As a Sydney-based naturopath, my approach focuses on addressing the root cause of cycle irregularity rather than masking symptoms. My approach usually includes:

• Cycle tracking
• Functional blood tests
• Nutrient assessment
• Stress and lifestyle evaluation

Learn more about my approach here.

A Final Word

Your period is not an inconvenience — it’s a monthly health report and the ultimate sign of wellness and vitality. Irregular cycles are your body’s way of asking for deeper support, not stricter control.

With the right combination of naturopathic medicine, diet, nutrients, and lifestyle care, many women are able to restore regular, healthy cycles and feel more connected to their bodies again.

If you’re looking for naturopathic support for irregular periods in Sydney, I’d love to help you explore what your cycle is trying to tell you.