Understanding Irregular Cycles
Cycle irregularity and infertility are related as a continuum, and therefore the self-care for irregular cycles and infertility is the same.
Several common causes of cycle irregularity and infertility may be seen on the chart. Short luteal phase, thyroid problems, and underweight or low body fat all affect the charted signs. It’s possible for more than one of these to occur at the same time.
Short luteal phase may be improved by the same strategies that are helpful to PMS. Consider the use of Optivite PMT, ProCycle PMS, or Fertility Blend.
Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can sometimes be improved through better nutrition and supplements. It is common after childbirth, and it sometimes resolves on its own. If improvement occurs, the levels of temperatures will rise, and better mucus and bleeding patterns will occur. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary, and thyroid hormone replacement can restore normal cycles and fertility.
While iodine is essential to thyroid function, excess iodine has been implicated in autoimmune thyroiditis. Restaurant food is often highly seasoned with iodized salt, a source of excess iodine to be considered.
Hyperthyroidism is much less common than low thyroid function. It is seen on the chart through higher-than-normal basal temperatures. Hyperthyroidism is not likely to respond to nutrition, and medical care is necessary.
Underweight or low body fat can delay ovulation, cause short luteal phase, or result in the complete absence of cycles. Often just gaining a few pounds with good diet is enough to improve the cycle. Reducing excessive exercise may be necessary.
Endnotes from Irregular Cycles Book
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2 Bruchalski, J. (Personal communication to M. Shannon, October 6, 2008). John Bruchalski, M.D., is an NFP-only obstetrician/gyneoclogist at the Tepeyac OB/GYN in Fairfax, VA.
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18 Goswami, B., Patel, S., Chatterjee, M., et al. (2009).
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21 Lark, S. “Solutions for a Healthy Thyroid” (Women’s Wellness Today 2007, 14:1-5).
22 Shomon, M. (2006, pp. 82-86).
23 Shomon, M. (2006, p. 80).
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25 Melotte-Athmer, A. “Iodine needed for proper thyroid function” (CCL News 1986, 12(5):3).
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27 Ashok, K., Sarma, D., and Saikia, U. “Selenium and the thyroid: A close-knit connection” (Indian J. Endocrinol. Metab. 2012, 16[Supl. 2: S354-S355]).
28 Nacamulli, D., Mian, C., Petriccca, D., et al. “Influence of physiological dietary selenium supplementation on the natural course of autoimmune thyroiditis” (Clin. Endocrinol. 2010, 73:535-539).
29 Norris (2015).
30 Androvite for Men
31 Duntas, L. “The role of iodine and selenium in autoimmune thyroiditis” (Horm. Metab. Res. 2015, 47:721-726).
32 Bhuyan, A., Sarma, D., and Saikia, U. “Selenium and the thyroid: A close-knit connection” (Indian J. Endocrinol. Metab. 2012, 16:S354-S355).
33 De Souza, M., Van Heest, J., Demers, L., et al. (2003).
34 Frisch, R. Female Fertility and the Body Fat Connection (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002, p. 99).
35 Franklyn, J. “Subclinical thyroid disorders–Consequences and implications for treatment” (Annales d’Endocrinologie 2007, 68:229-230).
36 Barnes, B., and Galton, L. Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness (New York: Harper and Row, 1976, p. 136).
37 Puglio, P. “Hypothyroidism: The relationship to menstrual disorders.” (Women’s Health Connections, Complementary Issue II). Available through the Barnes Foundation, P.O Box 110098, Trumbull, CT 06611. Telephone 203-261-2101; or www.brodabarnes.org.
38 Barnes, B., and Galton, L. (1976, p. 46).
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40 Franklyn, J. (2007).
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45 Manore, M. “Nutritional recommendations and athlete menstrual dysfunction” (Int. Sports Med J. 2004, 5:45-55).
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48-49 Manore, Kam, and Loucks, 2007.