On an average most women will have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. You might be amongst the many who end up on the lower end of the scale. A “missed” or irregular period is very subjective as it needs to be looked at in terms of what is normal for the individual. Menstrual periods are often irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts. It may take several years for the hormones that control menstruation to reach a balance.

Common Causes For Irregular Menstrual Periods

Irregular menstrual periods could be due to numerous reasons such as:

• Unevenness of the female hormones estrogens and progesterone for some years after sexual maturity.
• Hormonal discrepancy prior to the stoppage of menstruation.
• Poor nutrition especially a diet deficient in the mineral zinc and vitamin B6.
• A diet rich in carbohydrates.
• Anemia due to Iron deficiency.
• Excessive weight loss or gain (obesity).
• Too much exercise.
• Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, etc.
• Constant worry and nervous tension due to psychological, emotive or bodily stress, leading to production of the hormone cortisol which in turn affects the production of the female hormones estrogen, progesterone and DHEA. The imbalance of all the aforementioned hormones serves to induce irregular menstrual cycles.
• Usage of a device or agent meant to prevent conception(contraceptive device).
• Miscarriage.
• D and C (dilatation and curettage).
• Recent delivery of a baby.
• Breastfeeding.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (development of fluid filled pouches in the ovaries).
• An unplanned pregnancy.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• An early still birth.
• Other problems within the uterus or ovaries.
• An abnormally active or an inadequately active thyroid.
• Usage of certain medications (prescribed or over the counter).
• Inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, liver disease, and diabetes can also lead to irregular periods.
• Illegal drug (medications and banned substances) use.

Natural Ways To Maintain A Regular Menstrual Cycle

Do not get stressed out if you miss a period once in a while. Unless pregnant, your body will get your cycles back on track within the next month. Most important is to get your physical and psychological strength and balance right to support the body in this endeavor.

Nature has provided many natural herbs, seeds, and other alternatives that can help regularize menstrual cycles. Some of these are listed below:

• Fresh raw carrots or grapes juice is one of the most potent yet low-cost remedies for irregular menstrual cycles.
• Drinking ginger tea with honey on a daily basis serves to regularize the menstrual cycles.
• Add two teaspoonfuls of Parsley leaves in boiling water, let it stand for thirty minutes, filter through a sieve and enjoy this rich tea.
• Turmeric, the amazing herb is very beneficial for treatment of this malady.
• A juice mix prepared from fresh parsley, beet, carrot and cucumber.
• Recurrent intake of decoction prepared from leaves of bamboo tree is an ancient remedy for this ailment.
• Consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt and lean protein on a daily basis is recommended for regularization of menstrual cycles.
• Mint in powdered form, integrated with honey needs to be taken several times throughout the day is a tried and tested home remedy.
• Fennel seeds in water, works wonders.
• Concoction of Radish seeds blended with buttermilk can be taken daily.
• The distillate or essence from the bark of Ashoka tree not only incites the uterine walls but assists in stabilizing the menstrual cycles.
• The Chinese herb  Dong Quai or female ginseng regulates the menstrual current

The aforementioned herbs can assist in stabilizing hormones which is the most common cause for an irregular menstrual cycle. Usually, the herbs are taken two weeks prior to the start of your monthly cycle.

Apart from all this, reducing the consumption of refined carbohydrates, indulging in moderate regular exercise /yoga/meditation etc. goes a long way in getting the body, mind and soul all synced up to help overcome this condition.