Having a healthy menstrual cycle is instrumental to having abundant fertility. The menstrual cycle can tell us a lot about what is happening in the body, if the uterus is getting enough circulation, if hormones are imbalanced, if you are ovulating and so much more. Our monthly cycle IS our fertility.
Also determining what is ‘normal’ or what should be the goal for us to get our cycles to is important. While everyone can not fit into one box, there is a general range that represents a healthy cycle. But let’s start from the beginning…
What is a period?
Menstruation (the period) is the shedding of the endometrium lining of the uterus. This generally occurs monthly, releasing blood and tissues from the uterus.
How the cycle works…
The period is only one part of the amazingly complex monthly fertility cycle orchestrated by the endocrine system. The endocrine glands work together to send messages via hormones. This is called the feedback loop.
In very simple terms the hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing homrones) which signals to the pituitary to produce LH (luteinising hormones and FSH (folilicle stimulating hormone) to signal to the ovaries that it is there turn to release estrogen and progesterone which is recognized by the pituitary gland.
Simple right? Not so. As you can see a healthy cycle is dependent on each part of the feedback loop functioning properly. Think of it as an orchestra, if just one part of the cycle is off, it will throw the entire cycle off, causing imbalances that can effect fertility.
Phases of the menstrual cycle
Follicular phase
The hypothalamus responds to the different levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted from the ovaries. When estrogen drops during the period, the hypothalamus secretes GnRH which signals to the pituitary to release FSH which then initiates the follicular growth in the ovary. 10-20 follicles will begin to develop, but only one of these will mature to become an egg. While they are developing the follicles are producing estrogen which stimulates the endometrium to develop in the uterus (the uterine lining in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg).
As the estrogen increases (secreted from the developing follicles prior to ovulation) the cervical mucous begins to change to ‘fertile mucous’ which is egg white in its consistency. The increasing levels of estrogen then trigger the secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus which them signals the surge of LH and FSH which most likely triggers the release of the egg. Once ovulation occurs FSH levels drop fast and LH starts to drop slowly.
Luteal Phase
Ovulation is followed by the luteal phase. With LH present the corpus luteum begins to secrete increasing quantities of progesterone and fairly constant levels of estrogen.
The endometrium is now influenced by progesterone causing it to develop to be capable of nourishing a developing embryo.
If fertilization does not occur, the decline of the hormones causes the endometrium to shed, which is dependent on hormones at all times for its health, maintenance and development. When estrogen reaches a low enough point the hypothalamus releases GnRH and the cycle starts over again.
Counting the days of your menstrual cycle
Day one of the menstrual cycle is always the first day of your period. If you spot before your period has come, that is not counted. The days between the first day of your period and ovulation is called the ‘follicular phase’. Generally this is 14 days long, but varies woman to woman. When ovulation occurs the luteal phase begins.
The luteal phase is the days between ovulation and menstruation. It is generally 14 days long. This is the time when a fertilized egg is attaching itself to the lining in the uterus to establish itself. If the luteal phase is too short (less than 12 days) this can make implantation almost impossible as the egg has not had sufficient time to properly implant and signal to the cycle that pregnancy has occurred.
I find using a tool such as CycleBeads or fertility charting can be helpful in keeping track of your cycle so you can know the length and generally when ovulation will occur.
What is a normal period?
We get asked often what is an ideal period. Unfortunately there is no one answer to this question as we are all different. A ‘textbook’ period is 28 days long with menstruation lasting 3-5 days. The information that is most important about your cycle is the length of your period, the length of your entire cycle, the amount of pain, the color and consistency of the menstruation. We can use this information to learn how to best use herbs and therapies to help create a healthy, balanced cycle.
Length of a Healthy Cycle
The usual range of a healthy cycle is between 21 and 35 days. Some women will have cycles that are very different from this but as long as there is a pattern, regularity, a healthy body and the folicular phase is between 12-14 days there should be no cause for concern.
Hormone levels and ovulation create the regularity of your cycle. Failure to ovulate will effect hormonal levels and hormonal imbalance will effect/inhibit the secretion of hormones that stimulate ovulation.
There are many factors that can effect the hormonal balance and ovulation. Stress being one of them. Learn more about stress and fertility here.
How to use the signs of your menstrual cycle to determine your hormonal balance
Below is given as a list of associations, not in any way a diagnostic tool. My goal is to help you read your body and listen when it is telling you something is out of balance. The menstrual cycle is one of the best ways the body communicates about your fertility. The details of your menstrual cycle can be used as a window into your fertility. Telling you just what is going on, where an imbalance my lie, how your reproductive circulation is, if there is a hormonal imbalance, etc.
Missing a period
Missing one period is no cause for alarm. The hormonal balance is very delicate and can be effect easily by stress. It generally will reset itself. Missing one or a couple of periods does not imply infertility necessarily as you can still ovulate even if you are not menstruating. This happened to a friend of mine and she became pregnant. Missing a period for 6 months or more is called amenorrhoea and is covered a below and here in this guide…
Short Cycles
Short cycles can cause fertility issues due to lack of ovulation, too short of follicular phase or luteal phase, lack of nutrition, deficiencies, anemia or low body weight. Traditionally one of the best herbs that has been used for luteal phase defect is vitex. In studies vitex helped 83% of women experiencing luteal phase defect.
Longer Periods
A longer period may be an indication of hormonal imbalance and/or a failure to ovulate. Progesterone secreted by the body after ovulation normally helps to stop excess bleeding because of its effect on preserving the uterine lining. If estrogen is high or progesterone low, bleeding may continue longer than usual. Some herbal therapies that have been traditionally used for balancing longer periods are vitex and Slow Flow.
Heavy menstruation
This is known to be caused by prostaglandin imbalance and/or over-stimulation of the uterine lining from estrogens (estrogen dominance). Traditionally this imbalance can be helped by:
Nutritional imbalances have also been linked to prolonged or heavy bleeding. Vitamin A deficiency may be a contributing factor in heavy menstruation. Studies have shown vitamin A intake to significantly decrease the amount of blood and the duration of the menses.
Another important vitamin, vitamin C, has been shown to help reduce heavy bleeding by strengthening the capillaries, helping to reduce their fragility. One study showed an 87% success rate in reducing of heavy bleeding with vitamin C.
Slow Flow is the best herbal and supplement blend I have seen to help with heavy menstruation. It contains herbs that are astringent (helping to slow blood flow) and nutrients such as vitamin A, C and K. In addition vitex and liver supporting herbs have been found to be helpful.
Light menstruation with strong cramping
Generally the cramping could be helped by using herbs that have an anti-spasmodic, calming effect on the uterus. If there is light, bright red menstruation, this may also be a sign of a lack of circulation to the uterus (called a ‘cold uterus’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine). This may be helped by the herbs and therapies:
Bright Red Blood
Generally bright red blood indicates a healthy period. Rejoice!
Dark, brown or thick blood
Thick dark blood that looks old or is brown is old blood left over from the previous cycle. This may be caused by a sluggish menstrual flow, lack of uterine tone or low uterine circulation. Herbs and therapies used traditionally for this imbalance are:
Pale Blood, Watery or thin menstruation
Pale pink, thin blood traditionally signifies poor blood quality which can be enriched by using blood building herbs, hormone balancing, and increasing circulation. Eating a healthy diet may also be beneficial.
Clots
Clots are traditionally seen as a sign of stagnation created from excessive flow that is not being expelled. Herbs and therapies that are beneficial for increasing uterine tone are:
Spotting and bleeding between periods
Spotting is a tricky subject as it can be caused by many different factors. Most times it is not something to be concerned about but some of the causes may be:
No period (amenorrhoea)
It can be quite frustrating if you are trying to get pregnant and yet have no period. Having a healthy cycle is step one for boosting your fertility naturally and being able to get pregnant. There are a couple of reasons your cycle may be irregular such as stress, dietary deficiencies, low body weight, getting off of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, or other underlying issues.
Since the lining of the uterus is not being shed, it is very important to clear out the old blood and establish a healthy cycle again. This can be done naturally and effectively with herbs and nutrition. I have talked with many clients who have been offered synthetic estrogen to get there periods going again… taking synthetic estrogen for this issue is like using a sledge hammer on a thumb tack.
Natural therapies such as the Fertility Cleanse, Dong Quai, Fem Rebalance or Vitex have been found helpful.
Steps to maintaining a healthy cycle
Depending on each situation, the herbs and therapies may be different, but in addition to a specific herbal, supplemental and therapeutic protocol. here are 4 steps every woman can take to promote a healthy menstrual cycle.
1. Hormonal Balance
Promoting hormonal balance with the use of nourishing herbs and supplements. As you have read, there is a delecate balance between hormonal balance and imbalance. In some cases the endocrine system may be in the need of some nourishment and support. There are herbs and supplements that are specific for this (see list further down). Diet is also very important for hormonal balance.
In addition, the 3 other steps below also help to support hormonal balance.
2. Liver Health
The liver helps to filter toxins from the body including excess hormones. If there is an over abundance of estrogen, the liver will be overloaded and in need of a little herbal help. Doing a Fertility Cleanse or using liver cleansing herbs can help to continually support the liver in detoxification. I personally am constantly using herbs and juices to help support the liver to cleanse itself as our modern world can be so toxic.
3. Nutrition and hydration
Nutrition plays a big roll in a healthy menstrual cycle and hormonal balance. It is important for us to consume a wide variety of minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Some of the nutrients that are specific to hormonal balance (remember a healthy diet is VERY important, not just getting these singled out nutrients). These can all be found in a whole food multivitamin.
You can learn more about eating a diet specific for fertility here…
Hydration is also important. In many cases of stagnation (such as blood clots or dark menstrual blood) dehydration is a contributing factor. In order for the menstruation to FLOW from us, it needs to have a liquid consistency. Not a sticky, thick consistency.
Drinking plenty of water and fresh squeezed juices is important for a healthy flow. Starting your day with a quart of water (with lemon if you like) is a great idea. Making sure to get another quart throughout the day. In addition add at least 1 quart of fresh juiced vegetable and fruit juices and you are on your way to abundant health.
4. Stress reduction
Stress can have an impact on your menstrual cycle. Traveling, work stress, family stress, stress about infertility, financial stress can have an impact on the hormones that are released.
Recent research tells us that stress boosts levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which inhibits the body’s main sex hormones GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) and subsequently suppresses ovulation, sexual activity and sperm count.
Supporting the adrenal gland is also helpful for hormonal balance as it can get burned out from too much stress for too long and negatively effect the endocrine system.
There are many ways to begin to reduce the amount of stress and alter your reaction to stress such as:
Herbal Formulas for Menstrual Health
Dong Quai
Dong Quai works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it will stimulate an absent or scanty period. It also nourishes the blood (it is in nearly all Chinese herbal blood-building formulas). Helps with iron deficiency and anemia. One of the best uses is it helps women who are not menstruating to invite their menstruation back. The increased circulation also helps to strengthen and balance the uterus. In rat studies it has been show to help build the uterus lining.
Slow Flow
Fem Re-balance is a unique blend of herbs traditionally used to restore and re-balance a woman’s internal hormonal state. Hormonal balance may need restoring after discontinuing oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, during stress, weight loss.
Fem Rebalance
Fem Rebalance is a unique blend of herbs traditionally used to restore and re-balance a woman’s internal hormonal state. Hormonal balance may need restoring after discontinuing oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, during stress, weight loss.
Vitex
Vitex is an incredible hormone balancer, which adapts to women’s different needs. Vitex has been shown to normalize heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), relieve amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycle), and decrease polymenorrhea (too frequent periods). Vitex even eases inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, so it’s good choice for women prone to painful fibroids or cysts, too.
Blood Builder
Maca
Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has the ability to affect key hormones in both women and men without containing hormones itself.
Maca helps to stimulate and nourish the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
EFA’s
The hypothalamus is fed by essential fatty acids (EFA’s) and other nutrients. The glandular system utilizes essential fatty acids to produce hormones. If you are deficient, the body doesn’t have the building blocks to make the proper hormones. A sign that you may not have enough EFA’s in your system is if you have dry skin and hair.
References:
1. Trickey Ruth. Women, Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle, 2003
2. Lithgow D. Politzer W. Vitamin A in the treament of menorrhagia. South African Medical Journal, 1977.
3. Cohen J Rubin. Functional menorrhagia. Treatment with bioflvanoids and vitamin C. Current Therapeutic Research, 1960.
4. Hobbs Christopher. Vitex The Women’s Herb, 2003
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Hethir,
FANTASTIC article! Thanks so much for your on-going tips and information. So useful and much appreciated.
Warmly, Karin
This was so helpful! I always wanted to know what is considered a healthy menstrual flow.
Thanks,
Theresa
Hi Hethir,
Can I take Dong Quai and Vitex simultaneously?
Also, while taking these two herbs, can I take Folic Acid as well?
Thank you.
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Yes, Dong Quai and Vitex can be taken together, as well as Folic Acid.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi,
I had a miscarriage which resulted in a D&C Aug 2009. Since then we have been trying with no luck. I have had a normal cycle with the exception of very dark blood, clots and the worst cramps of my life. I don’t know what we are doing wrong. Please help us we want to add to our family more than anything.
Thank you in advance,
Katrina
I have blocked fallopian tubes. I was told that I am not ovulating, is this true?
Hi Katrina,
The pain and dark blood clots may be a sign that your body may need to cleanse. Ways to cleanse the uterus naturally are the Fertility Cleanse Kit, Self Fertility Massage and Castor Oil packs. D&C has the potential to cause irritation in the uterus as well as scar tissue, Self Fertility Massage and Castor Oil packs may help with this. You have been through a lot, I am sorry for your loss, that must have been very difficult for you.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Passat08,
Is there a chance that your doctor said you are not ovulating because of another reason such as PCOS or hormonal imbalance?
There is a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy if your tubes are partially blocked.
*http://www.ehow.com/facts_6006043_can-ovulate-fallopian-tubes-blocked_.html
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi,
thank you so much for the article. now, it is much more clear.
I’ve been taking Vitex and Dong Quai altogether and Maca powder for 3 weeks already. No effect for now, but I’m optimistic. (I have high level of prolactin and ovarian cysts, but I have one child already!!; I’ve stopped breastfeeding and I would want to take my menstrual cycle back. I hope it will be possible naturally)
Regards,
Nadya
Hello. Thanks so much for all the helpful tips and articles you send me. I am very discouraged and have been trying for a year and a half to get pregnant but no luck. I have 2 healthy children already. Through several tests I have found that my fallopian tubes are blocked. I have a pretty normal period cycle. And as of today, I am 4 days late. I have taken 3 home pregnancy tests only to see negative results. Then I checked my email just now and see this article about the health of the menstrual cycle and fertility. Maybe my cycle isn’t as healthy as I thought it was. I am very sad that I have been unable to get pregnant. I’m thinking I should try that fertility cleansing kit.
Hi Arita,
There are many reasons your cycle may be a bit irregular..stress, hormonal changes, age, ect. You know your body best, think about what may be causing this.
Fertility Cleansing may help to create a foundation for balanced hormones and a healthy reproductive system.
We have a great article on natural therapies for Blocked Fallopian Tubes, you can read it at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/blocked-fallopian-tubes
Depending on what has damaged your tubes, for example endometriosis, the culprit may also cause irregular menstruation.
Thank you for your support and kind words.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Hethir,
Today is my 11th day of period and still continuous bleeding, its my first time having this kind of problem. Could you mind to tell me what causes this?
Dear Barsha,
Menorrhagia is excessive menstrual bleeding, either in the number of days, the amount of blood or both.
There are a number of reasons that this could be happening, so many it would take up an entire page to list them all. It may be best in your case to review the last few months of your cycle and life to see if there is anything that may have affected you, diet changes, weight gain or loss, stress, herbs you may have been taking, medications you may have been taking, ect. You may also want to talk to your doctor about this and see if you can come up with a reason for this change.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Dear Dalene,
For the past 9 months or so my periods have been very irregular and very, very light and only lasted a day, sometimes only half a day. The color is dark, not like the red color it used to be. We are ready to start trying but I am worried that I may not be ovulating. Am I, with it only lasting this long and hardly any blood? I am very confused as to why this started. Could you please help me get my cycle back on track? Please help me.
Sincerely,
Deanna
Hi Deanna,
The following natural therapies are a great place to begin research:
Dong Quai- In traditional Chinese medicine Dong Quai is referred to as a blood tonic as it has a general effect on circulation. This could be helpful for women experiencing pale menstrual flow, absent periods, and weakness after periods (in TCM this is called blood deficient). It has also been shown to improve red blood cell counts.
Fertility Cleansing- In some instances the uterus is not able to empty it’s entire contents every menstrual cycle. Some imbalances that may show up when this is happening are PMS, cramps during your period, endometriosis, brown blood/dark blood/purple blood during menstruation, blood clotting during menstruation, endometriosis, PCOS, absence of menstruation, long cycles (longer than normal), are bleeding less than 4 days per cycle.
Self Fertility Massage- Increases circulation to the uterus and cervix*
Helps to move stagnant toxins to leave the body*
Promotes the movement of fluids*
It may be best to see a specialist to get some hormonal testing done to see why you are not having and cycle. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, this may delay your period as well.
You may also want to consider a Natural Fertility Consultation.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Dear Dalene,
I’ve been taking vitex for the last 8 months, because I had amenorrea, since I’ve taken vitex my menstrual cycles have been long and I’ve been spoting 5 days before of my period. What coud it be the cause of the spoting?
Hi Anna,
How much Vitex are you taking? Have you taken a break from it to see how your body does on its own now? You may want to wean yourself off of it to see how your body does on its own. The only way you will know for sure if it is the vitex is to stop taking it and see what happens.
Traditional suggested usage for Vitex is: Capsules: 1,000mg a day is the suggested amount to use. For best results use vitex capsules all month long except during menstruation.
Tincture: Suggested usage is 10-15 drops of vitex extract, 2-3 times a day all month long except during menstruation.
However, unlike powerful hormone drugs, vitex works slowly to normalize the body. Maximum benefits are often achieved after 6-12 cycles with vitex.
All the best,
Dalene
Is it okay to take Maca and the Baby and Me whole food vitamin while on the Fertility Cleanse?
I’m currently in the 7th day of the liver portion of the cleanse.
Thanks.
Hi RDS,
Yes it is fine to take both of those during the cleanse, actually we encourage those supplements as part of your cleanse and Natural Fertility Diet.
All the best,
Dalene
Dear Hethir,
I have been taken maca for 2 weeks now, at the moment I am menstruating. Should I continue with it?
Thanks.
Hi Ada,
Maca has been shown to be safe to use during menstruation.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I really like this site. Thanks for all the information! I’m breastfeeding my toddler and could really use some assurance about which steps are breastfeeding compatible. For example, I’m worried a cleanse would increase the toxins in my blood, which would increase the toxins in my milk.
Thanks,
Anne
Hi Anne,
You are correct. You should never cleanse your body, with any type of cleansing, when breastfeeding. Cleansing while breastfeeding could dump toxins into your breastmilk. The herb vitex is safe for breastfeeding. Some superfoods like Maca, Royal Jelly, Fertilica Whey and Fertilica UltraGreens are safe with your doctors approval. Red Raspberry leaf and nettles is also safe for breastfeeding.
All the best,
Dalene
Hi Hethir i find your information very helpful thanks. It helps alot i never knew all this things thanks.
hy Hethir thanks for all the information ,helps me too alot to know all abot it.
Thanks for directing me to this sight on the menstruation cycle, i think i have found my answer! The dong quai is for me,we will try it and hope for the best,PS: you girls have made my infertility journey much lighter and bearable, THANKS
Hi Naomi,
Thanks, I am glad you are here!
Dalene
Hi,
I just wanted to say what a fantastically informative web site. I have just spent nearly two days researching various supplements to help with regulating cycles, heavy bleeding and pain etc and came across this site today. I have found out more information in the last two hours than in the last two weeks! I am hoping to conceive and I have now decided that Vitex, along with Evening Primrose Oil is going to be the combination for me.
Can I just check that I take Vitex 1000g of Vitex every day after food, except during menstruation and Evening Primrose Oil from the 1st day of mensturation until the first day of ovulation.
I am 42 and have had various conversations regarding my age and conceiving, so am not naive to the fact that it may never happen, but any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks again,
Ali
Hi Ali,
I am glad you like the site, we appreciate the positive feedback!
You are correct on the dosage of Vitex, but it is best taken with meals or just water. EPO timing is correct.
Women over 40 often need to focus on improving uterine and egg health, as well as balancing hormones. Here are some guides that you may find helpful:
Fertility Cleanse: http://natural-fertility-info.com/prepare-for-conception
Increase Egg Health: http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health
Menstrual Health: http://natural-fertility-info.com/natural-menstrual-health.html
Improve Uterine Health: http://natural-fertility-info.com/uterine-health-for-fertility.html
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hello,
I just want to thank you so much for all of the information on this site. After reading the information I have seen here, I am thinking that my choice to take Vitex last month may not have been the best. I am 32 and have been trying to conceive for 15 months. I always have regular cycles that are about 29-30 days in length. I thought that taking Vitex would help just give me the boost that I needed to help. But, after only seven 400 mg pills, I began to experience extreme pain in my ovaries. My period was also 7 days late with extremely painful cramps on day 1. My blood is very red and has a few clots. I am wondering if there is something you can recommend to me instead of Vitex?
An additional note is that I have been detoxifying my body of gluten as I just discovered in July that I carry a gene for Celiac disease. Could I benefit from a fertility cleanse as well?
Thanks so much in advance!
Hi Erika,
Thank you for your support, we are glad you are here! Well it is a good thing that you have realized Vitex is not your best choice right away! It sounds like you have very wonderful, regular cycles. The #1 reason couples have trouble conceiving is usually due to timing error. If you have never charted your cycle, this may help you to pin point your most fertile days, this will help you to know when to try to conceive. Yesterday I just posted our new Guide to Fertility Charting. I urge you to look over that page, research some ways to chart, so that you can time intercourse for your most fertile days!
Honestly I feel that most people benefit from regular cleansing. The Fertility Cleanse, in general, is a great way for anyone who is experiencing fertility challenges, to create a foundation for hormonal balance and a healthy uterus for implantation. Fertility Cleansing creates a “clean slate” within the body that helps the body to respond and utilize other natural remedies better. Consider that fact that your first born child will receive and use your fat stores to sustain pregnancy and health. Toxins are stored in our fat cells and liver, they can be passed on to your baby during pregnancy. It is best to prepare for pregnancy with a Fertility Cleanse. Cleansing before conception may be one of the last opportunities you have to rid your body of toxins that could be passed onto your baby in utero.
Also, an intolerance to gluten may play a role. New research has shown that Celiac Disease may contribute to infertility in a variety of ways. You can read an article we have on the subject at this link (you will have to join our Natural Fertility Diet community, but it is absolutely free and full of resources!): http://www.naturalfertilitydiet.com/forum/topics/can-eating-wheat-cause
Always include a whole food nutrient dense diet, regular exercise and a good whole food multivitamin as part of your pregnancy preparation plan!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Dear Dalene,
I just wanted to know if it’s safe to take vitex with maca, I’ve been taking maca for 1 month and I really feel with lots of energy, but I feel pain in my breast, in the past I took vitex and I feel great, but now I don’t know if I could take them together. I have anovulating periods. Thanks so much.
Hi Anna,
Yes, maca and vitex have been shown safe for combination. When you are stimulating the body to increase progesterone production by supporting the endocrine system, the estrogen receptor sites ‘wake up’ (are stimulated) enhancing the action of estrogen for a short period of time. This is a sign that the progesterone is coming back on board, even though at the beginning it can exacerbate estrogen dominance symptoms such as breast tenderness and swelling, spotting, fluid retention, dizziness, hot flashes, fatigue, headaches and nausea. It sounds like this may be what is happening for you. The maca may support increase in progesterone production by the body. Vitex increases luteinizing hormone production while mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This indirectly boosts progesterone production. The breast tenderness should go away after the next cycle.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi
I am hoping to conceive since 8 yrs ago. Im now 49 & since 3yrs ago my menstrual stops and I have been taking the Fertil Plus, Dong Quai, other supplements & Evening Primrose yet till now there’s no sign of my menstrual. Very upset & advice would be greatly appreciated.
Warmest regards
Mim
Hi Mim,
It is not out of the ordinary for a woman who is your age to have gone through menopause. The normal age range for women to naturally go through menopause is 45-55, with the average mean age of 51. Menopause is generally confirmed after a year or more of no menstruation. Have you seen your doctor about your concerns? They can help you to determine if you have gone through menopause. No amount of herbs or supplements can reverse menopause. I am sorry you are upset. Please speak with your doctor.
All the best,
Dalene
Hi,
I am intrested in trying out the vitex because I have irregular periods due to birth control but me and my husband are not in a rush to become pregnant, will the vitex make me more fertile? I am just looking for something that will make my hormones balanced and have my normal period, but not increase my chances on being pregnant…. (well as far as right now…)
Hi B,
If you are still using birth control we do not recommend taking any herbs for fertility, including vitex. As long as you are taking birth control your hormones are being controlled by that medication. If you want to learn the best ways to balance hormones after birth control use, please go to this link; http://natural-fertility-info.com/birth-control-fertility.html
If you go off of birth control and do not want to get pregnant, consider methods like condoms.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
hi i have been bleedin for the past five months straight.will the vitex or slow flow stop the bleeding?i am so fed up.what should i do?
Hi,
I am 37 years old with 3 kids and I am trying to have another. Conceiving seems to be a big challenge for me. I have noticed that over the years my monthly cycle has changed. Its so heavy for the first 3 days, I have extremely painful cramps, clots and dark red. I have spoken with my Dr. and he said it was Fibroids after the review of my sonogram. I really need to know the products that would help me to have a better cycle and to help with conceiving. Please recommend the products that would be best fit for me.
Thank you,
Tash
Hi z,
It would be best to see your doctor. It would be good to know what is causing the long-term menstrual bleeding. It may be a sign of an underlying condition. Slow Flow may greatly help, and is something you may want to consider learning more about. You can learn more about heavy and long-term menstrual bleeding here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/heavy-menstrual-bleeding.html
I hope you get this figured out soon!
Dalene
My period came 7 days early, which been happening again past 2-4 months. Sometimes 4 days early. This happend before and then had went back to normal, which is 21 days. What do you recommend so it can always be every 21 days.
Thank you kindly,
Pamela
Hi Tash,
We have a great guide for women with Uterine Fibroids at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/the-best-natural-remedies-for-fibroids.html
If you need more specific guidance, please consider a consultation.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Pam Raft,
A menstrual cycle that is shorter than 24 days is a sign of Luteal Phase Defect. This is where there is not enough time to build a sufficient uterine lining. Vitex has been shown to lengthen short cycles, and shorten long cycles, balancing the cycle length overall, as well as promoting regular ovulation.
Best Wishes,
Dalene