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How to Get Pregnant With an Irregular Period

Learn what an irregular period is and how it can affect your chances of getting pregnant.
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By Samuel Wood, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist
Updated March 2, 2017
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Some women can rattle off exactly which week of the month (first, second, third or fourth) they usually get their period. Others have absolutely no idea when or where their periods will strike. If you count yourself among the latter group, there’s a good chance you are someone with an irregular menstrual cycle.

Most women with irregular periods have either very long cycles (45 to 60 days) or sometimes will skip their period every few months. You can have irregular periods when you first start menstruating, and then again at the other end of the equation, when you start to enter perimenopause. Or it can happen during other times in your life, either by stress, significant weight loss or gain, illness, travel and even certain medications.

While having an irregular period can make it more challenging to  get pregnant (since it’s not always quite as clear when you’re going to ovulate, and potentially conceive), the good news is that this is often a highly treatable condition. If you’re thinking seriously about getting pregnant and you’re ready to do so, talk to your doctor, who can help provide some medication to kick-start your period and regulate your cycle. And try to relax as much as you can. There’s a strong, well-proven link between your emotions and your cycle. The less stress you produce, the better your hormones will work to keep your cycle on track.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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