<strong>How to get pregnant with irregular periods?</strong>

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different in some respects and slight irregularities are common once in a while. For example Irregular periods can be normal for teenagers and perimenopausal women. During the teenage years your periods may be irregular for the first few years and then they become more regular. You can say you have irregular periods if the length of your menstrual cycle or the amount of your period blood keeps changing drastically. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it's completely normal for it to be slightly shorter or longer. Your periods are considered to be irregular if your menstrual cycle is shorter than 21 days and longer than 35 days. Having these issues can make you worried if you will get pregnant with irregular periods or will it be really difficult?

Causes of irregular periods

There are many possible causes of irregular periods, but sometimes they may just be normal for you and sometimes they indicate some serious health issues.

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Common causes include:

• Puberty – irregular periods are very common and normal during your puberty years and they might be irregular for one or two years
• Pre-menopause- This is also a normal and common cause 
• Early pregnancy – You should take a pregnancy test to rule this out
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• Certain hormonal contraception 
• Extreme weight loss or weight gain, 
• Excessive exercise or stress
• Medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 

Can you get pregnant with irregular periods:

It’s very much likely to get pregnant with irregular periods, but it may be difficult and need a doctor's guidance. Because of the irregular cycle it can be difficult to know your ovulation timing. Having intercourse around ovulation or during the fertility window can increase your chances for pregnancy.

The fertile window refers to a period during the month when you're most fertile.

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An irregular menstrual cycle can be a sign of irregular ovulation which means that  you may not ovulate every month or you may ovulate at different times from month to month.Talking to your gynaecologist can help you know the time when you ovulate. Also, ovulation predictor kits are fairly accurate at detecting the sudden increase in LH ( luteinizing hormone) which triggers ovulation.There are certain physical symptoms like increase in cervical mucus and a increase in your basal body temperature which can also indicate that you’re ovulating.

Your doctor may prescribe some drugs like Clomid to induce ovulation. It can have certain side effects such as hot flashes, breast tenderness, bloating and risk of multiple pregnancies.Never take any drug without a doctor’s guidance. It might be difficult to get pregnant with irregular periods but it’s highly possible