Have you ever sought help for your irregular cycle only to feel dismissed? Irregular periods don't always get the attention they deserve. Women often are told that their test results are normal or that the irregularities are caused by stress. A birth control prescription to regulate the cycle usually follows, which often feels like a band-aid solution. Although stress is one cause of irregular cycles, there are many other possible causes that are worth exploring.

When my patients tell me that their test results are normal, the first thing that I ask for is a copy of the results so I can see what was actually tested. I do this because sometimes important clues are missing from the test results - vitamin D levels being one of them. 

Vitamin D And Your Cycle 

It’s amazing to see how often vitamin D levels are not tested when a woman complains of an irregular cycle. It’s especially surprising given the growing amount of evidence that vitamin D plays a role in reproductive health. 

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with irregular cycles. There is also research that vitamin D deficiency is linked to longer gaps between periods and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

For the longest time, research has focused on the role that vitamin D plays in bone health but now more studies are showing us that we need vitamin D for hormone health, mental health, immune system health and more. 

How Vitamin D Helps

There are receptors for vitamin D on the ovaries and uterus. That means that these tissues are likely sensitive to vitamin D levels. According to researchers, vitamin D may promote healthy progesterone and estrogen levels by influencing the ovaries as well as hormones produced by the brain. Vitamin D may help lower insulin resistance. Regulating these various hormones helps to promote regular ovulation which is important for maintaining a regular cycle. There are likely many other ways that vitamin D influences our cycles but researchers are still trying to determine the exact mechanisms behind this. 

Signs Of Vitamin D Deficiency 

Signs and symptoms are not always a reliable way to find out if you're deficient in vitamin D because they can be so vague and easy to dismiss. Testing is the most reliable way to truly determine if you are deficient or not. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Low mood

• Anxiety 

• Hair loss

• Muscle and bone pain

Regulating Your Period

Sometimes it takes real detective work to figure out why your periods are irregular and how to get it back on track. Vitamin D may be one piece of the puzzle but there are many more pieces to consider. If you’re ready to dig deep and figure out the root causes for your irregular periods, book a free 15 minute phone consultation to learn more about how a naturopathic doctor can help.