Amenorrhea / Oligomenorrhea
How to Overcome Irregular Periods Naturally
We’ll find the right natural remedies for you to regain balance in your body and regulate your monthly cycle.
Finding Your Healthiest Cycle
A woman’s menstrual cycle can vary in many ways, but it is important to recognize when changes have moved outside the realm of normal so you can get back to your healthiest state. Having either infrequent (Oligomenorrhea) or no periods (Secondary Amenorrhea) can be caused by natural conditions such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, a hormone imbalance, or by a number of outside factors such as medications, stress, extreme physical activity, or low body weight. We will work with you to create a plan that helps you regain a healthy period and menstrual cycle.
Our Holistic Approach to Treating Irregular Periods
Your menstrual cycle can be a good indicator of your overall health. If something is off balance in your body, an irregular period can signal this. Natural remedies can help you regain balance in your body and regulate your monthly cycle. We promise to listen to every woman and provide an environment of trust and understanding. It is our mission to help you find natural ways to care for your body and live a healthier and happier life.
Natural Remedies for Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea can have a number of causes, and while some of those causes may require medical procedures, many issues can be addressed naturally. Acupuncture and Chinese herb formulas are highly effective ways to reestablish a regular menstruation cycle. After discussing your history and identifying your needs, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that could involve acupuncture treatments, a tailored blend of Chinese herbs, or a mix of both.
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture for Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Acupuncture helps stabilize the entire monthly cycle by rebalancing the hormones in the body. Treatment works to address the root causes of infrequent or absent cycles, such as low blood quantity, iron deficiency, anemia, low blood sugar, etc.
During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the lower abdomen between the pelvis and the belly button, on the lower legs, wrists, and sometimes elsewhere, such as the ear. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to feel results within 3-6 months and experience sustained results in 6-12 months. These results differ from woman to woman, especially women who are over the age of 45 and may be near perimenopause.
Herbal Remedies for Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Chinese herb formulas are tailored to each patient to address their needs. The formulas are most typically used to promote the movement of qi and blood, providing the body with necessary nutrients and rebalancing hormonal levels. To promote a more regular menstrual flow, the medicine works to address the root causes through the lens of Chinese medicine which can impact low blood quantity, iron deficiency, anemia, low blood sugar, etc.
To maximize the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment, it is recommended that Chinese herbal medicine be combined with acupuncture treatments. Those that take this approach typically experience increased improvement of their symptoms, quicker results, and more sustained results. Patients who are taking Chinese herbal medicine are also more likely to be able to reduce the frequency of acupuncture treatment after 2-3 months. These results differ from woman to woman, especially women who are over the age of 45 and may be near perimenopause.
Helping You Reestablish a Regular Menstruation Cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oligomenorrhea?
Oligomenorrhea is when a woman has infrequent periods. While some fluctuation in menstrual cycles can be normal, going without a cycle for 35 days can be considered Oligomenorrhea. Other symptoms that are considered irregular are having a significantly lighter or heavier blood flow than normal, bleeding lasting longer than seven days, and experiencing intense pain/cramping during your period.
What Causes Oligomenorrhea?
Oligomenorrhea can be caused by a number of factors such as birth control, stress, extreme physical activity, low body weight, or other medications.
What is Amenorrhea?
Secondary Amenorrhea is when a woman who has had periods in the past misses three cycles in a row. Commonly this happens when a woman is pregnant, breastfeeding, or in menopause. Other causes can be related to hormones or other medical conditions.
What Causes Amenorrhea?
Secondary Amenorrhea can be caused by natural conditions such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, a hormone imbalance or by a number of outside factors such as medications (including birth control), stress, extreme physical activity, or low body weight.
Why Do I Have Cramps But No Period?
Cramping often occurs during your period, but there are also several reasons why you may be experiencing cramps at other times. It is fairly typical to experience cramps during ovulation and while being pregnant. Endometriosis and ovarian cysts are conditions that can also cause cramping.
If cramping disrupts your everyday activities, it should be addressed. We can work with you to help regulate your cycle and reduce pain with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
What is an Irregular Period?
A menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and typically lasts for 28 days, but can range from 21-35 days. Menses is the period when the lining of the uterus causes bleeding. This typically lasts 3-5 days, but can be as short as two days or as many as seven. A period lasting more than seven days is considered irregular.
Is it Normal to Have Irregular Periods?
Some fluctuation in menstrual cycles and periods is considered normal. Your period may be considered irregular if you experience one or more of these symptoms:
- A significantly heavier or significantly lighter blood flow than normal
- Bleeding for seven or more days
- Having intense pain or cramping during a period
- Missing 1-3 periods
What Can Cause Irregular Periods?
Causes of irregular periods are varied. Some causes are natural and some are due to medication side effects, irregular hormone levels, or a variety of lifestyle choices. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and perimenopause are natural causes of irregular periods. Medications, including birth control, can also have an impact on your cycle and periods. Some lifestyle factors that can contribute to irregular periods are low body weight, excessive exercise, and/or high stress levels.
Can Stress Cause Irregular Periods?
Yes, stress can cause irregular periods. High levels of stress can affect the area of the brain that controls the hormones that regulate menstrual cycles. Menstrual cycles and periods can go back to normal once stress is brought down to a normal level.
Can Irregular Periods Cause Infertility?
If your periods are less frequent than what is considered normal, you will have less opportunity to conceive. However, irregular periods are not necessarily the cause of trouble with fertility. Medical conditions, high stress, abnormally low or high body weight, or low sperm count can all be contributing factors in fertility health.
Can You Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods?
Yes, you can get pregnant with irregular periods. Having less frequent periods will afford you fewer chances to conceive, but do not inherently prevent pregnancy.
Can Acupuncture Help Regulate Periods?
Yes, acupuncture can help regulate periods. Acupuncture helps stabilize the entire monthly cycle by rebalancing the hormones in the body. Treatment works to address the root causes of infrequent or absent cycles, such as low blood quantity, iron deficiency, anemia, low blood sugar, etc.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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