As much as we appreciate when “Aunt Flo” comes to visit, she can be a bit funky sometimes. No two menstrual cycles are exactly the same, but irregular periods are a real pain.
The term “irregular period” refers to a menstrual cycle that is too short (24 days or less), too long (38 days or more), or varies significantly enough that it is difficult to track on a monthly basis. Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by any number of things, such as stress, weight loss, hormonal birth control, and hormonal changes that occur naturally, such as during menopause.
Though there isn’t a magic pill that can give you a perfectly regular menstrual cycle (yet!), certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in supporting hormonal balance and reproductive function. If you’re sick of staining your pants due to surprise periods, these are some of the best vitamins that can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin to regulate menstrual cycles because it helps the body create neurotransmitters and hormones. It can help balance estrogen and progesterone hormones, both of which are imperative to maintaining a regular period. Though studies have been sparse, research suggests that vitamin B6 can help regulate these hormones, even alleviating menstrual symptoms like bloating and mood swings.
Vitamin B6 is plentiful in fish and vitamin-rich organ meats, as well as starchy vegetables. It can also be taken in supplement form.
Vitamin E
Not only is vitamin E a fantastic supplement for your hair, skin, and nails, it is an effective vitamin to help regulate your menstrual cycle. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant properties that can inhibit the release of prostaglandin, which are the cause behind painful period cramps.
Vitamin E can be taken as a capsule, tincture, or gummy. If you like to eat your vitamins, try munching on fruits like avocados, mangos, blackberries, or kiwis.
Vitamin C
Though vitamin C is known best for its role as an immune system supporting powerhouse, it has a strong effect on our hormones, making it an effective vitamin to regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitamin C has been found to raise estrogen levels while lowering progesterone levels—so there may be some truth to the old wives’ tale that claims taking vitamin C pills can delay your period. That being said, too much vitamin C isn’t great for your body, either.
Vitamin C supplements are plentiful, but it is also plentiful in citrus fruit.
Vitamin D
An essential nutrient to your overall health, vitamin D also plays a large part in your reproductive health. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with menstrual irregularities, with one 2021 study finding that women with lower vitamin D levels were 13 times more likely to have an irregular menstrual cycle.
While we love getting our vitamin D with a bit of sunshine, this may not be enough, so you can also take vitamin D supplements.
Iron
Though it is technically a mineral, iron is a crucial nutrient your body needs to function properly. Your body uses iron to produce hemoglobin, which is the protein inside the blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Since your period goes hand-in-hand with your blood, it makes sense that iron would be an important vitamin to regulate your menstrual cycle.
Heavy bleeding during your menstrual cycle can deplete iron stores in your body. Conversely, some studies have found that athletes with lower iron levels (due to the increased need for oxygen in their blood during intense activity) have shorter, irregular periods or no menstrual cycle at all.
Though it can be found in eggs, broccoli, and nuts, iron is one of the most difficult vitamins to get through your food. As a result, we recommend taking iron supplements.
These Vitamins May Help Regulate Your Menstrual Cycle
As mentioned before, there isn’t a magic pill that can keep Aunt Flo on a regular schedule. However, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, and iron all play an integral role in your reproductive health. In addition to these vitamins, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress are important steps to take to ensure your period arrives and finishes when it should. You could find herbal tinctures rich in vitamins and minerals in our herbal supplements store.
