5 Menstrual Clues That Could Point to Fertility Challenges

Dr. H. Singh, ND
Oct 6
3 min read

When preparing for pregnancy, most people focus on diet, supplements, and lifestyle. But one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, fertility indicators is something you already experience every month: your menstrual cycle.

I also know that for many, the thought of starting the journey toward conception can bring excitement mixed with anxiety. You may find yourself wondering if your cycle looks “normal,” what to track, or whether certain symptoms might mean something is wrong. That uncertainty can feel heavy, especially if you’ve already been trying without success. Understanding which menstrual signs are linked with a smoother path to pregnancy, and when to seek extra support if your cycle looks different, can bring reassurance and clarity before you start trying.

A new 2025 study in the Journal of Nursing Research followed nearly 300 women who were planning pregnancy. It found that certain menstrual cycle patterns were linked with a higher likelihood of conceiving within six months. While this research is limited, it adds to what many of us see clinically: your period can offer important clues about your reproductive health.

Cycle Characteristics Linked with Higher Conception Rates:

According to the study, women were more likely to conceive if they experienced:

Cycle length between 27–32 days
Bleeding lasting about 5–6 days
Clear signs of ovulation (like positive ovulation tests or a temperature shift around the ovulation window)
Absence of severe cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Absence of heavy clotting

Of course, many people conceive with cycles outside of these ranges, but when cycles deviate significantly, it can be a signal worth paying attention to.

Why Irregularities Can Matter:

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Severe cramps aren’t just uncomfortable, they can sometimes point toward conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or other conditions. These can all influence fertility and may require further assessment.
Heavy bleeding or clotting (menorrhagia): This could be linked to endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) or other conditions. Left unaddressed, these can interfere with conception and even impact implantation.
Lack of ovulatory signs: If you’re not noticing ovulation patterns, this could suggest ovulatory dysfunction. Common causes include thyroid disorders, PCOS, or in rare cases primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Identifying and supporting ovulation is a key part of preparing for pregnancy.

What This Means for You:

If your cycle matches the “ideal” characteristics above, that’s encouraging. But it doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. On the other hand, if your cycles are irregular, painful, or unpredictable, it doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. It simply means your body may be asking for a little extra attention for careful assessment and possibly some additional support.

The good news? Many of these challenges can be supported with the right strategies, from evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle changes to targeted testing and treatment.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re planning to conceive, now is the perfect time to get to know your cycle better. Track your periods, watch for ovulation signs, and notice any symptoms like pain or heavy flow. If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it, it could be an opportunity to optimize your fertility before trying.

In my practice, I take a deep dive into menstrual health as part of every fertility assessment. By understanding the story your cycle is telling, we can uncover potential barriers and create a personalized plan that supports your body and your future pregnancy.

If you would like to explore this further, our team is here to help! You can book an initial consultation here, or join our newsletter for more fertility insights and resources.

Book a consultation to explore your symptoms and history in more depth. Together, we can create a targeted, compassionate, and proactive strategy to support your reproductive health.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new supplement, especially during fertility treatments like IVF.