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Recent use of the oral contraceptive pill may cause short term menstural cycle disruptions once it is ceased. It is generally recommended by many Naturopaths to cleanse the body and balance your hormones for at least 6 months before trying to conceive. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) depletes many nutrients from the body and ceasing the pill does not mean that the body will automatically begin to have a normal menstrual cycle. Sometimes the body takes a little while to readjust and this can mean a few months will pass with no normal period or cycle.

Vitex is a womens herb used for hormonal modulation by regulating the master hormone glands the Pituitary and Hypothalamus, this is a herb commonly used to improve fertility in females. These glands help to regulate cycles by modulating levels of Progesterone and Estrogen produced by the ovaries and follicles, fertility requires a sensitive balance of these hormones. Recent use of the OCP may contribute to fluctuations in hormone levels and cause the appearance of fertility problems and menstruation irregularities, this should level itself out after a few months. When balancing hormones it is recommended to take this herb for at least 3-6 months for optimal effect on menstrual regularity.

Many times females have difficulty conceiving due to the fact that their hormones just aren’t in sync with their ovulation times. I would consider beginning a diary once your period returns which charts your days of ovulation, temperature, the first day of your period and discharge, as this can give clues as to what is happening. It is helpful to also get a full blood profile which includes iron levels, thyroid function, salivary test to diagnose hormonal imbalances. Have a naturopathic consultation as this can help find any nutritional deficiencies you may be unaware of, educate you in your lifestyle choices and prepare you for pregnancy.

Other things to consider are:
• Are your zinc levels adequate? Use of the OCP can decrease your levels of Zinc, a mineral which is essential for reproductive health, successful conception and foetal development. Consider taking a Zinc supplement such as the Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix.
• Are you taking folic acid? This B-group vitamin is essential for your baby’s development, improve the chance of conception and to reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• Asses your Iron levels, extra supplementary iron should only be given if there is a proven requirement and this is best detected by having your blood haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels tested regularly.
• Take a quality prenatal multivitamin which will help to ensure that you have adequate levels of nutrients and no deficiencies.
• Consider doing a gentle liver detoxification program, some of the diet changes below will help to improve the funtioning of the liver, cleanse the blood and increase vitality. Take a supplement in the preconceptive phase such as the Fusion Health Liver Tonic at night to encourage liver detoxification.

Increase:
• Increase water intake to 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Increase herbal teas such as Dandelion Root, Peppermint, Chamomile and Ginger.
• Foods to increase whole grains including breads, cereals, rice, pasta; nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, fruit and vegetables (organic where possible).
• Improve nutrition by making a smoothie by blending ingredients such as apricots, bananas, figs, dates, prunes, berries, slippery elm powder and add a green food supplement such as the Ultimate Greens powder.
• Squeeze half a lemon in a small glass of warm water first thing in the morning before your breakfast. This will cleanse the bowel and stimulate digestion for the day.
• Vegetable juices such as beetroot, celery, ginger, spinach, apple and carrot. One fresh vegetable juice a day will increase liver detoxification and improve digestion.
• Lean protein sources Tofu, legumes, unsalted raw nuts and seeds and nut butters and fish.
• Whole grains such as brown rice, rye, oats, millet etc breads free of yeast and wheat.
• Cold pressed oils such as olive oil, olives, avocado, unsalted raw nuts and seeds .

Avoid:
• Limit the following foods: sugar, salt (Celtic Sea Salt is the best salt to use), tea, soft drinks, butter, polyunsaturated fats. Avoid the following: saturated fats, animal fats, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.

• Junky foods, refined and processed foods.
• Fats: Saturated fats, Trans-fatty acids (margarine, canola oil, deep fried foods)
• Carbohydrates: Wheat. Refined carbohydrates e.g. white bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits.
• Allergenic foods citrus fruits, corn, wheat and milk products (yoghurt is ok).
• Stress and overwork. Make sure you do plenty of exercise, deep breathing, stretching etc.