Following a natural cycle Q: I'm a 23-year-old woman, and have never had regular menstrual periods. They happen, but vary from two to eight weeks apart. I've been examined by my family doctor, and by a gynecologist. They both say everything appears to be OK, and that there's nothing to do unless I want to take birth control pills to regulate them. Neither one particularly recommends that as I'm otherwise healthy and right now I don't need birth control. Are there any vitamins or herbs I could use? JVW: I'm happy to read that the birth control pills weren't highly recommended, as there's no point in taking a synthetic hormone you don't need or have a use for. Actually, a small amount of whole, natural thyroid (1/2 grain to 1 grain) taken daily with two or three kelp tablets usually regulates periods within two to four months for otherwise healthy young women. After a few months, the thyroid supplement can usually be discontinued. Even though this treatment works in the overwhelming majority of cases, the results of thyroid blood tests (when done) are almost always normal. Higher dose thyroid supplementation usually requires a prescription, but there is a low dose supplement called Thyroplex (for Women) available containing 1/4 grain thyroid. Two of these daily are safe on a temporary basis for nearly all younger women and usually do the job. Thyroplex is available through through Life Enhancement Inc. (tel. 800-5433873, www.life-enhancement.com). What is...amenorrhea? Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period. | 
