Gentle cycle Q: I'm a 23-year-old woman, and have never had regular menstrual periods. They happen, but vary from 2 to 8 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) along with two or three kelp tablets each day 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 doses of thyroid usually requires a prescription, but there is a low dose supplement called Thyroplex (for Women) available. Each tablet contains1/4 grain of thyroid. Two of these daily usually do the job for nearly all younger women and are safe on a temporary basis. Thyroplex is available through some compounding pharmacies. If you can't find it locally, it is also available through the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary (with which I am, of course, affiliated). | 
