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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What’s the Problem I’m writing on behalf of a friend suffering from irregular menstruations. They are often three to six months apart. She would like to know why this is happening and what she can do about it. Salim Hadad, Liberia. Advice: Vicky Ridley - phytotherapist (a practitioner in herbal medicine) This is a hormonal imbalance for which there may be several reasons: she may be underweight, she may be exercising too much or it may be related to pregnancy or miscarriage. More seriously she could be suffering from polycystic ovaries or a problem with her pituitary gland. My best advice to her is go and sees your doctor, who will be able to refer you to a specialist for a detailed diagnosis. There are certain herbs which may push the hormones back into a normal pattern - one in particular is Chase Tree. These act over many months and are a purely natural supplement. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   The normal menstrual cycle can range from 23 to 40 days. It can become irregular for a number of reasons: *Stress *Poor diet *Too much exercise *Drugs - prescription or recreational *A break in routine *Thoughts and emotions *Sexual activity - especially when it is a new occurrence *Anxiety about pregnancy *Illness or physiological imbalance    INTERNET LINKS Irregular Periods Information   Reasons for irregular periods   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites