Irregular menstrual cycle. Pls suggest!

Thank you for your question. I can understand your hesitation in taking medication containing hormones. One of the clear markers for normal periods is good ovarian function. To have good ovarian function the most important factor is your eating habits and consequently your weight. The tablets have nothing to do with your gaining weight as there is no evidence to say they cause weight gain. What is most likely is your routine of exercise, positive mental attitude, rest and nutrition that affect your ability to handle the food you eat so you do not put on weight. Higher weight or irregular eating habits cause you to have insulin resistance which makes it harder to lose weight and in turn affects your hormonal balance on all counts not just the ovary. So I agree that treating you with hormones is the wrong way round to do things. It happens because most people find that they just want to fix the periods and not their lifestyle which was the cause in the first place. If you can regulate your eating and add in regular exercise plus make sure you manage your stress with yoga or meditation you will find it easier to manage your weight. If you can even lose 10% of your current weight you will find your periods becoming regular. In the meantime hormonal treatment with Yaz or Yasmin is evidence based to counteract side effects that most women experience with other hormonal methods. You can choose to use them to support you while you focus on getting your lifestyle on track. You may wish to consult a nutritionist / personal trainer/ physiotherapist as well as your gynaecologist. Try reading 'lose the diet trap' by Dr John Briffa. You will find further references  in the back that are useful too best wishes