QuestionI am 37 yrs old and ttc #4. Every month, I have my period for 4 days, very heavy with clots, then it goes away and comes back on cd8, darker in color and heavy at times for a few days (the length of this has been variable). I am still breastfeeding 2x per day. I ovulate late in my cycle and have an 8 day luteal phase. When ttc #3, my doctor put me on clomid, with no change in my cycle. I was not breastfeeding at that time, and I had the same pattern to my cycles. I did end up conceiving on my 10th cycle of ttc, which was not a clomid cycle. My doctor thinks my current issue is due to breastfeeding, but I am dubious because it was the same when I was not. Any input would be appreciated, as I am not getting any younger! Thank you.
AnswerHello Desiree from the U.S.,
It is possible that the breastfeeding is interfering with your normal hormonal state. You don't mention how long ago you delivered, which would make a significant difference. If it has been a year or longer, the cycle will usually return to normal despite the breastfeeding and pregnancy can still occur. It would probably be a good idea to have a prolactin level checked. If elevated, which is what occurs with breastfeeding, that could be part of the problem.
However, fertility treatment can overcome the breastfeeding issue and the probable reason why the Clomid did not work is because not an adequate dose was used. There are five dosage levels of Clomid and the right does needs to be found. It is usually a trial and error process. In addition, with the luteal phase defect (shortened lutal phase), progesterone supplementation should be given as well.
Considering your age, which you mention is an issue, I would strongly recommend that you go see an infertility subspecialist. That would be the most efficient use of your time i.e. you wouldn't be wastng your time with a doc that has limited knowledge and abilities.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
