Progesterone and the Menstrual Cycle: Understanding Effects and Experiences

Question
Hello, Dr. Ramirez,

I've been seeing an infertility specialist and was told to schedule an HSG.  My period didn't start after about a month (always irregular,) so I was given seven days worth of a medication (I believe it was progesterone as I've lost the bottle and it's the only thing I've found online,) it took about 14 days for my period to begin.  My flow is very light and only consists of old blood, no bright red blood.  Also, the slightest pressure on the approximate area of my ovaries is extremely painful.  What does this mean about my body?  Am I not producing anything to be sloughed?  Your insight would be appreciated.  I've stopped seeing the infertility specialist, my husband is in the Army and we're leaving Fort Hood, Texas and going to Korea for two years!  Exciting!  

Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hello Brandi from the U.S.,

If you have irregular menstrual cycles, then certainly there is something abnormal happening.  Your ovaries are not functioning correctly, which means your hormones are abnormal and you are not ovulating on a regular basis.  That would make it very difficult to get pregnant.  The HSG was probably the beginning of the infertility evaluation for you.  There are many tests that are done to evaluate infertility, including checking your hormones.

I can't be sure about the discomfort you are having.  You will want to have that checked before you move.  It could be an ovarian cyst, but there are other possiblities as well.

Good luck in Korea.  I have always liked travelling and seeing new cultures.  If you need fertility care, I believe that Tripler Army medical center in Hawaii will be the closest hospital with an infertility subspecialist.

Good Luck,

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 follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV