Delayed Period & Fertility Concerns: What To Do Next

Question
Hi, my  husband and I are trying to fall pregnant. I have always had regular 27 day cycles (sometimes 26 days, occasionally 28 days). However, last month for the first time my cycle was 34 days. Of course I thought I was pregnant but the tests were all negative and then I finally got my period. I tried using OPK's this month but I never got an LH surge so I stopped testing after 8 days from day 11. I am now on cycle day 31 so I am late again. I did a pregnancy test on cycle day 29 but it was negative. I am incredibly moody and teary, but that would be the only PMS symptom I am experiencing (and I never get PMS). I guess I am concerned about why my cycle has suddenly gone from regular to erratic, why I never got my LH surge, and ultimately worried I am not ovulating. I have a GP appointment next week, but would love to have some anxiety eased at this stage if possible.

Answer
Dear Martine,

I would suspect that your longer cycles are likely due to a bit of a hormonal imbalance - as most cycle irregularities are. This happens occasionally for all women - even those who are usually like "clockwork", especially as we get closer to perimenopause. There are many various potential causes for irregularities in
our cycles. They are:
-Significant weight gain or loss
-Excessive or strenuous exercise
-Poor nutrition (or a diet too high in carbohydrates)
-Smoking
-Drug use
-Excessive caffeine intake
-Excessive alcohol use (interfering with how the liver metabolizes estrogen and progesterone)
-Eating disorders
-Increased stress
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome/estrogen dominance
-Uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endometriosis)
-Hormonal imbalance related to perimenopause
-Medications
-Chemotherapy
-Thyroid dysfunction
-Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or D&C
-Breastfeeding

More than likely your cycles will return to a fairly normal pattern - even if that pattern readjusts itself a bit, but keep in mind that as we age we cannot count on them being so much like clockwork. We really don't get concerned until a woman misses three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason OR if periods become very heavy with or without clotting on a rather continual basis. Your visit with the GP should be able to help shed some more light on this for you. You may want to inquire about taking your basal body temperatures also.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and apologize for the delay in answering. I usually try to answer within about 48-72 hours but have had a very hectic week.

Brenda