Understanding Mid-Cycle Spotting with PCOS: Causes & When to Worry

Question
I am 29 yrs. old, have two children and have PCOS.  Both were conceived naturally.  My cycles have never been regular or predictable.  I do chart CM and Temps so I will know when to expect AF.  I don't do any BC of any kind.  I had two separate patches of light spotting last cycle.  I wasn't keeping close track of my signs, but I don't think it was during ovulation.  I'm having the same thing this cycle.  Sometimes I notice that my cm is tinged pink, but it's not always fertile quality cm.  My fertile quality cm may come and go during a cycle before ovulation, almost like I have to work hard to get there.  I haven't ovulated yet this cycle.  Also last cycle's luetal phase was only 11 days compared to my normal 15.  Could this have changed since having my last baby (I've only had 3 cycles since)?  Should I be concerned about the spotting?

Answer
Dear Bekah,

This is nothing to really be "concerned" about. The fact that you are only three cycles out of a pregnancy probably accounts for most of what you are experiencing.

After a pregnancy, your body can take awhile for hormone levels to return to a normal cyclic pattern and to get those menstrual cycles regulated again. If you are breastfeeding, the increased prolactin can also suppress ovulation.

The key is to be patient in the few months after a pregnancy. Things should go back to a "normal" pattern soon - or as normal as they were before the pregnancy.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well with your new little one!

Brenda