Understanding Missed Periods & Negative Pregnancy Tests After IUD Removal

Question
Hi my names melissa. I'll give you alittle back story first. I'm 23 I had my son almost 4 yrs ago. Right after my son was born I had an iud (mirina) put in. That was in 2003. About a year and a few months ago I had it removed in hopes of having a second child. I understood it I probably wouldn't get pregnant right away. After my iud was removed I had a regular period every 31 to 35 days.  I also had a pap done and everything was good. While I had the iud I had gained quite a bit of wieght (about 50 lbs). I hadn't lost any wieght after I got the iud out and so I had blood work done and I have high testosterone. I had most woman can't get pregnant when they have this problem. January 7th 2007 was the date of my last period I've taken three test between feb. And march. They were all negative. I have symptoms like nausia, headaches, some minor cramps off and on, that type of stuff. What do you think may be up with me I have yet to go to the doctor because I'm not to fond of them. I only go when I must go. If you have any info I would be greatful thank you.

Answer
Dear Melissa,

Studies do tend to indicate that women with higher levels of free T [testosterone] do struggle with fertility, usually related to anovulation (not ovulating).

If you are ovulating very irregularly or not at all, this will severely hamper your effort to conceive. I would suggest that you invest in an Ovulation Predictor Kit (available at most large drugstores or online). This will help you to determine whether you are ovulating and, if so, when the best time is to have sex in an attempt to conceive. When women have irregular cycles, these can be very useful in determining when the best time for them to conceive is.

The symptoms you describe sound like they are simply hormonal in nature and most likely due to the variations in your hormone levels related to your cycle.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda