QuestionHello again
Below is my original question with your answer. I went to my GP and she told me that I had to be ovulating I would just have to work it out. I was somewhat disgruntled with her response.
I have done blood tests and an ultra sound but have to wait until she gets back at the end of Jan to find out the results.
I don't want to sound ungrateful towards my GP but in your opinion should I go to a specialist or do you think I need to wait until 12 months of trying is up rather than being so concerned at this stage.
My GP also tells me there is nothing we can do to regulate my cycles unless I go on the pill, which is silly if I am trying to get pregnant. What do you suggest?
Thanks again regards Kirsten
My Orginal Question
Hi I am almost 37, have 1 child (2 1/2) FDLMP was 27th Dec 05.
Before I became pregnant, my periods were so regular I could just about get it down to the hour. (this was with no contraception) I used to have a 28 day cycle.
Since my first pregnancy I have been so irregular it scares me. (I know you say it is normal for 21 days cycles etc) Somehow I managed to get pregnant last Jan 05 but lost the baby at 19 weeks (May 05). I had a D & C and we think I started my period again around mid June.
I have been plotting all my cycles since then, they have been 22, 16, 30, 22, 32, 18, 30, and 24 day cycles. So I have had 8 periods in 6mths. One period lasted for 2 weeks. Some have been 7 days and even 3 days. One in Nov lasted 7 days, stopped for 2 days and then I spotted for another 7 days. This current one went for 3 days and now I am still spotting 6 days later. This to me does not feel or seem normal. How am I supposed to get pregnant? I can't figure out when I am ovulating if at all and I have also been suffering stronger than normal cramps in my lower belly.
So I guess my questions are
Do you think I should push my doctor for tests to make sure everything is ok after my miscarriage?
Is it normal for a woman's cycle to change so dramatically after childbirth?
How do I work out when I am ovulating with such irregular periods.
Thank you in advance.
Your Answer
If you are having such irregular cycles, it is doubtful that youo are, indeed, ovulating. Your doctor will have to regulate your cycles so that you can conceive. There are no tests to take. Sometimes, you can develop irregular cycles. Sometimes exercise or heavy training will cause irregular cycles. I would suggest that you discuss your cycles with your doctor and your doctor can give you something to regulate your cycles. As I said before, a cycle is considered normal if it is 21-35 days from the first day of one period until the first day of your next period. However, your cycle appears abnormal. Discuss it with your gynecologist.
AnswerI would suggest that you see a gynecologist rather than a GP with questions about your cycle. If your cycles are irregular, it is doubtful that you are, indeed, ovulating and you may have to go on birth control pills for 3-6 months in order to regulate your cycle. Then, when your cycles are regular, you can stop the pills and start trying to conceive. We usually do not start an infertility workup until you have been actively trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 12 months (only 12 days of ovulation). If you have cycles less than 21 days, that is a short luteal phaase and you may need progesterone supplementation as well. You really should consult with a gynecologist, who will get a complete history, check your hormone levels, and give you ALL the alternatives. Since you have had a child, it is unlikely that you have an infertility problem. Good luck.
