QuestionI have extremely irregular periods. I have only 3 or 4 periods a year. I never know when they are coming, either. When I do get them, they are very light and last only 3 days. I also do not have any cramps or pain caused by periods (if this helps you any).
This sounds like a woman's dream- I know. But the problem is that I am trying to concieve. I can not get pregnant without a period and ovulation, correct? I am wanting to know if there is anything I can do to regulate my period. Any medicine I can take? I've gone to some doctors and they don't seem overly concerned with the problem, but I am. Currently I have no insurance- it will take effect once I do get pregnant, so it is costly to go to an OB-GYN. I have been reading up, and I think the cause of my problem is PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome?). I weigh 240 pounds, and I am hoping that losing 25-50 will help in my efforts to concieve. If that doesn't work, I am unsure what to do. I have gotten pregnant before, and carried to full term when I was 18 (I am 24 now). Thank you for your help.
AnswerThere is no way to know if you do or do not have PCOS without an evaluation and a sonogram. If you do have PCOS, it can be treated with metformin and Clomid. Certainly, your weight may be the cause of the irregular periods. There is an ideal weight above which or below which you lose your period. Once you get back into range, your period usually returns. (Each person has her own ideal weight range). You cannot become pregnant unless and until your ovulate, and you do not ovulate unless you get your period. Often, we place women on birth control pills for 6 months until they become regular again, and then stop the pills and allow them to conceive. I would suggest that you speak to a gynecologist about a workup to rule out PCOS and regulate your cycle.
