TTC with irregular periods

[Anonymous]

I was on the pill for 12+ years (since my late teens), and my cycles were always fairly long and irregular before I went on BC. I went off the pill in Nov and had my first period 5 1/2 weeks later in mid-Dec. (A 6 week cycle was not uncommon for me pre-BC.) Problem is, 60 days later, I have yet to have another period. I read TCOYF and started charting about a month ago and my temps are all over the place. Any tips on how long I should wait before seeing my OB to get my period kick-started? Anyone have success stories about trying to conceive with irregular periods? I'm in my early 30s.

[Anonymous]

I've heard success stories in getting periods regular through acupuncture. Dr Fan in Tysons. As far as TTC with irregular periods, I recommend using an fertility monitor like the Clearblue one to target your ovulation day(s).

http://www.clearblueeasy.com/FertilityMonitor.cfm

[Anonymous]

I had almost the identical history -- irregular periods, then the pill for 10 years, then back to irregular (sometimes, 60-day) cycles. I'm also in in my 30s. The only thing that worked for me was when I started using the Clearblue Easy Monitor after an unsuccessful year of educated guesses and ovulation predictor sticks. The monitor was expensive but here I am now, five months pregnant, so in the end it was the best purchase I've ever made. I will warn you that when my cycles were really long (in the 60 day range), the monitor wasn't as effective (I'd never reach peak fertility during those cycles). But for the cycles that lasted 35-45 days, it worked like a charm. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I had your same history and ended up going to a fertility specialist after trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year. Clomid didn't work for me, but I got pregnant the first month of injectibles (they sound a lot scarier than they are!). We're trying for #2 the old fashioned way, but I'll be heading back to the dr within 6 months if we don't have any luck. My advice to you would be to see a doctor if you're not successful in 3-5 cycles. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I always had long, irregular periods. I tried the ovulation predictor sticks and then the Clearblue Easy Monitor, which helped me find out wasn't ovulating. The fertility specialist found that my prolactin levels were too high--and I got pregnant the first month on the medication to correct it. I'd definitely recommend seeing a doctor to get your hormone levels checked, if possible.

[Anonymous]

I have very long periods, too -- and found out I conceived on what would have been something like 28-35 days AFTER my last menstrual cycle. I'm 34. We had sex about every day or every other day for about 2-3 weeks, and I know we're lucky; we didn't go to a fertility specialist. Not sure if this is helpful, but hopefully it is encouraging.

[Anonymous]

PP: Correction -- I meant "long cycles" by "long periods"

[Anonymous]

I also heard acupuncture can help shorten your cycles and make them more regular... I'm seeing an acupuncturist right now (just started) and I like how relaxing it is.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and encouragement!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had your same history and ended up going to a fertility specialist after trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year. Clomid didn't work for me, but I got pregnant the first month of injectibles (they sound a lot scarier than they are!).!

Same experience here!!!

[Anonymous]

Me, too! Good luck

[Anonymous]

My wife, who is 34, had very irregular periods, frequently 6-8 weeks and always different. We actually managed to get pregnant the first cycle we ever really tried on (our honeymoon actually). The only issues we had were that we had to have an extended period of babydancing (not really a problem on your honeymoon) and that we were way off on our initial due date. Our first sono set us back just over two weeks. To this day we still can't really figure out the math on when we conceived. But she is now 37 weeks and all is well.

I hope our story gives you some confidence. I realize it might not be typical and we certainly know how lucky we are.

[Anonymous]

I had your similar history as well and started to try to conceive at age 33. Since I felt nervous about my chances due my long cycles, I actually spoke to my doctor upfront and we decided to try clomid right away. It worked within 3 cycles. Used it again for #2 and worked within 1 cycle. However, note that clomid does raise your chance of multiples and I'm currently pregnant with twins. I'd suggest seeing yoru doctor sooner rather than later but you should feel optimistic about conceiving b/c there are lots of ways doctors can help...

[Anonymous]

I had a very similar history to yours. My OB diagnosed my problem very early - I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and was not ovulating at all. I recommend that you go see your OB or a fertility specialist sooner rather than later, as I could have tried for years with my irregular cycles and never would gotten pregnant as I wasn't ovulating. I did Clomid, started ovulating but had no positive results, then got pregnant on my first cycle of injectibles. Good luck!