Trying to conceive...frustrated with irregular menstrual cycles

I haven't been to this forum in a few years, but found it to be very helpful and comforting when I first moved to the UK in 2002.  Seems like ages ago that I was an absolute emotional wreck from moving and now I am back seeking the comfort and knowledge from a group of really helpful people!! 

My husband and I have been trying for a baby since last July.  My periods have always been irregular growing up, but since I stopped taking birth control last year, they have been regular till May of this year.  Now it’s August and they are still missing in action.  Wishful thinking led me to do a pregnancy test last week......nothing!  I have made an appointment to see my GP, but am seeking the knowledge and advice from you because I don't know what to expect and feel a bit apprehensive. 

Has anyone experienced irregular cycles while trying to conceive?  Has anyone visited the doctor for irregular cycles and what did they do, advise or prescribe?  I don't have much faith in the medical system here, as I don't have a relationship with my GP and feel really apprehensive about going to the doctor, as I always leave my GP’s office frustrated from lack of thoroughness or true concern.  I would appreciate any advice, input or help that you might have to help ease my worries and frustrations.  I am soon to be 34 and feel like time isn’t on my side, as I desire to have two kids before I am 38.  Please help.
 

Thanks!!! 

 

Irregular cycles can be caused by so many things, it's better to leave it w/a specialist.  Your GP will refer you onto a GYN or fertility specialist who can get the ball rolling on testing, including a sperm analysis from the male.  The general rule is that unless you are 35+ you must have been trying to conceive for one year before fertility testing will be carried out (it's 6 months if you are over 35).  You've fulfilled that and now the next step is to see a GYN. 


Good luck!

I can't offer any professional help, but again (because I've mentioned  this on a few other threads lately!) I will recommend charting your temp and cervical mucus to see whether or not you're ovulating...if you are ovulating, the info will be very helpful in knowing when to have sex to optimize your chances of conceiving. If you're not, then your dr. will know where to start in helping you to have a baby.

Good luck...hope you're expecting soon! (If you're not already...sometimes home pregnancy tests can be wrong)

Have you been tested for PCOS?  You might want to do a little research on it to see if you exhibit any of the symptoms and discuss it w/ your doctor as it can result in irregular periods and trouble conceiving.

Best of luck to you! 

Have you been tested for PCOS?  You might want to do a little research on it to see if you exhibit any of the symptoms and discuss it w/ your doctor as it can result in irregular periods and trouble conceiving.

Best of luck to you! 

Was going to suggest this as well.

Don't lose faith, it's frustrating not to get things done right away yes, but there is always someone to listen at the NHS.  If you can go private to check for the PCOS or other symptoms, it's a lot faster.

Also, start getting to know your GP now, it's not too late

Can I just add to the PCOS discussion and say that when you ask for a referral, please ask to be referred to the Endocrinologist and ask if they have someone in mind who specialises in this area.  A lot of G.P's like to simply refer to bloodwork, read it and then decide whether to send you for an ultrasound, but an Endocrinologist will ensure you get all of it and is far more specialised in looking at the ultrasound results.

I just had a 4 year merry go round going through this, I was told I had the cystic ovaries, then put on Metformin, then taken off it, then tested again (blood) nothing else, told I probably had the cysts but not the syndrome, back on the drugs, now finally I have just had another ultrasound (ahem, the internal kind) and they now say I don't have it....

I know it's not a question for you yet, but just a heads up if there is any suspicion.

Good Luck, the NHS is all about knowing when to push and knowing when to accept what you're being told.

An endocrinologist can also look for other causes of irregularities, such as thyroid hormone levels, progesterone levels, FSH levels, etc. 

I am another person that wants to suggest PCOS screening, there is a great site www.soulcysters.com with lots of information for people that have certain symptoms or wonder if they have it, also HUGE forum of women trying to concieve that have irregular cycles.  I have a lot pf PCOS symptoms but have never been diagnosed.  I have always had irregular periods and went on the bc pill to regulate them, then I was off for one week waiting to see the dr for some more and I got pregnant!?!?  I didn't even THINK I could get pregnant, it was more than a surprise, I thought when the time was right I would have to get on fertilty meds because of my background but now I have a beautiful, healthy and LOUD daughter.  I hope all goes well with your baby plans!
Sandra

Thanks for you help ladies!  I just wanted to let you know that I have been to see a GP, who was surprisingly attentive.  I had some bloodwork done and my husband had to give a sample as well.  We have an appointment to see the doctor on the 19th of September, after we return from celebrating our third anniversary.  We didn't to take any bad news with us on holiday and decided to wait until after.  I shall keep you posted.  I am not a pushy person and dread having to be aggressive with the GP's in England to get the results I never had to fight for in America.  They say having a child is empowering....I hope trying to have a baby is almost as empowering because I have a feeling it's going to be a bumpy ride. 

 

Good luck, Lisa!

Just look at it this way, in America you may not be fighting for results, but fighting for insurance coverage or for the money to pay for tests and treatments. 

I don't know about empowering.  Um, interesting is more like it - as far as having a child goes, that is. 

Here's hoping all's well and you're soon announcing your bundle of joy in the pregnancy thread. 

Also don't worry too much about your age. There are a few of us on here who had first babies when we were older than you.

Good luck with your appointment.