TTC 6 months but strange things happening - any advice?

[Eatlovelaugh13]

Hi,

I'm new to mumsnet so hope this is the right place to post! Husband and I have been TTC for almost 6 months - very much planned and wanted (been taking folic acid 2 yrs, stopped contraceptive 6 months prior to trying etc etc).

We've been using ovulation testing strips for the last 3-4 months and twice I've felt mild cramping a few days after ovulation. I've thought this could be implantation but ends up being pre-menstrual cramps and results in an early period (at least a week before it's due to arrive). My cycle is normally regular and 24/25 days so this is unusual.

I'm concerned that this could mean that the egg is being fertilised but that there's some problem with implantation!?? or am I just being a little too worried!?

Considered going to GP but not sure they'll be interested as only TTC 6 months.

Any advice welcome!

[5hell]

Welcome eat
i've only been ttc since Jan, so no expert, but here's my view nontheless...

sounds like your cycle is on the short side (a week less than 25 days if i'm reading right, so only 18 days?), which would warrant a trip to your gp if its happened more than once (regardless of ttc).

could be stress, or other external factors?
could be a sign of a luteal phase problem if af is arriving v soon after ovulation?

i'd see your gp to hopefully put your mind at rest.
good luck

[DizzyNorthernBird]

How do you know when you've ovulated?

A positive test strip doesn't necessarily mean you have.

You say your AF is coming a week before it's due but you also say your cycles are only 25 days, does this mean AF arrived on cd18? Also how long after you've think you've ov'd are you getting the cramps, a few days after would be too soon?

Something definitely doesn't sound right...

[Eatlovelaugh13]

Thanks for the responses ladies.

Yes my normal cycle is 25 days (which is short). On the two occasions AF arrived early it's been cd17/18 (even shorter) and accompanied by mild cramping a few days before, which I've thought could be implantation cramps but turns out to be pre-menstrual (cramping has started about cd14).

DizzyNorthernBird - yes I've been getting positive LH surge on ovulation test strips about a week after AF finishes (approx cd10) so assumed I've ovulated, but as you said may not have actually ovulated.

[Eatlovelaugh13]

Actually, just checked my calendar and LH surge seems to be cd8/9.

[DizzyNorthernBird]

When you get your early AF, is it typical of a normal AF? Usual flow, symptoms, duration etc?

Ok, so if your surge is cd8-10 but AF has came on cd17 or 18 then your luteal phase is a little on the short side and you will need to speak to you gp about how to go about rectifying it. Im lead to believe from reading these forms that it's easily sorted and nothing to worry about.

I'm just wondering why you've suddenly gone from a 25 day cycle down to an 18 day one though.....is there anything else going on which might have disrupted your cycles?

[Eatlovelaugh13]

When I have the early AF on CD18 it tends to be lighter and only last a couple of days but same bloating, cramps etc.

Can't think of anything to disrupt cycle - we're eating healthily, normal BMI, no alcohol apart from very occasional small glass of wine. Only usual life stresses that everyone else has, work etc. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 19 years ago but no meds for almost 4 years and no flare ups so this shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks, following your advice earlier I telephoned GP and spoke to practice nurse - she was very understanding and has arranged for me to have blood test for LH on cd2-5 and blood test for progesterone 7 days before next AF then advised me to make appt with GP to discuss results. I was pleasantly surprised by how understanding GP surgery was, assumed they wouldn't do anything until at least 1 year TTC as I'm under 35.

[DizzyNorthernBird]

That's lovely to hear they were understanding and have booked you in for tests. I could do with seeing mine too but also had my reservations!

This might be a wild suggestion, and I don't mean to be patronising as obvs you know your own body and cycles etc......but could your early AF actually be an ovulation bleed? Some people do get this.....

[Eatlovelaugh13]

I'm really grateful for any advice and hadn't heard of ovulation bleeding before so thank you!

Just looked it up and there's definitively a possibility it could be ovulation bleeding although it wouldn't tie in with the LH surge detected by the opk and would make my cycle really long too so not that sure... .!? I'm glad I've spoken to GP surgery though and feel reassured that they're going to look it and were supportive. I hope you have a good experience contacting your GP too Dizzynorthernbird!

[DizzyNorthernBird]

No worries eatlove! I hope your GP gets to the bottom of it for you!