Short cycle and pre menstrual spotting

[Pitapotamus]

Could this cause fertility problems? My cycle always used to be 28 days with no pre-menstrual spotting but for the last 2 years (since my son was born) I've had shorter 23 day cycles with 2-3 days of spotting before hand.

I have not done proper ovulation predictor tests for ovulation but I think it's around day 10.

I would really like another child but I have to wait 6 months before ttc because of my job. I'm getting worried that this shortened cycle and spotting might be signalling the end of my fertile "window" and waiting six months more might mean it's too late, or that it might already be too late...

Any advice / experience would be much appreciated.

[HP07]

Hello, my husband and I have been ttc for 2 years and have just fallen pregnant naturally! We were about apply for NHS funding for Ivf as I have a low ovarian reserve and endometriosis. I have had premenstrual spotting since I came off the pill 2 years ago but it would last for a lot longer than yours by the sound of it. It typically started a few days after ovulation and last until my period arrived. There was no difference with my cycle this month than any other either but I managed to fall pregnant! Today has been the first day (touch wood) that I haven't had any spotting and I'm 4.5 weeks pregnant. The consultant told me that some women are more sensitive to the drop in progesterone that they experience running up to a menstrual period if they are not pregnant and therefore they may spot a little. I'm not sure how I managed to spot for 17 days and still get pregnant! Sometimes, like with me, there are other underlying issues as well but I don't think spotting alone signifies infertility. Best of luck.

[Pitapotamus]

thanks and congratulations ! I can't imagine what those two years must have been like for you. I hope all goes well with the rest of the pregnancy!
It was the short cycle in conjunction with the spotting that has me worried really as I've read it's a sign of peri menopause or low progesterone levels.

[HP07]

My cycle is about 26 days. I know it's not quite as short as yours but less than average certainly. If you are really concerned and have the finances to do so perhaps you could approach a fertility clinic and ask if they would run your AMH levels. This will give you an idea of what your ovarian reserve is like. Mine is extremely low

[Pitapotamus]

Thanks, I think I'll try and see my GP and see what she thinks. That and test sounds interesting. Any tests which could give an indication of how long I've got would be helpful! If kick myself if I waited 6 months and then it proved to be too late.