Do you get spotting before AF / period? Come and talk to me here

That makes a lot of sense. My doctor reminded me that I’m “very young” and although she did do the testing she did not seem very concerned at all. I apprecOates that perspective. Two miscarriages in a row could be a sign of bad news or it could be a sign of bad luck. TTC is so strange and stressful.... and spotting most of the month was extremely unpleasant!

@paintfairy I don't know why Letrozole and not Clomid. Doctors just give prescriptions and don't explain much. My doctor is really good but is always fast during the appointments, so I don't ask a lot of questions and do as told. I go check on the internet always afterwards LOL!
I did find an interesting article concerning the different medications used for women's fertility. I think the difference is that Clomid alter the quality of the cervical mucus and thin the endometrium, disrupting the implantation process of the embryo. For Letrozole, studies show a lower incidence of unwanted effects, especially at the endometrium. But the results in terms of pregnancy are the same for both. So, I think if you use Clomid, you do need something to help during the luteal phase (progesterone, for instance). But of course, I'm no doctor and this is the interpretation I do from my readings. I could be wrong!
@RealSmart1459 hope this one will go well!
I wanted to add that my doctor told us (my husband and me) that everything is fine (we did plenty of tests) and if we continued trying, pregnancy was possible. But regarding my age (38), he asked if we wanted to accelerate the process. We did! So that's why we're on a fertility treatment now. But if you're younger, even if it's a long wait, that's normal.

Interesting reading @Morgane777 and @paintfairy that does make sense. I'm going to try and be healthier and perhaps try Vitex. Docs don't hive a damn about the spotting it's true haha.

Hey all- another update. Amazingly I’m pregnant again- and am five weeks but I’ve now had two miscarriages at 5 weeks in a row though so I’m not exactly as optimistic as I probably should be but realize how lucky I am to even be getting positives. Spotting definitely eased up though the past few months just on folic acid and b complex. As mentioned this last cycle I’ve also eliminated caffeine (I still eat chocolate but avoid caffeinated drinks). I think the b complex helped the spotting! The same months the spotting improved /was later were the same months I got pregnant (trying the last 6 cycles, pregnant the last 3). That could be a coincidence but also lined up with when I started taking the b complex.

Dr ordered a bunch of tests as ive had two miscarriages in a row and everything came back amazing. I’m a very healthy 34 year old (although she didn’t test progesterone yet). Thyroid, iron etc all looked A+. Crossing my fingers things go well for me this time.

@Morgane777 interesting. Why that medication and not clomid?

I've been doing some reading. And you are right I think to a degree. The problem exists in the luteal phase. But obviously the hormones needed here come from the corpus luteum which of course comes from the egg. So makes sense.

I think using treatment in the luteal phase might work to offset the deficiency. But of course it would be better if that didn't exist in the first place.

My current plan: been taking shatavari a month, continue that. I've just started on vitex and 50mg b6 (previously tried b50 complex but made my stomach unhappy). I also take boots conception. I'm also wondering if to take rhodesia for stress (always stressed). All of this needs to get in my system.

I'm on CD2, so this month I'm going to try progesterone cream in my LP. I'm intrigued to see if it makes any difference at all. Next month we are having a month off (don't want a baby due 30 dec!) and I'll be interested to see if the herbs have kicked in by then and what happens. If the spotting is reduced either month, I'll obviously know easy enough.

The month after I thought I might try the soy isolates days 3-7. See if it affects the egg quality at all and makes any difference to the spotting/ttc. Its supposed to be similar to clomid. But obviously its natural.

Then I shall head to the drs if nothing changes, because I can say its been well over 6 months (I'm 37).

Hello ladies! @paintfairy @orangeloo @RealSmart1459 Happy so see this thread is still active!
I have some update. We decided to use fertility treatment this month. Took Letrozole from days 3 to 5 and Ovidrel to stimulate ovulation. Then had an insemination. Didn't have my BFP though :(
It's so heartbreaking!
But didn't have any spotting whatsoever! Only a little the day before AF was due! Besides that, nothing, nada!
I think the medication solved something, but I don't know what. My doctor never paid any attention to my spotting issues.
On my last reads, I found out that the famous "Luteal phase defect" is no longer the medical term doctors use, as they think the problem is related to a bad quality ovulation. So, I don't have any straight answers for you...
Have you ever experienced with fertility medication?
Anyway, will start a new cycle, hoping this time it will work!
I'll keep you posted!
Lots of baby dust to us all!

Hi I’m going to jump in here. I have bright red spotting almost a very light period after I get af. I get af for around 4/5 days nothing for 4 days then this bleeding starts. I’m ttc and worried This will affect it. I’m thinking about sewing the gp.

@orangeloo I will do after I can say we've been trying 6 months. Nightmare though having to beg for things!

@paintfairy it's good you've had the all clear so far but you definitely should push for 21 day bloods. Make sure you have the blood test 7 days after Ov (not day 21 for everyone)

Interesting reading this. @Morgane777 you sound similar to me? I have regular cycles of 27 days. Usually ovulate day 11-13. Shortest cycle 26 and longest 30.

I often spot when I ovulate. Probably 90% of the time. This can be once or go on for 2 days. I then get a break (if I'm lucky) and then I start spotting again. It can be on and off or constant. Its more like proper bleeding some months but still never enough for more then a panty liner. The dsy before AF I usually don't spot- so I know its coming.

This month I'm on day 23 and I'm brown spotting. So this is a good month for me. Other months I spot from day 15 or 18 and it can be red. Its never pink.

We haven't been TTC long but I will go dr because of my age, after a while. However, before all of this- I went to dr anyway because clearly it's inconvenient!
The generic blood test was clear. Day 2 cycle blood test was ok. Pelvic scan clear. Gynaecology said it was hormonal and to go back on the pill or live with it. I'll push for a day 21 blood test next time.

So - whether it'll stop me conceiving i don't know.

@RealSmart1459 sorry about your miscarriage. But good news about the spotting. I used progesterone cream last cycle and my spotting went from 6dpo to 8DPO so not much of a change but better going to try it again and up the dose.

I also had a prolactin test cone back slightly high. Awaiting my results in a re-test. I think I might try Vitex in March if prolactin is high still.

Another update ladies - last cycle where I spotted at 9dpo I was pregnant but once again miscarried a week later. Got some blood tests ordered from my doc but suspect nothing will be confirmed. She didn’t order progesterone- she seems to think it shouldn’t be an issue. Anyways I’m ~10dpo and no spotting at all ... but also only negative pregnancy tests whereas the last three times I was pregnant I got positives at ten days. Anyhow ... no spotting at least! I’ve been just taking folic acid and b complex, and stopped drinking coffee/caffeine. Crossing my fingers I’ve at least sorted out the excessive spotting issue even if I have sorted out the “getting and staying pregnant” issue. Any updates from you ladies?

Hello ladies,
My november cycle was terrible with my spotting (2/3/4/5 dpo; and then two days before AF), but the December one was a bit better : I spotted 2/3 dpo only. But I had a heavier spotting than usual the second day!
Then I spotted two days before AF only.
I started taking a multivitamin complex... Maybe is helping?

My cycles are super regular, so that encourages me a bit!
I'll see my doctor next week!

I spot at 9/10dpo every month for 4 - 5 days until AF hits. I've been taking vitamin b complex and high dose folic acid for 3 months now and I have noticed my spotting has gotten lighter the last 2 cycles. It hasn't stopped it at all but I'm hopeful the vitamin b has reduced the quantity at least. Unless it's a coincidence of course!
Currently expecting to start spotting today/ tomorrow like usual!

@RealSmart1459 ah it's so annoying. I spot 6dpo like clockwork and have tried everything. I'm seed cycling and taking maca was last cycle too and it may have reduced the amount of spotting a little but I still spotted. Had a tv scan on Tuesday. physically I'm fine. Still waiting tube test but honestly I think that will be fine too. Will see how next cycle goes on seeds and maca and if no spotting improvement it's back to drawing board. I'm somewhat comforted by doc saying it's not a problem but I'd like to fix it. There must be a reason for it and I never used to get this.

Well ladies it’s the new year and 9dpo and ... spotting. At least it’s consistent?!

Sorry about AF @Morgane777 but as you say let's enjoy Xmas had my gynae appointment yesterday. I'm having another tv scan and will have a tubal patency test as that's really the last piece of the puzzle. She was not concerned about spotting at all and said that would not stop me getting pregnant. If my progesterone has tested fine then I shouldn't worry. It has put my mind at rest mostly but think I'll still have a niggling doubt and I will do until I manage to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. But it's good need for now at least. Fingers crossed.

Sorry to hear about the AF showing again @RealSmart1459. I had mine this morning! I was disappointed but a little optimistic because even with my constant spotting, my cycles are regular as a clock! I hope too this spotting is meaningless. My husband went to have his spermogram today! We'll see the doctor in January. So as you @RealSmart1459, I will enjoy this December with a little alcohol!
Another cycle, another hope! Fingers crossed for you and me ladies!

Yes to all of that @RealSmart1459

AF just began showing up. I am cautiously optimistic that this means there isn’t much wrong with the spotting pre period. And very optimistic I’ll be drinking quite a bit this December! Thanks for the support all and fingers crossed this spotting business is as meaningless as our health care providers think it is!

Sorry to hear this @RealSmart1459 got my fingers crossed for you.

@Morgane777 yes my spotting pattern is lpink or brown spotting for 3-4 days at around 6dpo-11dpo then it stops for 2-3 days and AF arrives. This time I got the same spotting and then AF did not arrive as scheduled. I’m about four days passed my missed period now.

I feel like I got our collective hopes up but suspect this might be a chemical. No period yet but tested a few days later with the first pee in the AM and a BFN.. 17dpo so seems I should Be getting a stronger result than three days ago. Sorry ladies! Will keep you posted in the next couple of days but now just expecting a rough AF!

@RealSmart1459 wow!! Big congratulations! very happy for you and good news for all of us too really. Wishing u a happy and healthy 9 months x

@RealSmart1459 Congratulations!!! Wonderful news!! I hope your pregnancy will develop as expected!
This also give us all hope, so thanks for posting about your positive result!
Can I ask what was your spotting pattern?