Very Short Cycle

[kateAmyJ]

Hi all very new around here and just after some words of advice

I have never really paid much attention to my cycle but have always noticed it to be quite short. Now myself and DH are TTC it has come to light that it is only 17 days between periods, hence on calculation I will actually be ovulating during my period.

After much googling I can't decide if this is a good thing or whether I should be concerned at how short it is.

Assumably I will be theoretically able to conceive more often. Is this "normal" or should I be worried that there may be an underlying problem?

do you know when you ovulate?

ie temp or use OPKs?

If your luteal phase is less than 10 days it may mean that a fertilised doesnt have time to implant, therefor can cause problems conceiving

how about charting and OPKing for a couple of months to see when yo do ovulate, and if you luteal phase is less than 10 days see your GP to see what they suggest

fertilised EGG (sorry)

I have been using OPK's (just had to google the abbreviation).

I had my last period on the 25th October and have just started again. The OPK is suggesting Ovulation at this present time (although I am unsure of the accuracy of the kits)

I would definitely see your doctor and ask him to do some blood tests. Though if the OPK says you are ovulating during a period it may be the case, my friend concieved on the last day of her period. Hope this helps.

Hey KateAmy

I also had very short cycles - of the 17 day variety. Sometimes extended to 21, sometimes only 12 days. The doctor sent me for tests and I've been diagnosed with PCOS. In PCOS the cycles are usually long, though, not short. But in my case he doesn't think I'm actually ovulating.

I'm not sure you can actually ovulate when you're on your period. It sounds like your hormones are a bit confused and a doctor visit would certainly be worthwhile.

I have now been prescribed clomid to make me ovulate and it will also reset my cycle. Waiting for AF now - and has been 22 days and counting!!

Have you recently come off the pill?

I have never been on the pill so at least that is one contributing factor I can rule out. I have to say I am not convinced about the accuracy of the OPK's.

Will the Doctor see you if you have only just started TTC? or am I justified in going just due to the very short cycle situation?

I wouldn't want to waste their time and have only been to the Doctors twice in my life so am not really sure of appointment etiquette. I hate the feeling that they may think I am wasting their time.

No, you wouldn't be wasting their time. IMO cycles as short as yours is a real problem. However, I think you'd need to be quite definite with them that you want it looked into, or they may suggest you wait and see.

When I went for short cycles, I was referred for scan and blood tests. From going to GP to getting clomid has taken 5-6 months. It's a slow process!!!

So be clear with whether you want some more tests and push for that. Explain that your cycles are always very short (don't mention the OPKs and poss ovulation, they certainly don't wirk in PCOS) and that you believe your hormones aren't correct.

HTH