TTC with really long cycle, any advice?

[BNmum]

Hi All, I've been having cycles of 42 days, 77 days and now up to day 71 without sign of period. I've used ovulation strips and temperature monitor with numerous peaks. Does anyone have similiar cycle length? Have any advice or been through this and managed to conceive?

It might be a good idea to see your GP. Very long cycles often mean you aren't ovulating regularly.

Yes, please see your GP - I was just the same and it didn't occur to me that I wasn't ovulating regularly, until the consultant we were referred to after years of TTC said 'well obviously that's the problem'. Wish I'd realised and not wasted that time.

Good luck!

Long cycles like you are experiencing means that you are highly likely not to be ovulating regularly if at all currently. In such circs both OPKs and temp charting are of no benefit whatsoever.

Do see the GP and have blood tests done to see what your hormone levels are like. Such problems are usually due to hormonal imbalances, in this regard there may be problems with the thyroid gland or alternatively a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is to blame. Both can be treated but you may need medical help from a gynae in order to conceive.

You can also have blood tests done according to calendar days, you really need a day 2 test to start with to check and compare your LH level against that of your FSH level. LH and FSH are two very important hormones as they kickstart the ovulation process; if these are awry then ovulation is affected.

One possible indicator of PCOS is that the level of LH is higher than that of FSH. GP may be able to arrange for you to have an internal ultrasound scan done to see if your ovaries are polycystic.

Hi all, thanks for your replies. I have been to my GP and he's taken some blood to look at my thyroid which looks to be fine. I have to go back this week for another blood test to see what my hormone levels are like and he's also suggested that i go for a ovary scan to see if PCOS is a cause. It sounds like my GP is on the ball and got things covered. Has anyone been through a similiar process?

I may be following you down this route! I've had two 43 days cycles and am currently on day 55 and not pg. getting my thyroid checked next week, but GP didn't think that pcos needed checking at this stage. I had long cycles before the pil of 35 days, but that is within the normal range, whereas 43 seems a bit long. My plan is to keep a track of my cycles for the next couple of months, especially if thyroid is fine, like you.
From what I know, pcos can be treated very succesfully. Good luck!

Hi, yes I had exactly the same problem. My cycle ranged from 40 to 70 days. After 2 yrs ttc I saw gp. Went through a few months of day21 blood tests which obviously showed I wasn't ovulating regularly(could have told them that first time I went!!). Went to see consultant who scanned me and found nothing abnormal. He prescribed chlomid which I took only once as I conceived my dd that month. Having her seemed to kick start my system as I'm regular as clockwork now and conceived ds no bother.
Good luck. Hope all goes well for you.

Yeah, i'm also keeping track of my cycles but with such a long cycle, it's going to take a while for me to see if there's any pattern.

Thanks for sharing your story smartiescoffer, it's always reassuring to hear that other people are in a similiar situation and even better when there's a happy ending!

I'm having the same problem. Cycles of 62 to 33 days since coming off my implant in August. However iv also been on lots of contraceptives for years and trying to give my body a chance to settle down.

I'm probably burying my head in the sand about PCOS to be honest but me and DH have decided to give it a year and then consult our GP.

Have you previously been on contraceptives?

I have PCOS and had very long cycles about 60-90 days. I lost a stone and a half and my cycles regulated too 31 days. Also took Angus Castus for one cycle which is good for regulating cycles.
Anyway I am 7 weeks pregnant naturally after having tests at the fertility clinic but was still waiting to see the consultant.

OrangeLily

In your case I would not wait a year before consulting with the GP. I would seek advice far sooner than that particularly if your cycle is irregular. It can take several months to receive an appointment at a fertility clinic so it is also better for that reason to seek advice sooner rather than later.

There is no real evidence to suggest that the pill is responsible for failure to ovulate but what it can do is mask underlying hormonal problems that have always been present.

Congratulations Essexgirlupnorth, that's great news. I'll look into Angus Castus, thanks for the tip.
I have been on the pill and i know that if these tests come back clear that my GP is unlikely to make a referral until 18months have passed but i just felt that i should seek medical advice as soon as possible, just in case.

Atilla thanks. I'm thinking about it, currently on day 37.

Wow, congratulations to you to lostonthemoors. I've just looked at the duo fertility and can't believe the price tag!! I have been taking temp manually and using a fertility app but like you say i'm so irregular it's difficult to spot a pattern. Think i'll look into the duo fert thing more...

I'm concerned I may also be part of this post though its hard to say. I came off pill in August 12. Since then have had cycles of 37 days, 54 (unfort this was a chemical pregnancy so can't tell exactly when normal period was due), 30 days and now currently on day 33 and waiting/drumming fingers/not thinking of anything else! So not sure if periods just not gone back to normal or if they are long. I think I'll go to docs if takes longer than 40 days. If preg yeyyyyy! But just have feeling I am not

hi girls, hope there's room for another one :) i have cycles of 49 or 50 days and it's so frustrating. i did manage to get pregnant naturally in august 2012 (used cheapo opks and app on iphone) but unfortunately mc in octobe. we are desperate to get pg again and if things go to plan i should ovulate around 22nd ish of february. i also toyed woth the idea of agnus castus, but the first day i took it, AF disappeared for 2 days. I was worried i messed up my system sostopped it and AF came back as normal.

i was also worried it was pcos as i am horribly spotty since coming off the pill last march, keeping fx that we might be able to get pg agin soon. good luck all, nd if in doubt, go see the doc - that's why we pay our taxes!!

Hi girls! Katerina you sound exactly like me but with better cycles if that makes you feel better! Sorry about the chem mc how sad and frustrating.

Ah sorry I meant to say that last bit to Janie!

Orange lily you thought any more about visit to gp? BN hope yr visit goes well. I think I'll wait a few more months (seems so long!!) and if not settled will go. My dh did remind me that coming off pill and having early mc all in 6 months is going to mean womb is going to have a party and not be settled yet which is a good point, but for regular long cycles get thee to your gp! Lots of luck to u all xx