Any ideas for shortening cycle length?

[suss]

Have been pg twice m/c first time, DB second time both through IVF. Both Pgs achieved in a 28 day cycle, but my cycle is normally 30 days (have polycystic ovaries, but ovulate). One Gynae thinks that shortening my cycle length would really help me get pg again. We only have one more attempt at IVF and I am desperate for a sibling for DB. If any one has any ideas for shortening cycle than please let me know.

bump

Did they give a reason for this...is seems strange that two days would make such a difference.

I understood that making a cycle longer helps...not heard about shortening it, but I'm no expert.

Sorry I'm no help - just interested!!

I don't exactly know, but it seems there could be a hormone disruption which disappears when my cycle is shortened. Plus i have been pregnant twice on a 28 day cycle so its worth giving it a shot. Any suggestions would be really welcome.

At the risk of me sounding dim..(!!!!)....how did you know it was a 28day cycle if you were pg?

well I had the egg collection on day 14 and as your luteal phase is 14 days (ovulation to AF) that makes 28 days. I have a long run up to ovulation then 14 days to my AF I need to ovulate faster. Reading your other postings might I be v cheeky and suggest you try Agnus castus, a herbal remedy which balances hormones particularly progesterone, which would lenghten the luteal phase. It also makes your cycle more regular. Do not take it if you are taking Clomid or other fertility drugs. I used to take it inbetween IVF attempts to get my body back to normal (I have had lots of IVF!)

It's really daft isn't it? Here you are trying to shorten your cycle and I'm trying to lengthen mine!!! Shall we share!!!

My cycle (usually) is pretty regular with a 28day average but I just blinkin' ov around CD17.

I tried agnus castus one month but didn't appear to ov at all then....also I'm currently on clomid but I am willing to try any ideas as it gets so frustrating after ttc for ages doesn't it??!!

absolutely it took 7 years of IVF to have my little boy! i found agnus castus took a while to kick in - good luck with the clomid I thought it was worse than IVF, just couldn't bear the night sweats! But you are trying to do the same as me I ov on d16 and af around d30. I want to ov on day 14!

I've just read what you've been through on another thread.
What an epic for you!

We tried for nearly 5 years before falling pg...nobody told me about ov and stuff like that, the gp/consultants just said to keep trying until they gave us clomid.
It would cost the NHS a lot less money if they educated women on the basics (not that it would have helped us but it would help LOADS of others.)

I do hope that this month works for you Suss.
X

Your luteal phase isn't necessarily 14 days -- anywhere from 10 to 16 days is within normal range, although it will generally remain constant for an individual woman without something major influencing it. If you had a 16-day luteal phase and ovulated on CD14 then that would make a regular 30-day cycle.

I regulated my cycle length through a combination of diet (a low GI diet to help balance hormones) and reflexology. Within two months of making these changes, my cycle had changed from 35 days to 28 and I was pregnant after 4.5 long years of unexplained infertility. I now have a beautiful 9 month old dd to show for it.

Eevn being slightly overweight can be enough to adversely affect your hormone levels - particularly so if you tend to carry any excess weight around your middle (don't know whether or not this could apply to you, of course).

thanks lucy have tried reflexology, but will try diet. I am nor overweight BMI about 22, but feel it! I was about half a stone lighter before I got pg. I think I will have to lose weight though, as you are right weight makes a difference! I am having acupuncture as well this time, which is fabulous. Congrats on your little one!