9th month of trying, worried by age (37) and suddenly erratic periods- any advice?

[LouiseR23]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here and I was hoping someone may be able to offer some advice.
I'm starting quite late to all this, I'm 37 and met my partner last year. (He is 33) We decided quite early on we wanted to start a family and have been actively trying since the start of this year. Until now I've been just using a calendar to work out my fertile days.
However my periods are starting to alter, for years I had a 30 day cycle, for the past couple of years it's almost always been 28 so I've been basing my calculations on that.
However the last few months it's been a little crazy, a couple of times 32 days but the last few 26 and 27 and lasting for less time. I don't know if this is because I am more conscious of it so I'm trying not to stress yet but I am obviously a little concerned due to my age.
We are currently working abroad and due to return to UK this month so then I will see my doctor to check everything and also begin to monitor my temperature for more accuracy about my ovulation day but until then I would be interested in any opinions and advice.
Does it sound like I've left it too late for me or is this typical for my age? Does anyone have any similar experiences? Is there anything recommended that I can do to prepare my body better to conceive? All advice welcome! Thank you so much :)

Hi Louise

Have you tried an ovulation predictor kit? My cycles can be anything from 29 - 35 days. I've only started using it the last couple of cycles & i use the Clearblue one as the cheap supermarket one's didnt work for me.

I'm 38 & I'm TTC baby #2.

I would describe your cycles as regular. A couple of days here or there really don't matter and will probably be down to stress. I had DS at 34 and dd at 37. With DS my cycles were clockwork, after he was born they were 16-48 days. Still managed to conceive dd. Personally I found temp charting v helpful but with a regular cycle you might want to consider ovulation sticks.

Good luck.

Ah thank you both, I will get the Clearblue sticks and also start charting temp from next month. It's reassuring to hear your experiences Theyaremysunshine. I've only just begun to get a bit anxious as I didn't expect it to happen immediately and your replies have both calmed me down again! Thank you :)