Fertility Nosedive at 37? Negative OPKs - but they used to be positive?

[doireallywantthree]

Hi All!

We have finally decided to try for a third baby (relentless campaigning on my part!) and I'm hoping to make it happen as soon as we can but I'm slightly paranoid that my fertility may have dropped off a cliff!

We had our first baby when I was 31, pregnant first month. Second at 34, it took 8 months, but i had been ill and was very underweight. while trying for #2 I used OPKS and saw positive tests I think every month that I tested.

For the last 4 months I have, albeit very sporadically been testing for ovulation around when i think I ovulate (the way I tested when trying for #2 and got positive results) and never seen a positive result. I've seen a faint line around the right time, but never a proper positive? We've only been trying for 3 months (but REALLY trying - my husband is a ruined man!)

I've also definitely had considerably heavier periods since my last kid!

I'm hoping that two successful pregnancies and only just turning 37 means there's still some baby making left in me.

So I guess I'm wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and either successfully conceived or gone on to find out that indeed they have dried up husks for eggs!

Many thanks

Do you know when your mother had her menopause? Apparently that can be a good indicator of when your own fertile years might stop. 37 shouldn't be too old in general though, I had my first DC aged 38 with no problems, and many of my friends were in their late 30s/early 40s when they started their families. Maybe go and see your GP and ask for a FSH and AMH test so you know where you stand?

I could never get positives on the cheap OPKs but the Clear Blue ones worked for me. Got pregnant after just over six months of trying at the age of 37. Just wanted to say don’t be alarmed, you may well be ovulating fine and it’s just that the tests aren’t picking it up!

@kintan is that true about it being hereditary??

My mum didn’t start her menopause until she was 53 😫😫😫

I don’t think it’s hereditary as such, but rather can be an indication. But doesn’t sound like your mum had an early menopause so I wouldn’t worry about that aspect!

I’m more worried that I have potentially 20 more years of periods 😢

Hi thanks. My mother did have menopause early, around 44 I think. But she had a hysterectomy due to severe fibroids. I seem to recall she kept her ovaries though. So perhaps her menopause was quite natural then. I’ve always assumed/hoped it was early because of hysterectomy.

Will a gp run fertility tests if you already have children Kintan?

@doireallywantthree my GP was happy to request the tests, however I posted this on another thread a while ago and another poster who said they were a GP got really indignant and said they would not have offered them and if you want them and already have children you should pay privately. So I guess it depends on your GP but I had no problem having the FSH, 22 day progesterone and AMH tests done via the NHS. Also ask for your thyroid to be checked as this can have a big effect on fertility if under or over active. I’m slightly older than you and ttc #2 - good luck to us both! :)

*21 day progesterone that should say!

Hey there, my story very similar to yours too - I'm 37 in a week and we too are in cycle 3 of trying (hard) to conceive #3. This is my very first month of using OPKs and BBT charting to see if I am ovulating. I assumed that I was because I get all the other signs like EWCM and high libido at the right time of the month - but maybe the eggs aren't good'uns!? I'm not really sure about when I go and talk to a GP - and not sure whether I'd actually take any action anyhow, although would really like #3. Interested to follow along and see what happens with you! Good luck - let's keep our fingers crossed that a good egg comes along quickly!

Hi yuzuko.

Ha I just turned 37 last week! I’ve booked a gp appointment to see if I can get blood tests done for fertility. It’s frustrating because I would just rather know, if it’s going to be near impossible to have another then I’d rather just try and move on. Although I think I’ll be gutted! I’ve read a few things that suggest if you’ve done it before then age plays less of a part. A lot of stats where women struggle in their late 30s includes first time and some of these at least may well have had problems 10 years earlier if that makes sense? My son took 8 months and then just happened. So I guess it can take a while. I’m just slightly worried that I’m not getting positive opks, thinking of starting basal temps, but I’m not disciplined enough to pee on a stick so I’m not sure I’ll manage the requirements of temperature charting! But please do let me know how you get on! Fingers crossed for us both!

Hi,

I am 37 also and TTC our first. Trying since Feb with no joy. AF comes as it has always done.

We've not been to the GP yet. Last couple of months I've almost booked and then thought another month and it'll happen. I'm a bit overweight so anticipate that will be the first thing that they tell me to sort out.

My mum had full hysterectomy at 34 so don't know where I stand with that. My husband says not to worry and it'll happen when it does. He's very laid back and I'm not so much!

Hope we all get to share good news soon!

@Bimbabo welcome! I'm so sorry it hasn't happened for you guys quickly, your dh is right to be relaxed still though.... easier said that done right!? My dh is also very chilled out about the whole deal. I wish I could be too. I'm also about 20lbs overweight- and although it's stupid, I know that's the first thing the gp will mention and I'm really nervous about it - makes me feel like a bit of a failure- like it's such an obvious thing I should be able to do....

@Yuzuko I’ve always been on the curvy side. Love my pasta and bread too much.

He’s very laid back in life as a whole. I just thought it would be quicker than it has been. I’m in the TWW but so fingers crossed for this month. Summer baby sounds much nicer too!

Hope team ‘37’have something to celebrate soon!

*bit

Sorry to hear of struggles, it’s really hard. I reckon if you see a decent GP they will offerhormone tests and then if there is an issue bring up weight being a potential. Personally I think being under weight is worse. When I started trying for my second I had a bmi of 18, which is the low end of normal, I remember talking to a GP friend of mine, he looked me up and down and said you need to add a stone on then chat to me. Maybe a coincidence but by the time I had I was pregnant. Anyway I wouldn’t put off going to the GP if they make you feel like it’s just a weight issue then they're an arse! I think I’m gonna go and see if they will test my hormones, I just need to feel like I’m doing something. I’m going a bit mad already!