When can I test?

[heartmoonshadow]

I have been TTC for some time but not really looking at it technically - in that we have just been letting nature take its course. Well it appears nature is going to need a helping hand after 6 months of nothing! Anyway what I would like to know is that if you have irregular periods - how soon should you take a pregnancy test when you don't know if you have missed it yet?

Hi heartmoonshadow what a lovely romantic name you have! Must be all this BDing

If I were you, I would test at 28 days since the first day of your last AF. How many days is this?

Come and join us in the Spooky BFP pages and you'll learn all there is to know about the technicalities. I give you fair warning - we are all obsessed!

Hi,

How irregular are your cycles?.

If your periods are irregular then the chances are this is being caused by a hormonal imbalance. If thyroid problems are ruled out a common condition called polycystic ovaries may be the underlying cause. This causes cystic follicles on the ovaries to form; these cystic follicles play havoc with ovulation. It can be treated though.

A "normal" cycle is a cycle length of between 21 and 35 days or with a variation of 4 days or less from month to month. Cycles over 35 days in length are more likely than not to be anovulatory. With irregular periods as well you are less likely to be ovulating regualarly if at all, it is quite possible to have periods without ovulating.

Would suggest that you visit the GP and ask for a blood test to be done to see what your hormone levels are like. If your periods are irregular you can go by calendar days i.e get tested on the 3rd and 21st of the month. The test on the 3rd should be done to compare your LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) levels. If LH is higher than FSH this is one possible indicator of there being PCO. Progesterone levels are measured on day 21; this would confirm whether ovulation has happened or not that month.

If there is a problem that the blood test highlights then a referral to a gynae should be sought. Do not be fobbed off and don't take no for an answer!!!.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers, I would suggest you seek medical advice asap.

Hi,

I have never had regular cycles - they vary sometimes 25 days sometimes 33-38 days, more often than not the latter. A few years ago I had no periods for about 2 years - I was being investigated for PCOS but the results were inconclusive.

I then had to have a DETZ for a cervical problem and ever since them periods have been roughly 5 to 6 weeks alternating - as you can see I have not been tracking them 100% as until now.

I have decided to go to doctors next month if nothing happens - thanks for the advice.