Reasons why periods can vary each month

[Lauraliverpool]

I keep track of periods on the flo app and I've noticed that my cycle days seem to vary by a few days each month, I've had all 3 covid immunisations, and I've heard that can mess them up slightly. I am going to have a blood test to query menopause, I'm really hoping that's not what it is ( I'm 40,41 this year) have been trying for another baby but so far nothing.

Periods can be impacted by anything and everything. From basic day to day stuff like stress, diet, exercising more (or less) than normal, through to medical causes like hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts.

It's considered normal for your period to vary by 1 or 2 days either side of when it's expected.

If you've been trying for more than 6 months to conceive, GP will (should) investigate this anyway.

@winstonsfinger thanks for replying, i do have an ovarian cyst which I'm waiting to been seen about, I could also do with loosing some weight too. Have had two rounds of IVF which failed. Wondering if it would still be worthwhile asking GP.

[quote Lauraliverpool]@winstonsfinger thanks for replying, i do have an ovarian cyst which I'm waiting to been seen about, I could also do with loosing some weight too. Have had two rounds of IVF which failed. Wondering if it would still be worthwhile asking GP.[/quote]
Sorry to hear you've not had any success with IVF so far. We're due to begin IVF meds on Sunday, so I understand how upsetting and frustrating that must be

GP would be my first port of call I think with regards to periods being a little out of sync. If it's only a few days off here and there I suspect they might say it's normal so you may have to push for further investigation. Do make sure you mention any other symptoms though, even if you think it may be nothing as i've found GPs to be quite dismissive in the past. Particularly if a fertility clinic is in the picture- they want to leave everything to them.

@winstonsfinger thank you, wishing you luck for starting your IVF. I have found that with one or two GPS who have been dismissive in this. Will see what the blood test shows, I know when I had tests done at the ivf clinic they said my amh was low so don't know if it's connected and I have noticed that my period doesn't last as long as it used to and slightly lighter.

Hi! All of the things you've mentioned can, and do, contribute to irregular periods, you're really young I don't think it's menopause. It's very common for GPs to dismiss women about these matters, mostly because they're not very familiar with them. Why dont you ask a fertility expert or book an appointment with your obgyn, I'm sure they will be more helpful

@IsabelHerna thank you, I hope that's not what it is. Does sound like a good idea speaking to a fertility expert, like you say they're more likely to be helpful.

@Lauraliverpool

It’s quite common for periods to become a bit short and lighter as you get older. For example. Periods in your teenage years is likely to last longer and be heavier than when your in your 30s for example.

Your cycle length altering by a few days each month is totally normally. If your cycle is within 21-35 days that is considered normal. It would only be a worry if it got significantly short or long cycles to suggest issues.

The reason why your cycle will alter is due to when you ovulate. Standard is CD14 but not every women will have that and each month might be slightly different for you.
The second phase of your cycle after you ovulate is your luteal phase. This is generally fairly static and doesn’t change much in the amount of days. But each women had a different luteal phase slightly.

For example.

My cycle lengths are 25-28 days max. Usually 25/26. But sometimes I get a 28 one.

This is due to:

Ovulating CD 13 then 12 day luteal phase = 25 day cycle

Ovulating CD15 12 day luteal phase = 27 day cycle

Ovulation moving around is normal and happens to every women. Hope this makes sense and helps 🙂

@Indianna2006 I had thought it can be common when you get a bit holder, definitely noticed a difference from when i was younger. A few years ago i was told I possibly had a luteal phase defect.

Is luteal phase from when you ovulate to when the next period starts? I was tracking ovulation but stopped, I know it does come in handy to pinpoint. I know it might sound like a stupid question but with periods varying when is the best time to start trying and how long for in each month?

It has definitely helped thank you ☺️

@Lauraliverpool yes luteal phase starts the day after ovulation to day of your next period.

Technically if you don’t wanna do opks and track. It’s easiest to dtd every other day almost all month so you catch it.

But if you do opks and track it you can try time it more. Or just look out for your bodily signs and try dtd more when you have egg white cervical mucus discharge which is slippery as usually that’s your more fertile time.

@Indianna2006 I thought that's what it was. I'm debating on ovulation testing again. I have noticed when it becomes like egg White and slippery, which seems to be like for a day or so.

I’m 32 years old, was normally 28 day cycle. Last few cycles have been off, 29,3026,32,35. Currently I’m waiting Ave stressing for this months to show up. I’m on day 35, not trying to conceit but still panicking !! What’s going on. I’m trying to calm myself down and put it down to I e started gym 3 months ago, I am nowhere near over doing it tho but go 3 times a week for about 45 mins. Doubt it’s that