TTC advice - spotting

[Emi88]

Hello,

I don’t have a specific question but am desperately seeking advice from anyone who might have experienced/be experiencing something similar.

⁃	32yo TTC for over 2 years 
⁃	I spot (like clockwork) every month 6DPO
⁃	My periods are very light (sometimes hard to distinguish between spotting and period)
⁃	Have had every possible fertility test and all have been clear. My husband’s tests have also been clear.
⁃	Spotting not explained by polyps or cervical ectropian.
⁃	Day 21 bloods results are 31.  GP not concerned but fertility specialist queried whether this was too low for successful implantation. Prescribed 400mg x2 a day of Cylogest to take each month for 12 days starting 1DPO.
⁃	5 months of taking Cyclogest and no change at all with the spotting. 
⁃	I take all recommended supplements (Proceive, omega 3, vitamin D, complex b vitamins, CoQ-10) 
⁃	Have begun looking into IVF but doc said need to get to root cause of spotting first as will likely continue to be a problem. 

2 years of specialists, tests, and huge amount of money later, no one can give me a concrete explanation or solution to the spotting and/or my fertility issues. If anyone has had any similar experience, I would be hugely appreciate of any advice.

Thank you ❤️

I have also tried acupuncture to support my cycle but to no avail 😢

Hi, sorry this sounds really frustrating and you have already done so much to try and help. All I can say is that I am also a spotter and have had lots of investigations with no cause found. I have had a couple of cervical polyps which have been removed but spotting continued. Gynae who removed them also said they were unlikely to be the cause. I do have cervical ectropion though so wondered if that was the explanation for me.
I also have irregular periods with a lot likely anovulatory (as I’m 37 wonder about start of peri). I started seeing a medical herbalist who prepared a mix that contains agnus castus amongst other things (also known as Vitex). The cycle after starting I had my first cycle in memory with no spotting at all! Although the next cycle (this one) I’ve spotted lightly between ovulation and now at 8dpo.
I don’t know if it’s reassuring to you that I have always spotted a lot and got a bfp 10 years ago (successful pregnancy) where I spotted from 7dpo.
Are you tracking your cycles with temping etc?

Also - one thing I am starting to wonder about for myself is endometriosis, it is very common. As far as I can find out from reading online it can only be diagnosed laparoscopically so the ultrasounds I’ve had would not have been much use. I am going to press the Gp for further investigations of this if we don’t conceive within the next few months.

@Emi88 I’m so sorry for this situation, it sounds highly frustrating. I’m no expert, but the first thing that sprang to mind with the v light periods and spotting would be PCOS. Could you get a second opinion for a diff doc maybe? Could you start the ball rolling for IVF privately?

Hi @FoodFann @CurlyWurly1991, thanks so much for the replies.

@FoodFann I have been tested for PCOS and I don't have it, I know it's bad to say but a tiny part of me hoped I did have it so that it could explain things and treatment could be put in place. Similarly re. endometriosis @CurlyWurly1991 but that's really interesting to know, I may suggest further investigations at my next appointment.

@CurlyWurly1991 thank you for sharing your positive experience, it is hugely reassuring to me. I essentially treat the first sign of spotting each month as a negative pregnancy test so the fact that there might still be a chance is great, if only just to have a few more days of "hope" each month. Can I ask if you had also been struggling to conceive 10 years ago when you spotted and got BFP or did it not seem to have an negative impact at that time? Sending lots of baby dust your way this time around!

@Emi88 No, we conceived first cycle with my daughter. The spotting was pretty heavy too , I wore a tampon although the flow was pretty stop/start. I was checked over at the EPU several times and they found no cause.
best of luck to you x

Hi @Emi88, did you manage to get any answers to this? I feel like I could have written your original post!

• I’m 30, been ttc one full year with no pregnancy at all
• Day 21 test was 33.5 which doctors said was “normal”
• just had a pelvic ultrasound and exam which I was told was all clear
• spot like clockwork 6DPO until my period which lasts a further 5 days, so I’m bleeding for like 10 days each per month
• speaking to a doctor tomorrow for fertility assessment referral so I feel like I’m on the beginning of your path

really hope you got your bfp but would love to hear an update!

Hi Fifi,

I wish I was coming to you with positive news but unfortunately my situation remains the same 😥

I've had further tests, all of which have been clear. The only thing that suggested some possible explanation is that my lining is thinner than optimal during luteal phase so we're working on increasing that with extra progesterone and estrogen. Even though my hormone blood tests are all okay...

How did your appointment go with your doctor?