Light but consistent periods at age 30 - am I infertile?

[jalapeno1234]

Hey guys

I am 30 years old, 5'7 and weigh 48kg.

I have experienced a digestive tightrope in the last 10 years which started out as an eating disorder as I was at a healthy weight, which as a 20 year old amongst good looking girls, Instagram models and gym nuts I started to feel ugly.
I began starving myself and running frequently but eventually decided to just be me and enjoy food. When I finally stopped these behaviours I began getting stressed, anxious, terribly picky around food not cos of my weight but due to an extreme phobia of vomiting and poorly managed anxiety. This manifested alongside university stress and, I lost 14 pounds rapidly due to a combination of stresses. Since then, it seems I have struggled to gain weight. At the age of 22 I was referred to a hospital who helped me get back on track and despite being only 44kg, the doctors applauded my fertility stating I was the only patient theyd met at this weight who still had consistent (albeit LIGHT) periods.

Things got a bit better when I hit 25, I gained weight, got my periods back to normal timescales and to my horror, caught a stomach virus which has lead me to 5 years of hell. I believe I developed a stomach condition since that day which the doctors still dont seem overly concerned about despite losing weight constantly, having spasms, cramps etc. I have intermittent diarrheoa and constipation and now bleed very watery and light blood for 4-5 days during a period. I guess my only reassurance is that my periods have strangely been more regular over the last few years, almost always every 28 days so perhaps my cycle IS normal but I am so worried. My partner is very diligent about not wanting kids yet as we arent in that place financially but as the years go on I think my instincts are kicking in telling me this is the last time.

Can anyone relate? would this be something the docs can test?

I can't relate directly but firstly you can definitely get fertility tests done. Until you start trying doctors may not give you tests though the NHS (but then again with your medical history they might) but if not there are literally hundreds of fertility clinics who will do a "fertility MOT" with blood tests and scans, around me they cost on average £400-500 and give you a solid view on your egg reserve and general fertility.

Secondly, I wanted to share a good news story from a friend of mine who had an incredibly low BMI due to anorexia all through her teen years, and it came back mid 20s too. She got pregnant first month of trying with all 3 of of her children and had healthy pregnancies - she was so scared she wouldn't be able to have kids as well.

I'd try to get some testing done, and I hope your partner isn't stringing you along. How long does he want to wait before having children?

If you aren't both 100% on having children then you need to assume you are fertile not take risks. I don't know how your medical history will have affected your fertility but I got pregnant with my second when I was having periods that were no more than 36hrs of spotting (an exh was supposed to be infertile after cancer treatment 🙄).

There’s a couple of things you could do without getting a private (££) fertility testing.

Firstly, see your GP about the ongoing stomach issues. They can run some bloods and test a poo sample to find out if there is an underlying bowel disease, if you might be coeliac or if they’re could be an infection. If you are having scant periods they may also do hormone testing two weeks apart to check that your hormones are in the right range for your cycle.

Your BMI is only 16.6, so you are considered to be underweight, which can affect your periods and fertility. Have a think about whether you are meeting your nutritional needs with your current diet, and cut back on the exercise if you think you might be overdoing it. If this is too difficult to manage alone, then ask your GP to refer you to a dietitian.

I was also going to suggest fertility MOT. You can both get tested. Many clinics will offer a discount if you go to one of their open day/evenings.

I wondered the same as you (not rhe same history but at 39 my periods got shorter and lighter). The fertility doc told me that if I was having periods then I would be ovulating.

I got pregnant quickly.

My cycle is as regular as clockwork and yet my egg reserve is super low, so don't make any assumptions! Like others have said, best way is to go for tests. Best of luck xx

As others said, having regular periods is a good sign. I’d be trying to get some more testing / diagnosis for your digestive issues, and discussing with your GP about how to increase your weight in a healthy way, and also get your iron levels checked. I think getting a private fertility test for you both would be good, although AMH isn’t conclusive as it checks quantity not quality of eggs. And be having honest conversation with your partner - the only way to really assess fertility to start trying, so it’s important to know your partner understands the situation. There’s no ‘perfect.’ Time to have a baby