TTC - no idea when/if I'm ovulating!

[squishy]

Have been TTC #2 since September; had 2x 6 week cycles, then a 3 week cycle, and just when I thought I was pg, have just come on and therefore this is/was an 8 week cycle.

Am 35, 4 years since I conceived with DD, I know (GP told me) that only 50% of people conceive within first 6 months, and that I must just have been lucky as well as much younger (!) when I did last time, but it's beginning to get me down. It's very hard to predict when I'm ovulating so keep having sex when I can (so exhausting working FT and being Mum to a toddler who hasn't slept many nights in the last 2 years!) and now I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ovulating at all - any advice, please? Have made an appointment to 'speak' to a more friendly GP, but she isn't free for another 2 weeks....

TIA!

My periods are all over the place and always have been. Me and my partner are thinking about trying for dc2 and we're considering splashing out on a digital ovulation guide. They cost about £60 in Boots, but are meant to be spot on.

Have you read that "Taking control of your fertility" book by I think Tani someone?
Taking temperature every morning to create charts can help you see what is going on. Helped me feel more in control when ttc for years - and now have been trying for a year and only one period at all, so back to temp-checking as well as just been referred for yet more blood tests...

I'll get some more pretty graphs out of it at least.

Hi Squishy

With cycles as irregular as yours are you are probably not ovulating regularly if at all. This is not a situation in which I would advise temp charting; it is actually not helpful if periods are irregular.

Ideally the GP should arrange for you to have blood tests done to properly assess your hormone levels; you need a day 2 test initially to check and compare your LH level against that of your FSH. LH and FSH are important as these kickstart the ovulation process; if these two levels are awry then ovulation will be affected.

If periods are irregular as well blood tests can be done according to calendar days.

This problem can be treated but you need a diagnosis first and foremost. A condition called polycystic ovaries can be to blame, another possible cause is problems with the thyroid gland. Both can be checked for via blood tests.

sulkee

Would suggest you save your money instead and not splash out on an ovulation kit. They are a waste of money if your cycles are consistently irregular in nature.

Irregular cycles like this too are often caused by hormonal imbalances.

I have read your other thread btw, are you certain that ttc another child now is a good idea given his behaviours towards you?.

Thanks very much, sounds like the first GP I spoke to wasn't very helpful, am v. glad I'm speaking to a nice one, shame have to wait so long, but at least I've taken a step - hope she'll refer me for blood tests (am sure she will as she was very excited months ago to learn we're ttc again!)

AttilaTheMeerkat - yes, ttc is on hold at the moment after developments this week, so we won't be rushing out to buy an ovulation kit quite as quickly as we were planning!