Period Problems - any insight please?

[MissMrsMummy]

My periods have recently become more and more unusual so I have booked a GP appointment for a couple if weeks' time but I was wondering if anyone had had similar problems to mine listed below and knows what they could indicate? We are hoping to start TTC soon so I'd like to get this sorted out!

Cycle length varies from 23-27 days.
Spotting between periods.
Long periods - a couple of days of spotting first, then normal bleeding for about 4-5 days, then spotting for several days after.
One month I had 9 days if spotting in the run up to my period.
Ovulating every month but not always on time.
Short luteal phase (9 days).

Other symptoms (could be linked)

I have suffered work-related stress this year
Anxiety
Tiredness

Thanks in advance.

Anxiety and stress can play havoc for some women, and could possibly be the cause of your unusual periods. I used to have a period that wouldn't stop until I got pills from the doctor. I was offered a D&C at one point but then got pregnant.

However you're getting checked out which is good

It's a cliche but it's probably stress. If you are TTC then you need to sort out a better work-life balance. Are you in the wrong career, or just not coping with your work load?

This is a good book and addresses all those issues plus the medical side.

Fit for Fertility

I would try and be seen sooner than in two weeks time.

In the meantime I would keep a symptom diary and record all the spotting days on it.

Stress in itself does not cause such symptoms to arise, physical problems do.

Spotting between periods should always be investigated further to ascertain the cause. If GP is at that time uncertain I would be asking for a referral to a gynae. It may also be that you are not always ovulating, it is quite possible to have periods without ovulating each time you have a period.

Attila- stress does cause symptoms - that's why people sometimes have heart attacks if under stress.

Stress affects the body in numerous ways especially the function of hormones. Stress can cause or exacerbate loads of illnesses.

OP it sounds as if you are short of progesterone which controls the length of the 2nd half of the cycle. This can easily be sorted with tablets like Norethisterone, but this is usually for women nearing the menopause.
If you are up to date with smears then it's likely to be hormonal.

It sounds as if you need to consider lifestyle factors really and see what that does.

Thanks for these responses.

I do find my work stressful and hve been suffering anxiety attacks (not just about work) so I do need to manage that better.

Pinkfrocks - I have read up on low progesterone and I have pretty much all of the symptoms. I can't figure out if this is something GP can test for (blood test) or does it need to be a fertility clinic?

Should I mention to my GP that I think it could be that? Never know if they think you're an idiot for self-diagnosing!

Thanks again.

I assume your GP might just deal with the symptoms - ie give you norethisterone or something-but if you are TTC you should really be referred to a gynae to assess your fertility because any problems with the 2nd half of your cycle could affect embryo implantation.

You haven't said how old you are - or if early menopause / infertility runs in your family...?

Thanks pink. Only 30 so hopefully not menopausal! No problems with infertility in the family. I will try to get referred but haven't been ttc for a year yet