Erratic periods

[Clure]

My periods have been slightly erratic since having DD now three and a half, but this year they've been few and far between - sometimes 2 or 3 months.
I'm 41 would like another DC. Have had hormones test, GP said they were within normal level. I had clomid to conceive last time as progesterone levels low. I asked GP today he said progesterone wasn't tested.
He's referred me to gynae. I'm wondering what the next step might be for me. Anyone out there with similar experience? Thanks

Have you had your thyroid levels checked? Mine are intermittent and have gone for bloods which check hormones but also thyroid function.

Clure

Irregular periods are often caused by either thyroid problems or hormonal imbalances (a condition called polycystic ovaries is a common culprit in that regard). The facts that you needed clomid last time and also having a low progesterone level makes me think more along the lines of polycystic ovaries. PCO is a very common condition and is often not recognised by some GPs.

BTW some GPs can be next to hopeless when it comes to such problems anyway so am glad to read you have been referred to a gynae.

Can you remember what hormone levels were tested?. At the very least LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) should have been both tested and importantly compared against each other (as they can be within normal ranges otherwise). I am wondering whether your GP actually compared the level of LH against FSH - if he did not the test result is meaningless.
LH and FSH kickstart the whole ovulation process; if these hormones are out of sync then ovulation will be affected.
Also it was poor service that your progesterone level was not measured either.

First and foremost you need a diagnosis of the underlying problem. WOuld think that both of you will be tested further (initially this will entail blood tests and internal ultrasound scans and for him semen analyses).

Thanks for your posts, lots of food for thought.
Haven't had thyroid tested as have read around and don't display any of the other symptoms of under or overactive, but will request this with GP next time I go.
LH and FSH were tested, GP (locum) asked if I was a nurse as I was obviously asking more questions than he was used to! Don't think they compared these readings to each other though.
DH had tests done first time round when we were trying to conceive, he was "normal"
Will read up about polycystic ovaries.
Thanks again to you both