What is going on with my periods??

[SaltySpitoon]

Hi all.

So, I'm 29 and up until maybe a year ago my periods were very regular and normal, cycles were always 26-28 days long. But for the past year they've been incredibly irregular and abnormal (cycles have ranged from 18 to over 70 days!). And even when I get a period they're not like the usual, they're either super heavy or very light, like spotting rather than a full period.

I'm not on any medication or contraception, not pregnant. I haven't gained or lost a significant amount of weight.

I did see my GP and she sent me for some blood tests. Most of my results were normal apart from I was anaemic and my testosterone was high (not sure exactly how high it was). But all other hormones were normal. So GP said it's not definitive that I've got PCOS as usually other hormones are abnormal too. She's referred me to endocrinology and gynaecology but I've been told it'll likely be several months before I'm seen as waiting lists are very long.

I should say that I do have two children, both of whom were conceived very easily. But I've also had 4 miscarriages.

Not sure what is going on! As far as other symptoms go I don't really have any. I'm a healthy weight, skin is fine etc. I am quite hirsute for a woman but I always have been, even when my periods were regular, so that might just be how I am.

Any advice/experience would be appreciated. Thank you 🥰

PCOS cannot be ruled out here as a possible cause and some women with PCOS do have a degree of hirsutism.

Were your LH and FSH levels tested?. These hormones need to be tested on a specific day in the cycle namely day 2. Hormone tests done on the wrong days can give misleading results. LH and FSH can appear ok if looked at individually but these two hormones need to be compared with each other. With PCOS there is often an excess level of LH compared to FSH.

If periods are irregular (and PCOS is one possible cause for this, another is problems with the thyroid gland) then blood tests can be done according to calendar days. PCOS is a very individualistic disorder that affects each woman with it very differently.

Have a look at the website called Verity as this is to do with all things PCOS. Try to remain within the correct weight range for your height as excess weight can and does exacerbate symptoms. Following a low GI/GL eating plan can be helpful to women with PCOS.