Infertile because fo long irregular cycles?

[EMC22]

I am 26 years old, 5'2", 121lbs, athletic, healthy eater and married. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I have had very irregular periods since I first started menstruating (at 15 yrs old). Sometimes I will have 30ish day cycles, but most times I will miss my period for 4-8 months at a time. I was on depo provera shot for three years, followed by two years of being on the pill. I stopped all contraception 19 months ago, thinking we would see what happened. Nothing yet, now I am worried there is something wrong with me because of these very long cycles, lack of periods and the fact that I have never been regular except when I was on the pill (which was a 'fake' period). I have been on a waiting list get get an appointment with my obgyn - until then, any ideas what is going on? Am I infertile? Is there anything I could do to help this situation?

[EMC22]

Thanks for all of those responses. My doctor pretty much thought I had PCOS just based on a conversation yesterday, but things took an insteresting twist :

So, I went for my exam yesterday and explained all my concerns with being irregular and TTC, the doctors listened, then filled out all sorts of paperwork to refer me to an RE and start doing some bloodwork, but basically warned me before any of the bloodwork that I most likely had PCOS. They prescribed me progesterone to induce a period and then did a urine test just to double check for pregnancy before they sent in the prescription - and it came back positive! I don't know who was more shocked, me or the doctors/nurses. So they took blood to confirm pregnancy, said congratulations and sent me home. Now I do not know what to think and am waiting for the blood test to come back - will this be high risk? I am so worried it could be ectopic, or has low chances of survival because I haven't had a period since May, and I tested negative on July 27, then positive on August 5 - so I have no idea how far along I am or whether or not to be hopeful....any insight?

[snooglebeans]

Hi there:

I went off the pill a year ago this past May and have had irregular and then long cycles (around 39 days).  I went to Ob/gyn and they tested all of my hormones and everything was normal.  They referred me to a RE and she prescribed Clomid to help me ovulate and progesterone support at the end of my cycle..this is my first cycle on this and the clomid did help me ovulate earlier (around Day 19) and I am crossing my fingers that this worked.  

Anyway, this protocol might be helpful for you too.

As you wait to see the doctor, I would suggest getting Toni Weschler's "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" book and start charting your cycles using a basal thermometer.  This will provide your doctor with valuable information when you do see her/him (for example, it will tell her whether you are ovulating late or whether you are ovulating at all).  Charting is pretty simple..the only commitment you have to make is just to take your temp. in the morning at the same time.  It isn't hard..and I go back to sleep right after!

Good luck!!

[findinghumility]

I agree with wanabb. And unfortunately there are many women who have a very difficult time trying to conceive especially after coming off birth control (depro in particular).  If you know how to chart your fertility signs that's a great place to start but I think getting your OB to run some tests is probably going to be your first step!  Hang in there!  Good luck!

[wanabb]

hi, i'm also a small person, and the only time i had periods was on birth control. i was diagnosed with pcos (polycystic ovary syndrome) 5 weeks ago after two years of trying.  i'm not saying that's what you have but it sounds like a possibility.  most people with pcos are overweight and have excessive hair growth, but there is a less known population that is normal weight, with no excessive hair growth.  your doc should do some blood work, if you have it your insulin and testosterone may be elevated (mine were not), and the classic sign is a cysts in the ovaries.  it's normally very treatable. hope you get an answer, good luck!