Irregular cycles and Doctor's "Don't worry" attitude

[Ragdoll]

My cycles can be anywhere between 23 and 35 days long.

I bleed for anywhere between 4-12 days.

I queried this with my doctor , in particular the cycles with long bleeds, I worry that I did conceive but it hasn't stuck etc.

The answer I was given ? "Your cycles are regular it's fine don't worry".

Yes I bleed every month , I appreciate that and that some ladies don't so I should be grateful, but Doctor please don't say it's regular when it's not ! I never know where I am with my body.

Does anyone else have irregular patterns and has been told not to worry? Like that's easy !

 

[holli]

Hey sweet
Have you always been irregular? Just asking because I was regular till I went on the depo (was on it 7 years) and it took 3 years to properly get out my system now my periods are on average 37 days according to my period tracker I can go few days earlier or later but I don't bleed for more than 5 days usually, I went to my doctor and they said not to worry and that if I hadn't conceived within a year then they would look into it I had scans and blood tests and everything came back fine . I'm guna leave it till next year before I go back to them (I'm 30 next year) xx

 

[millielaura]

Yep yep yep mine were 14-37 days long and 4 gp's told me they were regular and not to worry! When the 5th one referred me, the specialist said she strongly suspects I have pcos. So keep going till you get taken seriously xxxx

 

[Ragdoll]

Hey Holli , no I used to be predictable lol , I do worry that having taking the pill my body chemistry has been altered , but also I'm concerned because my mum entered menopause at 35 . I'm hoping my cycles will settle down but I feel like I'm against the clock anyway. I've been bleeding for the last 10 days and I'm just getting down about it. You are probably right that things will sort themselves in time , it's easy to become very impatient about these things !

MillieLaura- I'm going to see my consultant on Thursday about results of HSG , while I'm there I'm going to talk again about my cycles , especially these long bleeds , something isn't right and I can't stand the attitude of the NHS sometimes !

Thank you both for your support xx

 

[holli]

I know how you feel when you say you feel your against the clock, all my friends have either had babies or pregnant and I'm the last one, everyone appears to be announcing they re pregnant on Facebook too and although I'm happy for them I'm extremely jealous and get gutted and think when's it guna be my time? Let us know how you get on Thursday and if your not happy with what they tell you get a second opinion xx

 

[glowing]

My cycles were very irregular and I would go months with no period. I was so worried I saw a gynaecologist (I hounded my GP) as I was in my 30's and scared my fertility would be an issue (I wasn't with a partner and had never tried to get pregnant). She said my weight, coming off the pill that I was on for a long time plus my hypothyroidism all contributed to my lack of periods. I did have my lh and fsh checked and they were normal. She reassured me that if I met a partner and failed to get pregnant she would try clomid. I lost some weight met my now husband 4 years ago, we tried 7 months into our relationship not full on and he had been told when he was 19 he had a low sperm count and couldn't have children so I kinda thought if it doesn't happen then that is my lot in life. I was lucky and got pregnant that first month. Since having my daughter 2 years ago my periods are regular but last 27-38 days it is a pest as ttc 2nd baby I am 40 now and on 5th month of trying. I think I am trying to express that there is hope even if it feels hopeless. Pester that GP. Good luck.

 

[fairyprincess]

Hey, I went to the Drs after only 1 irregular cycle of 47 days and she sorted out blood tests straight away and it's a good job she did as I'm being diagnosed with PCOS. If you're not happy ask to see another dr. Good luck x

 

[phonixgirl]

My cycles were regular but short (24 days) and I was bleeding for sometimes up to a month non-stop! I'd go to the GP time and time again, and get told silly things like "it's probably another period" or "it could be breakthrough bleeding". As well as being extremely unpleasant, I was worried it was something serious. The doctor asked what it was I was worried about and when I said it was a sign of cervical cancer, he referred me to a gynaecologist. They just checked for cancer then discharged me. I went back again and got given tablets for heavy bleeding which were not what I needed.

Eventually I went about my fertility and we had tests etc. I got told I had cysts on my ovaries but that it shouldn't prevent me from conceiving. I was told several times that I didn't have PCOS because I wasn't fat and there was no point giving me that medication. I used loads of supplements off the Internet and found some that worked. I also self-diagnosed myself with PCOS. I spotted for a good few days before my period in May and booked an appointment at the fertility clinic out of frustration. That was when, after about three years of seeking medical advice, I finally got a diagnosis of PCOS and put on metformin.

You know your body best. Push if you have to. X

 

[Ragdoll]

Thank you all , I did mention it again but was told that my cycle is regular . The consultant is referring me for IVF but I have to have more blood tests done before that. HSG fine , no blockage but uterus is arched. Once I see a fresh face at the new hospital I'm going to raise the issue of the long bleeds again , I will accept that the varying days between bleeds is 'regular' but I will not accept that bleeding for two weeks is normal ! I'll take your advice ladies and push for answers thank you.

Glowing- Thank you , it's really nice to hear success stories ! I'm sure there will be light at the end of that tunnel !

Phonixgirl- I'm sorry you were dismissed but glad you got there in the end ! You've made me feel more determined !

Holli- I know how you feel, one of my best friends has three , the last one was a 'pleasant surprise' and whilst I was pleased for her it was hard not to feel envious. It's very hard seeing other people have something you want , especially when it happens easily/accidentally. We will get there though !