42 day period cycle - aaaagggh!

[NottsMum]

Ladies - I am going a bit crazy and would really appreciate some advice on whether there's anything I can do to get myself back to 'normal'. My periods started 7 months ago after having my second baby. I had 4 months of a 28 day cycle and then all of a sudden the cycle jumped to 34 days and last time (I can't even say month) was 42 days. I am now into day 35 of my cycle and there are no signs (ie, weepiness or period pains) to say that it's about to happen. Since my cycle has lengthened my skin has gone very greasy and spotty and my hair goes greasy extremely quickly too. The last 2 months I did have a few days of PMT before my period but there's been nothing like that yet. I don't want my GP to tell me that I'm wasting their time so I thought I'd ask here first. What's really getting to me is how many spots I have, I'm 34 and it was really only 3 years ago that I won my battle against bad skin, so I really don't want to suffer again. I'm also wondering whether I could have an ovarian cyst and whether that's anything to do with my strange cycle. I did have a cyst with my second pregnancy but it had gone by the time DD2 came along. My last 2 periods were also very heavy but I put that down to the long cycle. So what would perhaps help me to decide whether there's anything I can do is if I could hear from anyone else who has had a similar experience and whether it got better?

[Passionflower]

Defo see your GP. Sounds awful and you're obviously worried about it.

Big hug to you.

[Frayedknot]

NottsMum I have always had irregular periods and a few years ago found I had polycystic ovaries, which explained what was going on.

Polycystic ovaries are linked to excess androgens which can also cause acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and other symptoms.

Your GP can do blood tests to check what is going on, so I think you should see him/her pronto.

But depending on the outcome, I found acupuncture very helpful at regulating my cycle.

HTH

[hi5]

I agree with other posters - go to your GP to ensure there is no underlying cause but also consider your method of contraception: I had terribly long periods (well they seemed so until I read your post) which were rather irregular after 2nd baby. A friend commented that i seemed to have 3 periods to her one.
A GP friend recommended a coil - mirena coil, its well loved by many female doctors and doctors wives apparantly - now I have no periods at all!!! That suits me fine, but it may give others some concern.The coil had to be fitted at the hospital and required a pre-coil appt to check suitability etc.I have been very happy with it so far - 3yrs.
Hope it goes well at the doctors.

[NottsMum]

Thank you so much all of you. I feel better already just for reading your messages.

My DH has already had the snip (his choice!) so contraception is not an issue, just me gaining control of my hormones. I'll phone in the morning to arrange a doctor's appt - I do have a good GP who was very sympathetic over my recovery from having an episotomoy, so hopefully she will do all she can to find out what's the cause.

I'm not keen on having a coil as part of the reason not to go back on the pill is that it has in the past given me PMT symptoms and the M Coil releases hormones doesn't it? But the thought of no periods... oh the joy...

Frayedknot - how many acupuncture sessions did you have / are still having to help regulate your cycle? I've had acupuncture treatment before (for something else entirely) and although it was immediately effective it was expensive. I'll go the GP route first and see how that goes.

[MeerkatsUnite]

NottsMum,

The first thing I thought of when I read your post was polcystic ovaries. I see Frayedknot mentioned this too.

I would ask your GP for a blood test along with aninternal ultrasound scan (they may not do this though) to assess the state of your ovaries. PCO is often associated with a "ring of pearls" appearance - if this is the case then you have the answer as to why your distressing symptoms are happening.

I would say that the irregularity of cycles along with the spots are indicators of such problems.

If GP is not helpful insist that you see a gynae. That may sound drastic but this is something you need not put up with indefinately.

[Frayedknot]

NottsMum I had 4 initial sessions, one a week, then monthly for 3 months. My cycles were bang on 32 days throughout, which was unheard of for me. I also felt great, very relaxed and calm, and had a great libido!

I then went to one session every 3 months and they went haywire again, but I couldn't afford to go every month.

Then I fell pregnant with ds so didn't have the need, and now I am wondering whether to go back for a couple of sessions because they are all over the place again since ds was born.

Your GP sounds nice, hope you get on OK and she can help you out.

[NottsMum]

I managed to get an appt this morning so the Doc's arranging blood tests and a ultrasound. However, he said straight away that it was extremely unlikely that I have POS as in virtually all cases the patient has it from adolesence and to him it seemed particularly unlikely as it's very difficult to get pregnant. However, thinking about it now, my skin has been awful since I was 15 and as I said earlier, it was only 3 years ago that I finally gained control of my acne. (MD Formulations - fantastic stuff). I was on the pill for years too so my "periods" were forced. It makes me wonder....

Anyway, I'm v.pleased that I'll have an ultrasound so they can see the state of my ovaries...Just waiting for an appt now.

[MeerkatsUnite]

Nottsmum,

Some more info for you:-
Docs are still not entirely sure why some women have polcystic ovaries. There may be a hereditary link, and they are present in women of all ages, many of whom show no symptoms of PCOS. In other words, ovaries do not suddenly become polycystic but women who have always had PCO may develop symptoms at any time.

Although some women diagnosed with PCOS do have difficulties in becoming pg not all do. It is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently.

Ensure that your GP compares your LH against your FSH levels if these were measured (hopefully these are both being checked).

[NottsMum]

Hmmm. Very interesting.
Assuming you are not talking about having my "Full Service History" checked can you tell me what you are referring to when you asked if my GP will compare my LH against my FSH levels? thanks.

[MeerkatsUnite]

Nottsmum,

Your LH (luteinsing hormone) and your FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) are two very important hormones as they play a role in ovulation in the early stages. If these two are out of balance (ideally they should be the same) and particularly if LH is higher than FSH then this can be indicative of such hormonal problems. It can be treated but you may well need to see a specialist e.g gynae.

HTH

P.S think I prefer your definition of FSH to the proper one!!

[NottsMum]

Wow MKU, how do you know all this?

My GP never talked about any of this, he wanted to get the results first as he said there were numerous reasons as to why my cycle had lengthened so much.