There’s a reason why fertility specialists often ask, “When was your last period?” when you visit. Menstrual health and fertility are closely related. However, like many women, you might not have paid much attention to your cycle until you started trying to conceive. This can make it hard to know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to your period and may raise important questions if you’re facing infertility.
Even if you have regular periods but aren’t getting pregnant, your cycle may not be as typical as it seems. So, what does this mean? Here’s what you need to know about the link between periods and infertility and when it might be time to seek fertility advice.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is made up of three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
The follicular phase starts with your period, during which hormones trigger the release of an egg. This leads to ovulation, when a mature egg is released from the ovary and moves through the fallopian tube. During the luteal phase, progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken, preparing the body for pregnancy.
Conception occurs when the egg is fertilized and successfully implants in the uterus. If conception doesn’t happen, the unfertilized egg and uterine lining are shed during your next period, and the cycle starts again.
A typical menstrual cycle lasts 24 to 35 days. The fertile window—when conception is possible—includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.
Causes of Irregular Periods and Infertility
If your periods are regular, you should be able to predict your fertile window and plan when to try for pregnancy. However, irregular periods make it harder to know when ovulation occurs, or if it’s happening at all.
Several factors can affect the regularity of your cycle, including hormonal imbalances, significant weight changes, stress, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Your cycle is considered irregular if it consistently falls outside the 24- to 35-day range, if you skip three or more periods, or if you experience very heavy bleeding or extreme pain.
Even if your periods are regular, underlying issues could still affect fertility. For instance, consistently heavy periods may indicate uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances, both of which can hinder conception.
When to See a Doctor for Irregular Periods
If you’re experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, it’s important to talk to a doctor about your menstrual cycle. Women under 35 who have been trying to conceive for a year without success should consult a healthcare provider. If you’re 36 or older, seek advice after six months of trying.
Other signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include:
Persistent irregularities in your cycle, such as missed periods or unusually short or long cycles
Severe pain or discomfort during your period
A doctor can help identify potential fertility issues and recommend tests or treatments. To make the most of your appointment, share details about your cycle and consider tracking your periods and ovulation with an app or ovulation predictor kit.
We’re Here to Help
Whether your periods are regular or irregular, if you’re having trouble conceiving, consulting a fertility specialist is always a good step.
At Nicosia Fertility, we have years of experience supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journey. Explore our website to learn more about our services, and reach out to schedule a consultation today.
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