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Your Menstrual Cycle: A Fertility Vital Sign
a blog by Eric Levens, M.D., Shady Grove Fertility Center, May 19, 2010
Ready for a fertility fact? Forty percent of women who present with fertility problems aren't regularly producing an egg that can be fertilized (anovulation).
The vast majority of problems with ovulation are accounted for by a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other fertility problems resulting in irregular menstrual cycles include ovarian failure or inadequate signals from the brain that control the menstrual cycle (hypothalamic dysfunction).
To get a better sense of potential underlying fertility problems, at my initial fertility evaluations I often ask “Are your periods regular?” and “How far apart are your cycles?” I want to get a sense of how frequently ovulation is occurring.
The typical menstrual cycle is between 24 and 35 days. When menstrual cycles are irregular in duration or outside this normal range, this frequently indicates a problem regularly producing an egg.
Today, there are many high-tech devices lining pharmacy aisles, all designed to predict ovulation (some even have digital smiley faces). Nevertheless, few tests are as important and as simple as a thorough menstrual history.
In a 2003 study by Malcolm in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, the authors reported that a normal menstrual cycle predicted ovulation 99 percent of the time.
While I frequently use high-tech solutions to solve many fertility problems, it's just as important today as ever to remember to listen to a patient's history. It may tell more about the underlying problem than any test.
Once again, I want to thank you for reading my blog and best of luck achieving a Fertile Future.
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Comments
Thanks for the comments Dr.
Thanks for the comments Dr. Levens. So are you saying that if the menstrual cycle changes from for instance 33 days, to 31 days and then to 28 days in a 4 month span that that may be an irregularity? Thanks again for the important information.
The number of days in your
The number of days in your menstrual cycles are within the normal range. However, in certain circumstances, the variability that you mentioned may represent some irregularity in the development of an ovulatory follicle (with a mature egg). Most variability in the menstrual cycle occurs in the first part (the development of the follicle or the follicular phase). The time period following the release of the egg (the luteal phase) is fairly consistent.
The variability that you described may make it difficult in timing the cycle to optimize the chance of conceiving. With that said, it is highly likely that you are producing an egg each month.
Dr. Levin, My cycle has
Dr. Levin,
My cycle has been 28-30 days since I was 15; however I no longer produce the egg white substance I keep reading about that enables sperm to travel where it should go (or I think that's what it does). I haven't seen any of this substance in years. Is there anything I can do about this? Could this be a symptom of anything else?
The fact that you have
The fact that you have regular cycles is highly predictive that you are regularly ovulating. Many of the symptoms of ovulation including the increase in cervical mucus can be unpredictable. If you have been attempting to achieve a pregnancy for more than 12 months, you should see an infertility specialist (6 months if you are over 35 years old).
What if your period only
What if your period only lasts 2 days...since having my daughter, 2 year ago, my periods have only been 2 days long. Only took 2 months to conceive her, we are now on 20 months ttc #2. Have an appointment scheduled for Shady Grove in January... Thanks!
There are many causes for a
There are many causes for a change in your menstrual cycles following the birth of your child. At this point you should be seen by an infertility specialist to evaluate the specifics of your condition. It's good that you are coming in.