thread: Very short cycles - Is this a problem?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    954

    Very short cycles - Is this a problem?

    DH and I have been TTC for 5 months (6 cycles) and I unfortunately had a chemical pg in our first cycle. I am getting concerned because my cycles seem to be getting very short and we are having no luck getting a BFP despite very well timed BDing.

    After having DS2 2 years ago my cycles averaged about 26-27 days, however the cycles have been gradually getting shorter over the past year, so much so that they are now just 21 days! I know my body very well and I used to chart every cycle for years so I know when I ovulate. Last cycle I ovulated on CD 8. This cycle I am on CD 6 and I have EWCM today (AF finished yesterday) which means I may ovulate on CD 7-8. My Leutal phase is a normal 13 days but I dont know if I should be concerned about such a short follicular phase. Ive always been told that it is the leutal phase length that is the most important so I havent worried about it up until now.

    I dont know if this is related, but I have lost a lot of weight lately and I have no idea why. I now weigh less than I did before I had DS1 and I havent been dieting or exercising.

    Do I have anything to worry about or is it quite normal?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Sep 2007
    Brisbane
    5,729

    Very very sorry to hear about your loss .

    Weight is important in fertility, significantly underweight women can have ovulation issues. I always understood that it was the LP length that mattered, and ovulation anywhere between CD7 and CD21 was "normal".

    But I'm not a doctor and I'd go for a chat if I was concerned. Probably worth going to see a GP about the sudden weight loss, and ask for a CD21 (or in your case7DPO) blood test while you are there.

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    The body can be so frustrating and confusing at times.
    Everything that I've read highlights the significance of the leutal phase being an adequate length, i.e greater than 10days.
    I hope the weight loss isn't something to be concerned about... I'm slightly jealous

    I wish you all the best in your TTC journey.

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2008
    In snuggle land
    4,499

    The LP is important for implantation. Given you're also losing weight as well as having a shorter follicular stage, I'd go get tested. I have no idea if the thyroid is involved in weight loss, but it can affect fertility. Unexplained weight loss should be investigated.

    I'd ask for a CD3 test for estrogen levels as well as a 7DPO test for progesterone. The should also include FSH levels. My understanding is if your estrogen levels aren't high enough to ovulate, then this will affect the corpus luteum/progesterone levels.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    954

    Thanks so much for your replies.

    I always knew the LP was more important so Im relieved about that and Im so glad to hear that even my short FP is considered in the normal range. I think your right and I should get tested because it is worrying me a little bit that perhaps there may be a thyroid issue or something else related to the weigt loss. I was also a bit worried that these factors may have resulted in the loss of my little one in August, but now I know it is probably unrelated.

    Thanks again.