First Step GP or Natural Therapy?

We have been TTC since coming off BCP in March 2008, since then I have had very irregular cycles, I am just entering my 7th cycle in 11 months, the length of them have been as follows
1st 50 days, 2nd 67 days, 3rd 37 days, 4th 66 days, 5th 59 days, 6th 45 days.
I have been charting since cycle 4 which has been mos helpful, however I am still so frustrated about the irregularity of my cycle. I was on BCP for around 4 ? years and prior to then I had a 28 day cycle almost where I could set my watch to! I am ovulating which is a good sign, however my aim now is to try and get to the bottom of why my cycle is so out of whack! I have not seen my GP about it yet as I keep telling myself it will correct itself just give it time. This cycle I have decided to seek natural therapy (if anyone can recommend someone in outer SE Melbourne would appreciate it), but should I first see my GP to check that there are no underlying issues? Does it really take THIS long for your body to readjust after BC?!! One thing is for sure, I will not be taking it again!

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi Kylnor

Lots of things can have an effect on your cycle length. Things like stress, diet, weight issues all play a part in an irregular cycle.

If you saw your GP they would be able to do some blood tests and work out pretty quickly (fingers crossed) if there was any underlying cause such as a hormone issue.

Sorry but I don't know a good NT in Melb.

Good luck with your TTC journey.

Hi Kylnor, if I were in your position I would probably try to see both the GP and start some natural therapy. Like Mupitty said, your GP can probably run some blood tests to see if there is anything medical going on to explain the irregularity of your cycle. I was lucky when I came off the birth control pill after 10 years because my cycles went straight back to being normal, but I still started seeing an acupuncturist/herbalist to try to help with the TTC process. I know of quite a few people that had irregular cycles which were corrected with acupuncture though. I went to a wonderful woman near Albert Park. It sounds like it might be a bit far for you, but if you don't mind the travelling I can give you her details :)

Good luck!!!

I would recommend TCM - acupuncture and herbs. When TTC DS it took me 12 months and I had erratic cycles - 14 wks longest, 6 wks shortest.
When I stopped bfeeding af did not return, neither when i came off mini pill. I went the TCM route - got af a week later, then a 30 day cycle and then I got preg the next cycle... highly recommend.
Your GP may also have some answers, it cant hurt to get a few opinions...

Thanks for your replies, I have booked appointment with a new GP tomorrow recommended by a friend, she deals in womens health and also practices accupuncture.
The whole stress and cycles makes sense, I can sort of see the length of my cycles reflected by the amount of work stress I had each month.

Hopefully the GP will run some tests and I can move foward from here. I shall keep you posted on the outcome.

Hi Kylnor,

Yes, the contraceptive pill puts your body in a state of 'mock early pregnancy' for an extended period, and this can confuse your body and its natural hormone levels quite significantly- but rest assured that this should settle over time. As someone else mentioned, stress & diet can play a significant role, as can other factors such as alcohol, toxins in food (ie- pesticides and growth hormones) and toxins in personal care products (ie- aluminium in deoderant, skin cream etc).
I am a huge advocate for Natural Medicine after it cured my endometriosis and irregular painful periods after years of being bounced around by various GP's and specialists in the allopathic medical field. In the end all they could offer was synthetic drugs and repeated surgery- both of which were band-aid approaches (IMO) that failed to actually address the root cause of the problem.
A registered, qualified naturopath will be experienced with these issues and will be able to use several non-invasive methods of analysis to detect issues such as a hormonal imbalance, heavy metal toxicity, candida and many other common barriers to conception (via blood test, saliva tests, iris analysis, hair analysis etc). They will then be able to recommend a specific dietary plan, supplementation, herbal and or homeopathic remedies that are applicable for YOU and your individual constitution.
In my experience, having had very irregular and painful periods and endo- this is the ONLY route that REALLY works as it addresses the root cause of the problem- which can be a culmination of factors. To find a registered Naturopath near you, you can contact ANTA (Australian Natural Therapists Association) and perhaps be recommended to one who specialises in fertility management and reproductive issues.
I also strongly suggest you look into purchasing the book by Australia's most esteemed Natural Fertility Expert- Francesca Naish. Its called The Natural Way to Better Babies- Preconceptual Care for Prospective Parents. A brilliant read for any couple trying to conceive.
Oh- and make sure you don't blame yourself or automatically assume it is only you who have the issues just because your cycles are irregular. As women we have a tendency to automatically blame ourselves. It is essential that your partner/hubby recognise their role in contributing to a healthy conception and eliminate or at least significantly reduce factors which are potential barriers (ie- alcohol, coffee, chemical exposure, diet and supplementation etc). It takes 2 to tango.....

All the best in your journey to conceive.

XXX

Thanks for all of your advice and reassurance! I have taken everything onboard. I went to a new GP today who was excellent, she ordered a bizzilion blood tests, 14 in all! So at least now if there is something pysically up i will know. I have another appointment with her on Thursday to get results and for her to go through the next steps, she said that if I was over 30 she would send my straight to gyn but as I am young then we have some time on her hands (yes but I am impatient!). She also suggested that while all of these tests are happening that we should not be TTC and using some protection is this a strange request because I really dont want to stop if I am about to ovulate not knowing when the next time will be?? She mentioned this as I am due for pap etc, has anyone else had these tests and pap done while TTC with out any complications? It just seemed like an odd request.

sounds like you have a great gp there... let us know how the tests go...
i also meant to add stress played a major part in my cycle issues... a holiday was part of my 'treatment'!

So just a quick update, I went back to doc today to get blood test results... hormone & bloods all ok, rubella immunity but one thing that was elevated is Free Androgen Index.. does anyone know what this is?? Was kinda in a rush today as had internal as well, She is sending me for pelvic ultrasound tomorrow and go back Sunday week

hi kylnor

sounds like you have a thorough GP :)

she may have suggested that you don't TTC until the results of the BT are known because of things like the rubella immunity - i can't remember exactly which ones but there are a couple of things you need immunisation for if you're not already covered & they suggest you avoid getting PG until approx 3 months after the immunisation. it also gives you time to start taking supplements like folic acid to help your body prepare (i think the ideal is to take that for 3 months before conceiving as well). sorry i can't help you with the free androgen index.

did you end up getting some acupuncture? i think combining both the GP & the NT is a great idea - i used one of the acupuncturists at the belly belly centre, which is in canterbury, and i thought they were fab! :)