Short Follicular Phase???

Hello all,
I am hoping someone can give me a bit of advice. As you can see from my sig, I have had 2 mc, and I am going a little crazy about my cycle since then. Before my 1st mc I had a very 'normal' cycle, 14-16 day follicular cycle, then 14 day luteal phase. After my first mc the follicular phase of my cycle shortened to 10-13 days. This went on for 4 cycles, then I fell pregnant in December (on a 13 day follicular cycle), I then mc and I am now in my 2nd full cycle post mc and I have o'ed on D10 both times. I am worried about this cos all the info says that short follicular phase is linked to 'aged' ovaries- I'm 31 by the way, and also linked to miscarriage. Also I can't imagine an egg maturing for 10 days is in the best shape.

Should I go back to my FS? Can he even do anything about this? Any ideas on lengthening my follicular phase? Any thoughts would be really appreciated.

Thanks, Indy

Hi Indy
What are you useing to see if your "Oing"??

I have found that it is best to keep a diary of everything that is happening for 3 months so you can see the cycle. Write it up on an excell chart to see if there is a pattern forming and if there is any irregularities from the months before.

I for one can say that you can fall preg any time of the month as we "BD" on day 8 of my cycle and fell preg (it was the only time we BD that month). When my GP told me I was preg I told her I can't be preg. We had been trying for months before hand and had decided to have a break and see what was found in an opp I was to have in the coming months, the opp had to be postponed as I found I was pregnant.

I know it is hard but stressing about falling pregnant can stop it from happening. Instead try (I know it is hard) to concentrate on being healthy and relax.

Are you taking any vit/ min ??

I hope you have a positive soon
Take care
Chris

Hi Indy
What are you useing to see if your "Oing"??

I have found that it is best to keep a diary of everything that is happening for 3 months so you can see the cycle. Write it up on an excell chart to see if there is a pattern forming and if there is any irregularities from the months before.

I for one can say that you can fall preg any time of the month as we "BD" on day 8 of my cycle and fell preg (it was the only time we BD that month). When my GP told me I was preg I told her I can't be preg. We had been trying for months before hand and had decided to have a break and see what was found in an opp I was to have in the coming months, the opp had to be postponed as I found I was pregnant.

I know it is hard but stressing about falling pregnant can stop it from happening. Instead try (I know it is hard) to concentrate on being healthy and relax.

Are you taking any vit/ min ??

I hope you have a positive soon
Take care
Chris

Hi Indy

Im in the same boat as you (except age 37 and just started TTC). My follicular phase varies between 9-11 days (confirmed with temp pattern, EWCM and OPKs), it has got shorter over the last few years, and so I have been researching it too.

As you've probably seen, there isn't a lot of research out there. But I did find one study that showed raised preg rates when women who O'd early were treated with oestrogen in their follic phases - it gave them equivalent preg rates to women who O later.

Effect of short follicular phase with follicular m...[Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2003] - PubMed Result

I don't know if FS's commonly do this, but it's worth suggesting.

The other thing might be to ask your FS for further investigations. Things like FSH, AMH and antral follicle count on an ultrasound scan can give you an idea of whether your ovarian reserve is OK. I think sometimes we have to be a bit pushy to get these things done. I am going to hold off 6 months or so as Ive only just started to TTC, but after that I will be asking for these tests if no BFP...

Of course the other option is to investigate natural methods (eg acupuncture and naturopathy) . I am going to ask my natropath whether false unicorn root might help delay O, as Ive seen this mentioned, as I guess Id rather try natural methods first before resorting to hormones.

And it's really good to bear in mind too, like the PP said, that many women can and do fall pg naturally with short follic phases. The egg matures over about 3 months, its just the final bit that happens in the follic phase, so perhaps a few days is not that critical.

Hope these ramblings help,

Please let us know what happens!

Hi Anemone,

I am on very similar road, with O days at CD12, and TTC for 4 months, 37 yrs old, 1m/c, and certainly believe naturopathy is a great way to start your journey towards fertility.
I jut wanted to comment on you contnemplating using False Unicorn to lengthen your cycle. This plant is actually critically endangered, yet is still used by herbalists and naturopaths (I am actually training to become one). There are many other plants that can do that for you, and False Unicorn should only be taken if these other options have not worked for you. Look into Tribulus, Paeonia, Wild yam as they can be very successful too. Please do not self administrate as used improperly, they can also disburb your cycle. But I am certain your naturopath will tell you about this.
As you have noticed, I am a bit passionate about environmental issues, concerning medicinal plants in particular. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't tell you if plants are wildcrafted or cultivated (organically), and don't tell you ifthey are endangered so it is hard to know from a consummer's point of view.
Best of luck, and I would love to hear about your results with naturopathy.
Paeonia