Worried about Short Cycles

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-23-2003
Worried about Short Cycles
5
Sun, 10-05-2003 - 8:31am
Hello Ladies,

I have just been lurking around lately, havent posted here for awhile. I went off my BCP in July and was hoping to start TTC pretty soon, but since about mid-August I have had AF every 14 days on the dot. I am worried because I read that such short cycles can be really bad and can even be a sign of infertility.. but I don't know if I am still recovering from the BCP or not. I am scared that something is wrong and I am only 20 years old. Should I go to the doctor yet? Or do I still need to just wait it out for a couple more months? I am afraid something might be wrong. Help! :(


~*KRISTIN*~

Avatar for rebeccalaf
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 10-05-2003 - 8:45am
Your body may be adjusting, but I'd call the doctor and set up an appointment. That way, you can get your questions answered and hopefully set your mind at ease.

Write down your concerns before the appointment and make sure your doctor gives you the time you need. Good luck!

Becky

ttc#2

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 10-05-2003 - 2:47pm
I could be way off base here, but usually when women think they are having 14 day cycles, they are actually having 28 day cycles with ovulation bleeding mid-cycle. Do you have heavy bleeding after each of the 14 days or just spotting with one or each. If you are having heavy bleeding every 14 days, you probably need to go to the doctor ASAP to find out what is going on. It could just be your body getting back to normal from the pills, but it could use some medical attention, particularly if you are wanting to TTC. If you can give more details on the bleeding, I can venture a guess for you...

Chanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-23-2003
Sun, 10-05-2003 - 7:49pm
The bleeding is just like a normal period every two weeks. It lasts about five days each time.. and it is really getting on my nerves! I didn't think anything of it until I read that really long or really short periods can be bad. :(

~*KRISTIN*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 10-05-2003 - 10:22pm
Kristin,

Anything under a 20 day cycle is considered very short. Ovulation bleeding isn't supposed to last more than a couple of days and it isn't as heavy as a regular period. I tried to find some info on short cycles and midcycle bleeding on the net. The web site - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/maternal/archive/1849.html - had this info: Bleeding episodes at 2 week intervals suggest lack of ovulation. This can also occur with irritation to the cervix, polyps in the cervix or the uterus. A different site had a link to midcycle bleeding info http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/bleedingmidcycle/. If you chart your temps, you might be able to tell if you are having a 14-day cycle or if you are indeed having bleeding midcycle. Regardless, go to the doctor and get checked out. Your body could just be recouping from BC pills, but a doc could tell you for sure (or at least rule out other things).

Chanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-23-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 3:07am
Thanks for the help. I am going to make an appointment with my doc this week. Hopefully it isn't anything serious though... :( I'd like to be sure it is just being caused by hormonal fluctuations from going off BCP. Hugs!!!!!!!

~*KRISTIN*~