Trying to conceive, but not sure if I'm ovulating. Advice?

kandehaan

I'm looking for some advice. I've been a frequent runner for at least the last 7 or 8 years. I typically log about 25-35 miles per week. I just turned 30, 5'4" and weigh about 115 lbs. Consuming probably 1500-1800 calories a day.

In the last 5 years or so, my period has become very irregular. I sometimes go 3-4+ months without having a period at all and I'm getting concerned. I know many runners experience this and in the past, all I'd need to do is put on a few lbs (I used to weigh around 108-110). That seemed to correct the problem and my periods would become more frequent, but never as consistent as it used to be when I was younger (pre-consistent running). I've brought this up many times with my doctors and they did blood tests to rule out other factors; nothing came back that was alarming.

My concern is that my husband and I are trying to conceive and without a period, or ovulation, this is pretty much impossible. My BMi isn't low, so I'm not sure it's the weight anymore. I have consciously decided to cut back on my running to 30 mins 4-5 times a week (versus 45-60 mins 4-6 days a week).

Have others encountered this or are there other posts out there have advice?

Thank you in advance for your input.

SheenaNash1

My advice would be to pick up a BBT thermometer and starting charting your basal temps. Charting your temps each morning is the only way to confirm ovulation or to see if you are not ovulating. Sometimes long cycles just happen, so it could be that you are ovulating and you just are a naturally late ovulator. Or it could be that you aren't ovulating each cycle. You can't know for sure unless you temp/chart. If you want more info on how charting/temping works go to fertilityfriend.com (or you can click on my ticker below) and take their free tutorials. GL!

IdahoLakeLady

Have you used any tools to tell you if you are ovulating? Ovulation predictor kits? Temping? Start with those... 

Congrats on running that much; I'm a 3-4 miles 3-4 times a week kind of girl. Just enough to get the dog the exercise she needs  

brookelynpaisley

I'm not a runner and haven't experienced this, so hopefully someone ese can jump in with some input on that. The best way to determine ovulation is by temping. Many of the girls here use fertilityfriend.com. I don't have a ticker in my sig, but when you see one, click on it to sign up. Also, read the newbie link at the top of the board - there is a wealth of info about TTC and this board. Welcome and GL!

Also, if you chart for a few cycles and find that after 3 or 4, you're not ovulating, it's a good idea to call your doctor regarding annovulation. Every woman can have an annovulatory cycle here and there, so one isn't enough concern to call the doc over, but 3 would be a good indication of a problem.

brookelynpaisley

IdahoLakeLady:

Have you used any tools to tell you if you are ovulating? Ovulation predictor kits? Temping? Start with those... 

Congrats on running that much; I'm a 3-4 miles 3-4 times a week kind of girl. Just enough to get the dog the exercise she needs  

OP. please note that OPKs do NOT confirm ovulation. They simply detect a surge of luteinizing hormone that generally occurs prior to ovulation. However, it's possible to 1. miss the surge and 2. detect the surge but not ovulate.

The only way to confirm ovulation is through the observation of a shift in temperatures.

AnoraStar

I would def say you should temp/chart. That is the only way you can know if you are or aren't O'ing.

And I know that extreme exercise can inhibit your pituitary's ability to release LH, which is needed to O. I just don't know when exercise is considered 'extreme'.

I think a preconception appt would be a good idea for you so you can discuss that with your Dr. He will be able to tell you more speicific advice on how much running is too much.

And I'm impressed that you run so much! I got up with the intentions of running this morning...hah...hasn't happened yet

onetxjewel

I've learned that the only way to really know what's going on with your body is to study it!  It sounds like you've been doing a good job so far and are willing to learn more!  I would suggest temping (I use fertility friend . com).  This site will teach you all of the ins and outs!  I also use OPK's and that helps as well!  Since you are irregular I would start with the temping and charting.  If you use the OPK's be sure to use them everyday just to see if there's anything to compare to.

After I got off of BC I didn't have a period for almost 60 days!  I thought I was losing my mind and I was freaking out that something was wrong!  So on my next cycle I temped and used OPK's...sure enough I ovulated on day 15 and 12 days later got AF.  I'm going to continue with both this cycle to see if they match up! 

I know it can get frustrating...if gaining that little bit helped maybe watch your protein intake (I want to say too much can cause a problem?) and don't push yourself with the running, but know that some women have cycles that are 40-55 days and that can be normal for them!  They say if your cycle is longer than 60 days then that's when you can start taking meds to help out!

SandNSurf

I'd go to a pre-conception check up and see what your doctor things. I read a book called "body fat and fertility" or something like that... there was a girl in it with stats like yours... she just gained 5 pounds and cut the running down to a couple miles a day and her cycles went back to normal.. not saying this is what you need to do. just a good book that talks about this exact thing.

Everyone is different though. Chart and get to know your cycle. Good luck! 

kandehaan

Thank you! So great to have some sound advice.

I have tried the ovulation tests, but not sure how reliable they are?

I would consider tracking temp; I will look into purchasing one today. My last period started on 2/4 so it's been awhile. That said, I've gone for a few months in the last 5 years without a period and then it starts up again. It's just not consistent! I do sometimes experience PMS symptoms right around the same time of the month, but just don't have a period associated with it. Makes me wonder if I'm ovulating or not.

jillychris

As others have already said, temping is the only way to tell if you are ovulating (that and bloodwork done by your dr), but for you at home, temping is a good place to start.  I just wanted to add, one of my BFF's is a distance runner. She and her DH had been trying for several years. She had a similar problem,  several months at a time with no AF.  She cut back and her running some, and she is now KU. We'll never know if the running made a difference, but it's something to ask your dr about. GL to you!

brookelynpaisley

kandehaan:

Thank you! So great to have some sound advice.

I have tried the ovulation tests, but not sure how reliable they are?

I would consider tracking temp; I will look into purchasing one today. My last period started on 2/4 so it's been awhile. That said, I've gone for a few months in the last 5 years without a period and then it starts up again. It's just not consistent! I do sometimes experience PMS symptoms right around the same time of the month, but just don't have a period associated with it. Makes me wonder if I'm ovulating or not.

Most girls would say they work just fine in detecting the surge when used twice daily and following the package instructions. However, it's possible that with very long cycles, you may get surges (and therefore positives) at multiple points in your cycle but may or may not ovulate. However, like I said, they're not going to confirm that ovulation happened, so they're not "reliable" in that regard.

If you go 60 days without a period, it's generally advised that you visit the doc - they can give you provera to get your next cycle started. It sounds like you're going on over 120 days, so I'd definitely put in a call.

nola 1017

I would use OPKs to know when you're gearing up to O and also chart your temps to confirm that you actually did O. So jealous of your dedication to running. I'm way too lazy

Kate06

kandehaan:

...
My concern is that my husband and I are trying to conceive and without a period, or ovulation, this is pretty much impossible. My BMi isn't low, so I'm not sure it's the weight anymore. I have consciously decided to cut back on my running to 30 mins 4-5 times a week (versus 45-60 mins 4-6 days a week).

Have others encountered this or are there other posts out there have advice?
.

Maybe your body fat percentage is too low?  Just another thought... GL

kandehaan

Wow, so, today was my first time ever posting in this forum. And, for the record, my first time even registering a "Bump" account. I literally just went to the ladies room and found that I'm spotting--I can't believe the timing!

My husband and I also tried just a few days ago...there isn't a chance that this could be related to that, could it?

kandehaan

Wow, so, today was my first time ever posting in this forum. And, for the record, my first time even registering a "Bump" account. I literally just went to the ladies room and found that I'm spotting--I can't believe the timing!

My husband and I also tried just a few days ago...there isn't a chance that this could be related to that, could it?