20 day cycle... is that normal?!

klbandbmp · April 2010

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and forums in general. So please excuse my lack of knowledge about etiquette and abbreviations- my apologizes in advance!

I was diagnosed with PCOS nearly three years ago. So needless to say, I have never really had "regular" cycles... if I even menstruate. However, I was recently told by my doctor that losing weight can help with PCOS symptoms. So I lost nearly 20lbs and for the past three months I have had 28 day cycles.

My DH and I have been ecstatic because we are TTC. Here is where my question comes in: My last AF was 4/3/10- 4/10/10. I had a positive OPK on 4/13/10. Yesterday, 4/22/10 I began to have brown discharge similar to what I get before my AF. I also had extremely painful cramps in my lower abdomen and side. By the end of the day it had turned into more of a red color. Yesterday made 7-10 dpo. I am unsure if this is my actual AF, because that would mean this cycle was only 20 days long.

If is AF, is a 20 day cycle normal? Should I be concerned and what implications does that have on my fertility? Any help you can provide is truly appreciated.

Hoping...

lmc5004 · April 2010

I dont know what it would imply but to the best of my knowledge I dont think you can ovulate just 3 days after AF. I could be wrong though

I would call and ask your RE!

Dragonfly1226 · April 2010

Congratulations on losing 20 lbs! That's super

I don't think a 20 day cycle is worrysome if you ovulate really early and then have a normal LP. If you got AF 10 dpo, that's on the short side. But if it was 7 dpo, that's really short. It all depends on the exact day when you ovulated. If I were you, I would start charting so that you can pinpoint the day you ovulate more accurately. Also, if this only happened to you once, it's possible that it was just a fluke since you have PCOS and are used to irregular cycles.

I also think I've heard that if you have PCOS it can affect the results you get on OPKs and even mess with your charts. I'm not sure though since I don't have PCOS. I could be totally wrong about that.

Are you working with an OBGYN or an RE?

hopefulmommy · April 2010

You absolutely can ovulate 3 days after af. I do all the time b/ c my period often goes to day 9/10 and then i ovulate around day 13/14. Also, many women ( me included)have what is called Luteal Phases deficiency. I hardly ever make it more then 10 days past ovulation. I don't know if your with a RE yet but you can take progesterone supplements to lengthen your luteal phase. GL and welcome! Lots of info. on this board.

klbandbmp · April 2010

Thank you very much! And yes, I have read that PCOS can affect the accuracy of OPKs, because some women with PCOS frequently have high levels of LH without actually ovulation.

I am currently working with my OBGYN. I have read a few other boards and posts and people frequently talk about having an RE. I don't know if my OBGYN is planning on referring me to an RE or not. However, I have another appointment in June, at which time we are supposed to start using Clomid.

Is it ok for my OBGYN to be overseeing this? Or should I request an RE?

hopefulmommy · April 2010

It's up to you but if I had a diognosed fertility issue, I'd rather be with an RE. I'd especially consider making the switch when you're ready to start Clomid so you can be monitered closely

klbandbmp · April 2010

Thank you so much for the info!

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