|
|
Last Updated:
Sep 10th, 2007 - 18:59:21
|
Question
I am 34 years old and have been on the pill for more than 16 years. I have been trying to get pregnant for about 9 months now. Since that time I have had 3 cycles during which I had horrible periods with cramps so bad that I had to take pain killers for days and I was bleeding like hell. I have never experienced this before. After I did not get pregnant for about 4 months, I bought a book about fertility awareness. I have since charted my cycles and we have timed intercourse accordingly. However, from my charts it seems that I am ovulating, but my luteal phase is just 8-9 days. Based on this, I feel that I might already have been pregnant, but the egg might not have successfully implanted. I am living in Chicago and am now looking for a good doctor, who can help me to find out more. Can you recommend somebody? Also, is there anything except for hormones that I can do to help my luteal phase?
Andrea
Answer
Dear Andrea,
Thank you for your question. The situation of only having three cycles in nine months, and severe cramps with heavy bleeding should be checked as soon as possible. I would recommend you get in contact with www.creightonmodel.com. This site will give you the location of a teacher in the Chicago area that can help you with charting your cycles, and a referral to a Naprotechnology trained MD for a check up. Some of the tests they may do are thyroid check, hormone levels at the correct time in your cycle, and ultrasound of your uterus and ovaries. Charting your cycles will help you get the tests done at the correct times of your cycle. If you do have short luteal phases you may need progesterone replacement. CANFP's website has links to help you also.
Wishing you good health and the best treatment.
Theresa Mitchell
Theresa Mitchell is an RN and Natural Family Planning Practitioner teaching in the office Of Dr. Mary Davenport, at the Northern California Fertility Care Center, in El Sobrante, California.
© Copyright 2005 by CANFP
The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
Top of Page
