Has This Ever Happened to You?

[BLS1971]

Hi everyone

I've been TTC baby #2 for 4 cycles. I had my blood drawn on cycle day 21 to check my progesterone level, and it was 16.6, which the doctor's office said was consistent with ovulation. I was hopeful. Then....

I tested too early this cycle, then started to spot 5 days before AF was due. AF officially came 2 days early and was very light (for me, anyway). It was period-like bleeding, but never really reached the level of flow that it usually does. I figure maybe I'm having some kind of hormonal imbalance that is changing my periods and fear that one day soon I'll wind up needing a D&C. When I began to spot, I got very depressed and--thankfully--the depression has passed. So I should be feeling fine (more or less), right?

Here's the kicker: off and on, my BBs have been hurting and/or I've been getting twinges, and I *really* wish I could believe I was pregnant, but this bleeding was like no implantation bleeding I've ever heard of (too red, too heavy, and other yucky stuff). Aside from the frustration that comes with my lack of success to date, I'm a bit annoyed that my mother keeps telling me to take a pregnancy test. I just can't make myself test, because I know I'm not pregnant. Every time my mother says something about it, I get even more frustrated.

Has something like this ever happened to anyone else? If there is some kind of hormonal change going on, could it affect my ability to conceive? Thanks in advance,

Bonnie

[BLS1971]

Hi ladies

Amanda - I never experienced implantation bleeding with my son, but my mother is ever hopeful. I'm NOT pregnant and won't test. It's time to start trying again (we're going to BD every other night from now until I am absolutely CERTAIN the fertility window is closed), so I will test in no less than 2 weeks from today. Mom will just have to wait!

Pum - I'm 38 (will be 39 in March) and I can't tell you how relieved I am to read what you said. Things have definitely been changing over time, but I started to freak out when the last two periods (both while TTC) have been SO light. Believe me, light is an improvement over what had been happening, but I was afraid the change meant something was off hormonally that would affect my ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy. Having said that, I am still going to be on the lookout for problems and we will make an appointment with a RE if, after two more cycles, we haven't conceived.

We don't have the $ to do IUI or IF, but I am now doubly insured and my husband's policy covers diagnostic and treatment services to relieve an underlying problem causing infertility. That coverage kicks in in January, and I am SO relieved to have it...just in case.

Thanks to you both!

B

[Pum]

I'm not sure how old you are but my periods changed around my mid 30's and I've not had any problems conceiving (one pregnancy at 35, 2 at 41yrs) although I have miscarried the last two it's not been any problem conceiving/ovulating.

I started spotting before my period for 3 to 5 days and that was new to me. I have had this for about 7 years now. Also the sore breast thing got worse and headaches worse from early 30's. I went from 31 days to 29 and some months 26 days. I think things just change sometimes.

I hope to join you in the ttc club when I complete one normal cycle post this latest mc.

Take care.

[adgal]

I personally have never experienced any implantation bleeding, however with every single pregnancy I have spotted/bled almost from the day I got a positive hpt.  In some of those cases it was a chemical pregnancy, and with this little bean it was a hematoma.  It could be related to pregnancy, or it could be related to hormonal changes.  My periods have definately changed over the last 2 years or so.  I really would consult with your Dr.  Most hormonal imbalances can be corrected, and if this bleeding is related to pregnancy, it's better to know.  Good luck to you.