Irregular Periods = Infertility?

**LadyWench** · 03-21-2010 01:08 PM

Hey, everyone. I've been dealing with an irregular menstrual cycle since puberty. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has had similar problems, or can offer advice on what my problem might be.

I'm 21 years old, and started my period at 12. For the first few months of my period, it was relatively normal. After about 6 months or so, it started to get weird. I'd skip a few months and then have it again. It got to the point where I skipped about 9 months before I had another period. Then I went a whole year without one. After that, three years passed and I had no sign of a period. I had no other symptoms, so I just left it alone. I started exercising and losing weight back in 2008. I was actually feeling good. I had 3-4 periods that year, but haven't seen it since.

I'm still a virgin and I've never taken birth control or any hormonal supplements. I've never been to a doctor or gynecologist about this. I've always been way too scared to see one...for many different reasons. My psychiatrist (who is also a female specialist) seems to think it could be a hormonal imbalance. Possibly a thyroid issue, or perhaps PCOS. But I don't know. The only way to be sure is to obviously go to the doctor.

My psychiatrist told me many times to get my blood drawn and test my hormone levels and thyroid. I've been too scared to do it, but I finally went. The nurse couldn't draw my blood because my veins were too deep and small. We tried it on two different occasions. They suggested I go to the hospital and have it done, but I just haven't had the guts to do it. I know I need to, but eh...I'm just scared of the results.

I'm just wondering what you guys think could be going on. I also have another question relating to this. Of course, it's somewhat off subject. I have severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. I'm also a hypochondriac. I'm constantly worrying about my health. I have a boyfriend that I've been with for two years now. We "fool around", but I'm still a virgin. I'm too scared to have sex right now. That's a completey different topic, though. Anyway, my question is this: do you guys think that because of my lack of periods, that I may not be ovulating either? I'm just curious because of my OCD and everything, I often worry that I could become pregnant just from messing around with my boyfriend, even though we aren't having sex. I realize it's illogical and irrational because you can clearly only become pregnant through intercourse. I guess I just want to know if you think I could be infertile, if even just temporarily?

Sorry this is so lengthy. I appreciate you guys reading. Thanks!

**LadyWench** · 03-26-2010 09:36 AM

Wow, thanks for all of these helpful replies! :|

**LanaBear** · 03-26-2010 09:26 PM

If the Dr's are suggesting you go and get your hormone levels checked, you should.

It's hard for anybody to say if you are infertile or not, this takes extensive testing by a Dr to determine. One never knows. If you don't have consistent periods, you may or may not be ovulating normally, but again, who knows.

You are a virgin, chances are becoming pregnant by 'fooling around' are small, however, you must take the proper precautions while fooling around, clean hands, etc.

My suggestion, is to follow your Dr's advice and see someone about your lack of periods, hormone levels, etc. You've got a lot of other things going on and that can also have an affect on your menstrual cycle. If you are constantly stressing over this, that, and the other, the stress alone could cause irregular cycles.

**LadyWench** · 03-28-2010 02:54 PM

Thanks for the response, LanaBear. I appreciate it. I finally went to the doctor on Thursday. My therapist took me. I had my blood drawn, which was incredibly scary for me. Now I'm just waiting for the results. I'm pretty scared. Hoping for the best, yet expecting the worst.

**Dlminshall** · 06-11-2010 01:59 AM

How did your tests turn out? Hope well.

**tinafey** · 06-11-2010 10:43 AM

it doesn't mean that your are infertile if you have an irregular period. some have regular period but still they are infertile.

**samanthatallon** · 06-11-2010 03:07 PM

I think lanabear is right, docs is the only way to go, you can put your mind at ease, and simply relax. Let me know how you get onx

**Aithneu** · 06-12-2010 02:34 PM

Darlin' if you're admittedly a hypochondriac, then don't think about your weird periods. you're not alone- in fact irregular periods are more than just common nowadays- they're an everyday thing.

**Kera** · 06-17-2010 12:16 PM

symptoms of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has many symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are

* fatigue
* weight gain or loss
* puffy face
* cold intolerance
* joint and muscle pain
* constipation
* dry, thinning hair
* decreased sweating
* heavy or IRREGULAR menstrual periods and impaired fertility
* depression
* slowed heart rate

**PandaPaws** · 06-17-2010 08:16 PM

My periods are very irregular without being on the pill. I've gone 7 months without one when I was off the pill for a bit, went to the OB/GYN, she wasn't concerned. They said I could wait it out (which is what I did) and they gave me a Rx for a pill that would make me have my period if I wanted. I haven't gone off the pill ever since.
I think it's pretty normal to have irregularity. I guess and obvious issue with infertility might be that since you have fewer periods during the year, you probably also have fewer chances to get pregnant.