Since we started trying to conceive, my menstrual cycle has gotten longer. Why?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25 year old female, and we are trying to conceive from the last six months, but so far no luck. But, I have noticed a change in my menstrual cycle, it used to be very regular and last for 28 days. But, since we started trying for a baby, my menstrual cycle has gotten longer (35 to 40 days). The pregnancy tests were negative. It has been 48 days now, but I have not taken the pregnancy test still. I am scared that it will show negative again. What could this be? My gynecologist says that everything is normal.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Let me start on a positive note, a young lady of 25 years, whose gynecologist says there is no problem, means she has very high chances of pregnancy. The right time for pregnancy is from 19 to 35 years. Kindly see if the following checklist of investigations has been done.

Your husband's semen analysis, after 2 to 4 weeks of abstinence, and blood sugar levels.
Your blood sugar levels and thyroid profile.
Ultrasound scans to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and adnexa.
Confirm tubal patency by HSG (hysterosalpingogram), SSG (sonosalpingography) or laparoscopy.

The fallopian tube is the connection between uterus and ovaries (the bridge where sperm meets the egg and forms a baby), this is the size of a hair follicle and cannot be seen on scans. Being such a small opening tube, it can get blocked easily. Periods going late means you are not ovulating on time. After 14 days of ovulation, you will have periods. So as per your period's frequency, they are not occurring. The reasons for no ovulation are as follows.

Sudden increase in weight or consuming a lot of high-calorie food.
Thyroid or prolactin hormone abnormality, do get them checked in empty stomach.
Any serious mental or physical stress, depression, anxiety or happiness.
Any recent hormone intake.

Hope I have clarified your query, do write back.