Will I Be Able to Have Children Someday?
Question
I have had an irregular period for a couple years now. I am getting really frustrated about it. I’m only 17 and got my first period at 11. When I was about 14 they stopped. I did gain weight over the years. I was put on birth control to help regulate my cycle, which worked. I am no longer on it, and I think my weight may be the problem. But my real question is, when I’m old enough and want to have kids, will I be able to concieve at all? Or is my irregular cycle damaging that opportunity for me? Andrea
Answer
Last Updated: December 12, 2014
Andrea,
Irregular cycles can be caused by a variety of factors and are not necessarily an obstacle to conceiving. You don’t mention how widely your cycles vary, but even a difference of up to two weeks, though frustrating, is considered normal variation. As you suggest, an unbalanced weight-to-height ratio can be a cause for cycle irregularity, but there are others. We would suggest that, if possible, you contact a local NFP teacher or physician (refer to the CANFP directory at www.canfp.org) who can review your cycle history, evaluate nutritional and other concerns, and provide a medical exam if necessary. A book you may find helpful is “Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition” by Marilyn Shannon. If not available at your library, it can be borrowed or purchased through your local Couple to Couple League chapter or online at www.ccli.org.
We think it’s wonderful that you are addressing these concerns early in your fertile years, and wish you the best!
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Irregular cycles can be caused by a variety of factors and are not necessarily an obstacle to conceiving. You don’t mention how widely your cycles vary, but even a difference of up to two weeks, though frustrating, is considered normal variation. As you suggest, an unbalanced weight-to-height ratio can be a cause for cycle irregularity, but there are others. We would suggest that, if possible, you contact a local NFP teacher or physician (refer to the CANFP directory at www.canfp.org) who can review your cycle history, evaluate nutritional and other concerns, and provide a medical exam if necessary. A book you may find helpful is “Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition” by Marilyn Shannon. If not available at your library, it can be borrowed or purchased through your local Couple to Couple League chapter or online at www.ccli.org.
We think it’s wonderful that you are addressing these concerns early in your fertile years, and wish you the best!
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Answered By:
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Andrea and Ron Gronsky, PhD, Professional Members of CANFP,now retired, taught the Sympto Thermal Method through the Couple to Couple League, in the Oakland Region.
