4 Symptoms that can suggest a hidden fertility issue

Irregular Periods - Too long or too short

Women’s bodies have a built-in way to signal that all is working as it should: periods. While it’s normal for young women’s periods to be irregular for the first couple years after their first period, most women are able to recognize their own unique cycle by age fifteen or sixteen. If, as you mature, your periods don’t become more regular—or they grow irregular later on—this could signal a hormonal imbalance. By regular we mean they have to happen once every 24 to 35 days. No shorter or longer. If they are, please speak to a doctor.

Painful Periods

Extremely painful periods can also be a sign that something is awry with your fertility. Many women experience menstrual cramps or discomfort at some point in their lives without experiencing infertility. But sometimes, very intense menstrual pain can be a sign of endometriosis, a condition that occurs when some of the uterine lining breaks off and begins to grow on other parts of your body, like your lower abdomen or pelvis. When the endometrium sheds during menstruation, people with endometriosis experience this shedding in different parts of their body, leading to intense pain. While endometriosis doesn’t necessarily lead to infertility, between 20% and 40% of women with infertility also have endometriosis, meaning that if you do have endometriosis it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about fertility.

Acne & Increased Unwanted Hair 

Higher levels of testosterone can lead to oilier skin, more acne, and increased hair growth, doctors use these symptoms as a sign that your body may be off balance.Of course, having a breakout or two doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your ovulation—we’ve all been there! Instead, just like irregular periods, you can think of these symptoms as one way your body may be telling you that it needs care.

And please remember, if you do have irregular periods, elevated testosterone, or endometriosis, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re infertile! For some women, these factors signal fertility issues; other women, however, can experience any of these conditions and still be able to get pregnant the traditional way. The only way to know for sure what these symptoms mean for your unique body is to talk to your doctor.