Irregular Periods and Concerns About Ovulation
Greetings! I’m a 38-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, based in the UK. For nearly a year, I've been experiencing some irregularities with my menstrual cycle. I’m currently on a 20mg dose of Fluoxetine for anxiety but do not use any form of birth control; I haven’t for over ten years. It’s worth noting that I achieved a significant weight loss of 140 pounds over two years, which I’ve successfully maintained since March. Historically, my menstrual cycles were quite regular, occurring every 27 to 29 days and typically lasting about four days with very little discomfort. However, in January, my periods disappeared altogether. After four months without menstruation, I consulted a doctor. They conducted blood tests, the results of which indicated that everything was normal and that there were no signs of menopause. The physician expressed no cause for alarm, suggesting that such occurrences can happen and that my cycles would likely resume. Since I have no plans for children, she felt additional testing wasn’t necessary unless I reconsidered that decision. When I inquired about how long I should wait before seeking further assistance, she reassured me that my periods should return eventually. Fast forward to August, and I experienced a brief return—a light period lasting just three days. Since then, I have yet to see my cycle return. I have been diligently taking pregnancy and ovulation tests, all of which have returned negative results. This leads me to speculate whether my body is simply not ovulating. Should I revisit the doctor? Would it be seen as trivial given my lack of interest in having children? Is it worthwhile to seek answers, or is it genuinely a matter of waiting to see how things unfold? I have some hormone test results available for review. Any insights or advice would be highly valued!
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 3:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant changes in your menstrual cycle, which can understandably be concerning. Irregular periods can occur for various reasons, and given your recent weight loss and ongoing medications, it's reasonable to want more insight into your situation.
Overview:
- Irregular periods and potential anovulation: Your history of weight loss and the medication you're on may impact hormone levels.
- Normal hormonal tests: Your blood tests indicated no signs of menopause, which is reassuring.
- Monitoring symptoms: Since it's been several months since your last significant cycle, it might be valuable to re-evaluate your concerns.
Explanation:
Your menstrual cycle can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes from weight fluctuations, and medications like Fluoxetine. It’s not uncommon for women who have experienced significant weight loss to have temporary disruptions in their cycles. The brief return of your period this August suggests that your body may still be capable of resuming normal function. However, since it has not stabilized, this situation warrants closer observation.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Menstrual Diary: Track any changes in your cycle, including flow, duration, and any other symptoms. Mention any lifestyle factors that may affect your cycle (stress, sleep, exercise).
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Consider Re-evaluating Hormone Levels: You have tests already, but it might be beneficial to check in again about hormone levels if your period does not normalize soon or if you have new concerns.
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Reflect on Your Medical Treatments: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of how Fluoxetine might influence your cycle. In some cases, medication adjustments can improve reproductive health.
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Reach Out Again: It's not trivial to revisit your doctor about these concerns, even without the desire for children. Your menstrual health is crucial for overall well-being.
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Consider Lifestyle Factors: Ensure you're maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress, as they can all influence hormonal balance.
Ultimately, it’s important to feel comfortable and empowered in managing your health. If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable with how things are progressing, don’t hesitate to seek further advice from your healthcare provider. You're advocating for your well-being, and that’s essential. Let me know if you need more specific information or guidance!
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