Cysters with a missing period

Ange7894 · 02-28-2009, 10:30 PM

Hi all,

I was wondering if the cysters out there who are going months and months with no AF would mind sharing their stories. I haven't had mine on my own since July or August of last year (it's been so long I actually can't remember!). My doc gave me provera in December but it didn't actually cause a real period. I spotted for about 10 days and then bled for one. I've had no signs of AF since

I'm looking into a variety of alternative methods to bring AF back, so I'm hoping some of you can share some tips on what worked for you, and how long it took before it came back. Thanks!!

kathyjx · 02-28-2009, 10:37 PM

I met a lady who was told she was in the early stages of menopause when she began ttc. The dr. said less than a 2% chance. She went to an accupuncturist. She was pregnant within two weeks. At age 43 she had baby number two, same thing. STraight to the accupuncturist. If we had one in my area I would have already gone. I know some people think its nonsense, but it worked for her twice. I on the other hand start on my own every 3-4 months. Very frustrating. Currently taking Clomid, so if I don't have a period I don't get to take it that month. They even gave me meds to make me start and I still did not. My dr. said if I was older he would have thought my ovaries shut down. But they didn't. I started on my own this month.

shortandsweet · 03-01-2009, 01:39 AM

I'm a cyster with missing periods. Without intervention, I go for months at a time with no period whatsoever. I recently used Natural Progesterone Cream (NPC) to induce a period this past January. Like you, I hadn't had a full period since July 2008. The NPC did make me get a period. After failing to start on my own after that cycle ended, I used it again a couple of weeks ago hoping to get another period, but as my post entitled, "Did I use too much NPC?" describes, NPC did NOT work for me this time around.

The alternative methods I have tried have not been very successful. I have taken Vitex, Dong Quai, and Red Raspberry Leaf supplements. I have drank many, many cups of parsley, ginger, Dong Quai, and Women's Liberty teas. I have also used NPC. I have not used all of these methods simultaneously, but I have tried them at various points in time, some by themselves and others in combination with each other. The only one that has shown any sign of being able to help me with my period situation is NPC, but even that, as I have discovered, may not be enough to help me cycle more regularly. *sigh*

I don't mean to be a downer. I'm just sharing my own experiences. Just because these alternative methods haven't worked for me doesn't mean that alternative methods can't work for you. According to the posts on this forum, they work for many women.

With that said, I do hope you find something to regulate your cycles. In the meantime, I recommend continuing to post here. There are so many kind and supportive people here on SoulCysters that understand what you're going through!

Ange7894 · 03-01-2009, 07:47 AM

Thanks for the replies. Shortandsweet, I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time. I'm sure it's been discouraging for you, but don't give up hope. What's your diet like? Are you exercising? These are other ways I'm going to be trying to bring AF back. I'm starting a low carb, low sugar diet today, and once my hubby and I get our tax refund we're buying a treadmill so I can start working out again. I plan on buying Vitex as well. My ND has already given me D-pitinol, Fish Oil, and Liver Support so I'm going to be starting those again too. I don't think I gave them enough of a chance last time I took them. My problem is I'm a very impatient person, and if I don't see results of something in a few weeks I assume it's not working and give up. I need to stop that and really put an effort in. I was thinking about acupuncture too, so we'll see. I'm trying to be optimistic. Good luck to you.

shortandsweet · 03-01-2009, 06:31 PM

Ange7894, I can relate to being impatient when it comes to these natural alternative methods of restoring one's cycles. I wish I could just try these methods and have them work right away exactly how I want them to! I realize that isn't going to happen though.

In answer to your questions about my diet and exercise, my diet isn't good (I like pizza and sodas way more than I should!), and I don't exercise enough. I had started improving my diet and had lost approximately 10 lbs. a couple of weeks ago by dramatically reducing soda consumption and cutting back on fast food meals, but I have gotten off track. I had also started exercising, but I have also gotten off track with that.

I admit that I got bummed out about my body not responding to the NPC as I thought it would and that I proceeded to eat a whole lot of junk and not move much at all.

I know logically that binge eating and failing to exercise are not behaviors that are going to improve my issues with my periods and my weight. However, I tend to eat too much and exercise too little when I feel frustrated with my body and its failure to work properly.

I know I need to get back on track with the changes I was making. I'm sure I have gained back most, if not all, of the weight I recently lost. The good news is that I am still drinking a lot less soda than I was a month ago. I just have to keep reminding myself that what's done is done and that I can only move forward from here in terms of trying to get my cycles back on track. Sometimes that is easier said than done though.

Ange, I notice that you mentioned being interested in accupuncture. I have never tried it, but I often read positive things about it. I wish you the best if you do decide to try it. I also wish you well when it comes to all of your other efforts to get your periods to return!

Ange7894 · 03-01-2009, 10:32 PM

shortandsweet, I know what you mean about getting off track. I fall into that habit as well. I'll go maybe a month without eating any junk food, and then I'll make one slip and it's downhill from there. I'm trying to put my focus on getting my body healthy rather than thinking of it from a weight loss perspective. Getting my periods back and preparing my body for a future pregnancy is a lot more motivating than seeing a change on the scale.

When I was taking the Metformin in January I had some success because it completely eliminated my sweet cravings. That was the biggest help I could have asked for. Unfortunately it also made me incredibly nauseous and I had to stop. I tried the ER version and even though I had no nausea with that, it didn't do much for the sweet cravings. I would even say they were worse. So today I started strictly alternative methods, and this time I'm going to stick with the commitment. I'm doing a castor oil pack as I type this, I took all my supplements, and tried to eat fewer carbs throughout the day. I also ordered some Saw Palmetto and Vitex this afternoon so I'll be adding that to my regimen too. I think exercising will make a huge difference too. It's been several months since I did any real exercise, so I'm hoping once I start again, I'll see an improvement.

I'll put accupuncture on the back burner for now. I want to see how these other methods work first. This time though I'll give it more than just a month before I give up.

jentn · 03-02-2009, 01:53 PM

I got off bcp in Aug or Sept of 2007. I've only had one natural period since that time (around Feb 2008). I am a "normal" weight cyster. I've been on Provera and Prometrium which both induced a period. I'm TTC so I also took Clomid for a while. I did have one period in Nov 2008 that occurred after a successful "o" from the Clomid. The following month I did not "o" or start a period on the same dose of Clomid that worked the previous month. I was extremely frustrated and sad. I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine Dr. and have been on Chinese herbs for @ a month and a half now. I've also had one acupuncture session. No AF since the one in Nov. I mentioned before, but the Dr. made some changes to the herbs this go around so I'm hopeful. I also try to practice a low carb, no sugar diet as the Chinese Dr. told me "no more sugar." Anyway, it is hard. I'm glad there are cysters out here that can relate to what it's like. It's nice to have a place to vent.

ncrelyea · 03-05-2009, 03:47 AM

I was on the depo shot for about a year and a half, been off of it for a year and still have not had a period since i started. once i got off the shot i was spotting about every other day. Doc put me on medroxyprogesterone to start period and it didnt change a thing. I started taking vitex about 2 1/2 weeks ago and spotted for 3 days, but then completely stopped. I dont really know whats going on with my body now. i was cramping alot and thought i was going to start a/f but the cramps went away and i still have not bled at all. I hope the vitex works soon, because im impatient

i've read it can take up to 6 months to work.

Ange7894 · 03-06-2009, 09:14 AM

I just started Vitex too, and I also read that it could take many months before you notice any changes. I'm incredibly impatient, so this is a good test for me to stick with something. I'm not giving up on it though. Good luck!

Ihavfaith · 03-06-2009, 11:24 PM

haven't had period since oct 08. just got script from doc for provera and just had my first accupucture session today

coobeastie.com · 03-10-2009, 02:41 AM

I took Clomid for three months and then switched to Vitex. I got pregnant about 6 months after starting Vitex and I've been taking Vitex again since DS stopped BFing last summer. Without it I don't have periods.

DonDon34 · 03-10-2009, 05:07 PM

Hi All,

I'm so glad to have come across this thread as I'm in the same position. Came off bcp in September 08 and no sign of af since. So worrying especially as I'd like a baby in the not too distant future. Might try the acupuncture. Any results from anyone who has tried it first hand?

wishn'4Zoe · 03-11-2009, 01:19 AM

I did IVF and when it failed my doctor basically told me I was too fat and nothing would work for me until I lost weight. I had surgery in 2006 to remove uterine polyps so she said it was very important for me to remain regular and put me on the pill before sending me out the door. I took the pill for about a year while I gradually got over the depression of the failed IVF. The last 2 months I took the pill... no period. I went to a new doctor who gave me prometrium for 12 days- bust. Then a shot of progesterone- bust. Then he did a bunch of tests and found a mass that looked like it was an ovarian cyst. It turns out that it was a cyst the former doctor found during surgery but said it was harmless and didn't need to be removed. This cyst was not on my ovary but attached to the outside of my colon. It had grown double in size since the first doctor found it and left it there. I had it removed last month. Turned out to be a very rare, benign lymphangioma. While they removed that they also examined my ovaries and removed the cysts that were all over them. I was hopeful to begin anew and at least start a period. Nope. I had another progesterone shot a few days ago and I hope it works this time. I don't know what to do next if it doesn't show up soon.

Ange7894 · 03-11-2009, 09:19 AM

wishin' I'm so sorry to hear about all you've been through. That's awful! I can't believe the doctor would just leave a mass inside you while he was doing the surgery. I mean it's obviously not supposed to be there, so why wouldn't he remove it?? Whether it was harmless or not. It amazes me that some people with that kind of mentality are doctors. Second opinions are crucial! Twice in my life I was misdiagnosed until I sought second opinions. One of them being PCOS.

Don't give up hope. Removing all those cysts (including the big one) had to have helped, even if just a little. Good luck to you!

IsabelleGrace · 03-11-2009, 07:49 PM

I never had anything regular until I went on Actos. Even on Met, nothing but a mess or two - ugh. With Actos though, it has been like clockwork. I've recently had to stop taking Actos because of a change in insurance, so I'm very concerned over what's going to happen. We'll see.