Help? So confused at what is going on in my cycle.

[chloesmummy]

So my partner and I have been trying for 2 years, no luck iv had a few ovulation tests etc at docs, then referred to fertility team, asked to do more blood tests comes back anovulation as per normal, my cycle is normally the same date each month give or take a day, last month i was due on 11th came on the 5th day late as you probably guessed i tested alot when i was late, anyhow 1 full week of bleeding heavy then to just wipe, and normally like 5 days then on day 13 had my internal scan which was all fine but i was spotting for 2 days was not fresh red blood, iv been having period like pains since my period but its much more less painful just a dull ache, then last night i thought ill try clear blue ovulation test, was a smiley face!!! But 10 days before in due on? I started metformin on Thursday but i don't think it has much to do with that as being on a low dose to begin with, iv heard that ovulation tests can some times pick up hcg? What do you think my chances are?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi chloesmummy. Well, that all seems a bit confusing! It could be that you have a short luteal phase, which means that your womb lining is not building up sufficiently for you to have a normal period. You would need to see your GP about that. Regarding the “smiley” face on your ovulation test. This is obviously showing that you are about to ovulate which should be around 10-14 days before your next period starts. Ovulation kits check for LH (luteinising hormone). Pregnancy kits test for hCG (Human gonadotrophin hormone).

I don’t know if you know much about how Metformin works, but I will explain as simply as I can, with apologies if you already know. People who are diabetic (I realise you are probably not) - are treated in 3 different ways – diet, tablets (Metformin) or insulin injections. Women who are not ovulating properly and/or do not have regular periods or who are overweight, are often prescribed Metformin. The reason being is that they often have an excess of insulin in their body cells. Because of this the glands in the brain that control ovulation, the pituitary and the hypothalamus cannot get their message through to the ovaries to get them to ovulate properly. Metformin “mops up” the excess insulin to allow the messages to get through. Often it can regulate periods, but ovulation still does not occur. This is when a drug called Clomid is often introduced as well to hopefully ensure ovulation occurs. Metformin allows Clomid to do its job more efficiently.

It all sounds very complicated, but the mechanics of the idea work well. Of course this treatment does not work with every woman, and there is always the possibility that IVF or similar treatments may be required. Hope this helps. Kind regards Diane