Cortisol (a big shock) causing a frozen menstrual cycle?

[SunnySpaghetti]

I’m sure there are several stupid questions in here but I’d love some advice. I’ve got my first IVF consultation next week.

Sadly 3 weeks ago my mum passed away - the shock and trauma of that has frozen my cycle (or at least, I assume it’s down to the cortisol). I’ve still not bled 3 weeks later (just for the avoidance of any doubt, I’m definitely not pregnant).

Obviously there’s a lot going on and it’s not the end of the world in the grand scheme of things - but I’m worried about the impact this might on my IVF appt and I don’t like not knowing where I am in my cycle - it feels very discombobulating. Especially as I’ve spent the last year getting much more in tune with my body and tracking etc. It just feels right to us at the moment not to push back or cancel the appt or this process, but we did discuss that.

The initial shock and stress has subsided (it was a long illness so more sadness than shock) and I’ve hugely been prioritising relaxing and I’ve not been working. My cortisol levels should have hugely come down but I’m wondering what I can do to work out what’s going on internally?

Any advice super welcome- I realise this is an odd one.

[Lelo3479]

Hi, So sorry to hear about your Mum and all the pain your going through 😢💐❤️.

It's really common for stress/trauma etc. to play havoc with your cycles. I really feel for you having your cycle go wayward just when you don't want it too, compounding your stress and upset.

But remember, this is your 1st appt. This will be chatting about your goals, what you hope to achieve, your medical history, hormones, any testing etc. Planning, learning and building a good relationship with your Consultant and Nursing team then eventually the Embryologists.

You won't be immediately starting treatment. That may be a few months or longer away yet, regardless of your cycle.

Have faith your cycle will return soon and not impact the start of treatment, but even if it does, it will suck, but it can't be helped ❤️ and you will get to start your treatment in the near future (they can always try and induce a period with meds to restart your cycle if necessary) they do it with PCOS sufferers.

You're at the very beginning, everything is open, everything available to hope for, everything is possible at this stage. (the world is your oyster still).

Concentrate on you and your loved ones, be as well as you can be. No extra pressure on yourself. Best wishes x

[SunnySpaghetti in reply to Lelo3479]

I can’t thank you enough for this kind and thoughtful reply. It’s hugely reassured me heading into the appointment. Really thank you

[Twiglet2]

I’m so so sorry to hear about your mum 💔 please don’t worry about your cycles and IVF, especially for just a first consult I am sure they will go back to normal before you start anyway but even if they don’t they have meds to induce them and get things going again if they need to. They deal with delayed periods and irregular cycles all the time. I would personally move forward if you are feeling emotionally ready and it’s only the physical cycle side of things you are worried about as time is of the essence with all things fertility. Sending hope and positivity for the future for you 💜 xx

[SunnySpaghetti in reply to Twiglet2]

Thank you so much Twiglet- this community is so wonderful, I feel very reassured and heard!

[Blahblahblahxxx]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum, that must be so tough to work through alongside it playing havoc on your cycle too.

Have you had any accupuncture? Worth looking into if not. It can be very relaxing and it can kick start your cycle when it's stalled.

[SunnySpaghetti in reply to Blahblahblahxxx]

Yes actually acupuncture was on my list to look into, that’s a very good point!

[Solo45]

firstly, so sorry to hear about your mum - lost both my parents close together in the last few years and it can really mess with your body and brain. Second the advice to do as much as you can to physically rest your body - gentle exercise, yoga, agree re acupuncture as a good shout. Just track where you’re at and the experts will help with the rest. And you’ll have an extra angel guiding your path.