Premenopause

What does a “regular cycle” mean?

I enjoyed being part of the Menstruation and Ovulation Study and am excited to learn our results. But the menstrual cycle questions got me to thinking. What does it mean to have a regular menstrual cycle?
When should I have sex to get pregnant?

I am a 36-year old female and we have been trying to conceive since October 2006. I know my fertile window is 3 days before ovulation the day of and after ovulation. Does that mean that you cannot fall pregnant if you engage in sexual activity a week before your next period?
PCOS (AAE) and Insulin Resistance

Two years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS by my general practitioner, who started me on Diane35® but basically did nothing else. Despite walking and working out regularly, I have continued to gain weight, and my emotional/hormonal levels seem very out of place. My waistline is increasing despite a fasting glucose test that indicated I am not diabetic. I am looking for advice as to how to find out more information about PCOS so that I can try to regain control over my menstrual health, and ultimately my weight and emotional health.
What do cysts on the ovary mean?

I’ve been having some heavier bleeding and increased period cramps. I’m 34 and don’t know why, but my doctor sent me for a pelvic ultrasound. He just called me saying the ultrasound showed a big cyst on my ovary. He wants me to see a gynecologist about it.
So I have two questions: What does a cyst on the ovary mean? And does having a cyst imply I must have surgery?
Androgen Excess

I am having some issues with my hormones and acne lately. My background: I started menstruating when I was 15 years old and had really heavy week long periods, but they were irregular and did not come very often. When I was about 17 I started getting big pimples on my face, my Doctor at the time told me that it was because my periods were irregular and prescribed me Diane 35. It worked. I was on Diane for 5 years. The problem now: I am now almost 22. I went off Diane at the end of February and not including the initial period, I haven’t had one since (about 6 months!). I went off Diane because of fear of long term side effects, especially considering my mother’s history of estrogen dependent cancers (atypia cells in her breasts, and ovarian cancer). Since I went off the Diane, however, my skin has gotten extremely bad and I have severe acne concentrated on my chin. I am concerned for many reasons including that I am petite and worry about osteoporosis. I am tempted to go back on Diane 35 because it helped in so many respects, but again am apprehensive… Any suggestions you might have for me would be greatly appreciated.
Why do I have Osteoporosis? I’m Way too Young!

I slipped on some soggy leaves while walking home from work. I ended up breaking my upper arm. I’m only 36-this kind of fracture typically happens in 80 year olds! My bone density shows a Z-score of -3, meaning I have osteoporosis by bone density as well as low trauma fracture. But how I could have osteoporosis since I am so young and do everything right? I walk about an hour a day (my commute), I eat yogurt and cheese and drink 3 glasses of skim milk a day-all my life I have taken a multi vitamin. My weight is perfect. I’ve never skipped a period and they come predictably every 27 days. I don’t even have osteoporosis in my family. Why did I break my arm???
Can we Prevent Anovulatory Androgen Excess (aka PCOS)?

Hi there. I don’t know if you can answer this or even if you will think it is a stupid question, but I am 41 and have a 12-year old daughter who got her period two years ago. I’ve struggled with PCOS since my teens and now I’m worried because I see my daughter following the same pattern. Her periods are every three or four months, she’s gaining weight rapidly, has lots of pimples and is feeling very bad about herself. So here’s the question: Is there any way that we can stop her from getting PCOS?
Anovulatory Cycles

I’m 22 years old and have a question—how can you have regular periods and not make an egg? I thought it took dropping progesterone levels for the flow to start. We’ve been married for two years, using the Pill until last month when I stopped because we are thinking about a pregnancy. My period came on time, but I don’t think I ovulated based on the morning temperatures I’ve been writing on the bottom of the Menstrual Cycle Diary.
Am I Skipping Periods Because of Too Much Exercise?

I’m having periods that are usually two or three months apart and my doctor says it’s because I’m doing too much exercise. I’m 19, healthy, and studying to be a medical office assistant, I walk, run or kick-box every day but feel good when I do it and not good when I don’t. I’m slim (I think my body mass index is 18) but I feel good energy at this weight. I’m never sick, I eat well, don’t smoke and really try to be healthy. Do you think that too much exercise is causing my infrequent periods?
A Positive View of Women’s Exercise, Menstrual Cycles and Ovulation

I believe that “athletic amenorrhea” is a myth! There are no negative effects related to exercise if women start exercising when their cycles are mature and ovulatory, if they are of normal weight and maintain it, if life stresses are not major, and if they begin and increase exercise sensibly. However, according to the American…