Could You Be Pregnant? Irregular Periods and PCOS

Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

I have had irregular menstrual cycles for three years, and my doctor diagnosed me with possible polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Recently, the diagnosing physician indicated that it might be hypothalamic amenorrhea.
My last menstrual period was in May, and it only occurred after taking medication, with very light flow.
(For the past three years, I have been taking medication to thicken the endometrium to induce menstruation, and I am unsure if I am actually ovulating.) Given this situation, after having sexual intercourse on August 15, I have experienced breast tenderness for four days and abdominal bloating.
Is it possible that I am pregnant? (An ultrasound on September 9 showed that my uterus is smaller than normal, and the doctor mentioned that it might be due to prolonged amenorrhea, causing the uterus to rest for too long.)

J, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you are wondering about pregnancy, it's best to wait and see.
Generally, you can take a pregnancy test 12 days after unprotected intercourse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/09/13

More Info

When dealing with the complexities of irregular menstrual cycles and conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is crucial to understand how these factors can influence fertility and the possibility of pregnancy. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular periods, making it challenging to predict ovulation and, consequently, the fertile window.

In your case, having experienced irregular periods for three years and being diagnosed with PCOS, it is understandable to have concerns about your fertility. The fact that your periods have only occurred with medication suggests that your body may not be ovulating regularly, which is a common issue for those with PCOS. The use of medication to induce menstruation can help thicken the uterine lining, but it does not guarantee that ovulation is occurring.

Regarding your recent sexual activity on August 15 and the symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating, these could potentially be early signs of pregnancy. However, they are also common symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations, especially in individuals with PCOS. The irregularity of your menstrual cycle complicates the ability to determine if you are pregnant based solely on these symptoms.

To assess the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period does not arrive as expected. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you are pregnant, hCG levels typically rise rapidly in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Given that your ultrasound on September 9 indicated a smaller-than-normal uterine size, this could be attributed to prolonged amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and the effects of PCOS. A smaller uterus does not necessarily indicate infertility, but it may reflect the hormonal imbalances associated with your condition. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss your symptoms and any potential pregnancy.

In summary, while it is possible that you could be pregnant given your recent sexual activity and the symptoms you are experiencing, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle and the underlying condition of PCOS make it difficult to ascertain without further testing. If you suspect pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test and consulting with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation would be the best course of action. They may also recommend additional tests or treatments to help manage your PCOS and improve your chances of conception in the future.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods: Could It Be Pregnancy or PCOS?

Hello Dr. Jan: About three years ago, I experienced a year without menstruation, but my cycles have been relatively normal since then, occurring approximately every forty days, occasionally extending to two months. My last period was from June 13 to June 18. I had sexual intercou...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnant individuals may also need to remain vigilant and undergo monitoring. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be diagnosed through blood tests and ultrasound examinations, and your obstetrician-gynecologist can assist you in this evaluation.

Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Concerns: A Guide

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle has been very irregular. For example, I did not have my period from January to March this year, had normal periods from April to September, and then missed my periods in October and November. I am concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, but ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The menstrual cycle has been irregular. For example, from January to March this year, there was no menstruation, while from April to September, menstruation was normal. However, there was no menstruation in October and November, raising concerns about the possibility of pregnancy...

Menstrual Irregularities: Understanding PCOS and Pregnancy Concerns

Doctor, I have polycystic ovary syndrome and my menstrual cycle has always been irregular. My period was delayed by two weeks and then lasted for a week, with the same blood volume, color, and duration as before. Should I still be concerned about pregnancy, or is it sufficient th...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular menstrual cycles. If your period is delayed by two weeks and then lasts for a week with the same flow, color, and duration as before, it is generally a good sign that menstruation has occurred. However, if there is still concer...

Understanding Irregular Periods: Could You Be Pregnant?

Since my middle school years, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, sometimes not occurring for several months. When it does come, it lasts for a long time. In August of this year, I visited a gynecologist who diagnosed me with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I took ovulation ...

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: If you have taken a menstrual induction medication and your period has not arrived after a week, a pregnancy test is necessary. During your middle school years, you may have experienced hormonal imbalances due to immature ovaries, which made irregular periods normal. Howev...