[caitmorris]

Hello-
I am 33 years old and have two children. I don't take any hormones. Since the birth of my second child 3.5 years ago I have had very regular cycles. I always ovulate on day 15 and my period begins on day 29 and lasts about 6 days. I notice cramping, bloating and a slight weight gain of 2-3 pounds during ovulation. This cycle I ovulated on day 18 (2 days ago) and had a big change in symptons. I am experiencing a 5 pound weight gain, am extremely bloated and constipated, irritable, nauseus and fatigued. This symptoms began on day 14 and are continuing now on day 20. I am 5'8" and 140 pounds. I exercise 6 days a week and eat very healthy foods. What could be causing the sudden change in ovulation date and symptoms?
Thank you.

[DoulaLC]

Hi caitmorris... welcome to AMHD,

Is pregnancy a possibility? While women generally tend to ovulate at the same time each cycle, it can be off a bit now and then. This is why no time during a cycle is 100% safe from possible pregnancy.

Changes can also be due to age. It is not uncommon for women in their 30's to notice some changes. While it is not necessarily perimenopause, hormones may fluctuate. This is partly why fertility starts to decline a bit in the 30's.

It may be just a one off cycle and you will go back to your norm next month.

[caitmorris]

I really appreciate your reply! No, pregnancy really isn't a possibility. My husband was "snipped" about a year after our last baby. I know that there is always a minuscule chance after a vasectomy but I had a regular period just after Christmas.
So this could possibly be perimenopause? I feel terrible and it's not going away after ovulation.
Thank you again!

[DoulaLC]

It may not be actual perimenopause. While it can happen, the 30's is not usually when most women notice some more obvious changes. It could be just an off cycle, which can happen now and then.

If you continue to feel unwell, you might want to see your doctor. If you start to feel better, see what happens when you would expect your next period. Perhaps you are fighting an illness... which can also sometimes through a cycle off.