Health Forum

About five months ago, I moved from coastal Connecticut to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. That's a change from sea level to about 6,100 ft. I've found that my body is very sensitive to elevation changes and it's taken me a long time to adjust to the altitude and very different climate. Now I'm wondering if my body is still adjusting.

In Connecticut, where I was born and grew up, I always had a very regular menstrual cycle, even as a teenager. I went off hormonal birth control a year ago and my cycle from last November to June was very predictable at 30-32 days. But the last few months it's been crazy. Some months it's only 27 days and others it's 33. This month I started spotting on Day 25 and had really light spotting for three days, then horrifically bad cramps and a flow like normal, then the next day was really light again. I've never had bad cramps before I moved here (these border on debilitating for about 4 hours, then fade) and I've never had spotting prior to my period. I've never had an abnormal pap smear, either.

My husband and I are trying to get pregnant as well, so I'm worried that all this might be making it harder. Has anyone ever heard of altitude affecting menstruation or ovulation? The only information I've found is directed towards female climbers.

From an article on altitude
"Menstruation and Contraception
Menstruation (periods) may be upset during the acclimatization process, and while this seems unlikely to cause harm, it could be inconvenient. Lady climbers may wish to take additional "requisites" or make medicinal arrangements beforehand. Oral contraceptives may be less effective at high altitude, and there may also be an increased risk of thrombosis, as with any oestrogen-based medicine. These matters should be discussed with one's doctor."

Another thing that could affect it is the stress of moving home. I remember it well!