I'm 22, and I think I've had a total of two periods in my life, at age 13 and 14. I began to take the pill, but it made me very ill. Since then my family doctor told me that I couldn't have any kids. Recently my lover and I found out I was 19 weeks pregnant. We were very surprised and happy that I could conceive, but disappointed because we knew that it wasn't the time for us to have any children. I decided to have an abortion. My question now is, am I fertile? How would I know? The doctors are not answering my question. As for birth control, I am now taking the pill, and still feeling ill and lightheaded.

Blue

There are many conditions that may cause absent menses (amenorrhea). One useful test is a blood test for the hormone FSH. If FSH is elevated, I will look for chromosomal abnormalities or ovarian failure. In some women who have never had a normal menses, the ovaries may have failed to form properly.

I have seen patients who had high FSH -- indicating premature ovarian failure -- who miraculously conceived without any treatment. In one case the woman terminated the pregnancy. Unfortunately, she never had another spontaneous period, nor did she conceive again.

Without more information about the tests you have had performed and the results, it is hard to advise you as to whether you are again fertile. I would recommend that you see a fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist to assist you in understanding the cause for your menstrual problems.