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Last Updated:
Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53
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Question
I have been charting my cycles and have come across a pattern that I can not figure out. I have a 31 day cycle, with temps between 97.3 and 97.6 the entire time (anovulatory, I presume), and them my temp jumps to around 98.1 two days before my period and stays elevated throughout my period (all 5-6 days of it). It is a full period, although light, definitely not just spotting. I can't seem to figure out what's going on. Background info: I am a 24 year old female who is trying to get pregnant. I have not been on any birth control for over 2 years now. Can you give me any idea? My ob isn't interested in my charts.
Thanks in advance!
Answer
Let us begin by saying that without actually seeing your chart, we can only give you an idea of what might be happening based on the information you have provided. You say you have come across an unusual pattern, but you do not say if it was a one time occurrence, or if it is recurring problem. Assuming it is the only cycle in which you have observed this pattern, it may simply be a matter of delayed ovulation and breakthrough bleeding. When a woman has an unusually long cycle, which can happen with a delayed ovulation, she may observe something called breakthrough bleeding. When looking at an irregular cycle, it is important to note that the luteal phase, the time between ovulation and menstruation, is very consistent and does not vary much from cycle to cycle. It is the first half of the cycle which can vary and is extended in an extra long cycle. It is during this time that the lining of the uterus is building up. If the build up is more than the usual amount due to the extended length of this phase, a woman may shed some of the lining prior to menstruation, leading her to believe she has had a period when in actuality she has had breakthrough bleeding. Her true menstruation will come shortly after this first bleed, about 14 days after her thermal shift, assuming she has a normal length luteal phase. You also mention that you have been trying to get pregnant for two years which leads me to believe that perhaps this a recurring problem. If that is the case, what you are describing could be a hormonal imbalance which should be assessed by a medical doctor and could be the reason why you are not getting pregnant. We highly recommend you see an endocrinologist who is familiar with Natural Family Planning. Though you may have to drive a considerable distance depending on where you live to see such a doctor it may well be worth your while. As you stated in your question, your OB wasn’t interested in your charts. We found the same was true for us when we had two miscarriages and consulted several specialists. It wasn’t until we drove 370 miles to see an NFP-only physician that we found the help we needed. It was well worth the time and extra effort. You can find an NFP-only physician by contacting CANFP for a referral, or by checking www.omsoul.com for a list of such physicians. We hope we have been helpful and wish you all the best.
We are Pablo & Vironique Gaeta. We have been married for 8 years and have two daughters ages 4 years old & 9 months old.
We are certified to teach the Sympto-Thermal Method through the Couple To Couple League International.
© Copyright 2005 by CANFP
The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
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