[mrsgranchango]

I may be jumping the gun here a bit, but I saw a bit of spotting and I'm thinking af may be on her way!!!! But, (not that i'm not screwed up anyway, ) I'm probably going to be messed up since this is post B/C. I stopped taking the pill somewhere in the middle of March and started bleeding on March 30. So my (potentially) dumb question...Is this an actual cycle or is it just more withdrawal bleeding because of the synthetic hormones? I don't remember seeing any real CM or anything, but I wasn't really looking for it. In theory, we've timed things pretty well, so if I were a normal person, I'd have a fabulous chance, but anyway. Since I wasn't charting or anything, can I know for sure if I ever ovulated? Can you naturally bleed without actually ovulating? I've been cramping off & on for about a week now, does that mean anything? What do yall think I should be expecting?

I've had breakthrough bleeding without actually ovulating before. I hope this is AF showing for you! That would be awesome. Are you on Met and everything?

[ShawnaCAN]

Yes, you can have 2 types of bleeding without ovulating. Breakthrough bleeding happens when estrogen levels rise because your body is thinking about ovulation - it's generally just spotting or light bleeding, with lots of CM mixed in. Withdrawal bleeding happens when estrogen levels crash because your body tried to ovulate and didn't go through with it. It can be heavy or light, and usually occurs a few days after an episode of CM. When you chart your CM, you can identify which kind of bleed it is - menstruation (which always follows ovulation), breakthrough (high estrogen, CM) present), withdrawal (low estrogen, no CM), or implantation (7-10 days after ovulation).

Abnormal bleeding that can't be linked to those 4 scenarios is problematic and should be investigated by a physician.

Without charting, it's impossible to know what you should be expecting at this point. Sorry!

[mrsgranchango]

Yes, I'm on met and levo and neither seem to be doing anything except draining me of $10 a month. But anyway, AF or whatever the heck bleeding this is hit with a vengeance today! I didn't even think of it when I started cramping a week ago, but I don't think I've ever cramped a full week before I started. I wouldn't mind charting again, but my thermometer is broken & I haven't decided if I should get a new battery or just buy a freaking new one I can still consider this a complete new cycle, even if it is only withdrawal bleeding right? I'm just still excited I didn't have to take pills to get it to start!!

If it's heavy, I'd consider it a new cycle. And hey, Met's probably doing SOMETHING for you if you started on your own!

[sjkduke]

Just wanted to say YAY and hang in there...hope you get some answers soon! Good luck!

[mrsgranchango]

If it's heavy, I'd consider it a new cycle. And hey, Met's probably doing SOMETHING for you if you started on your own![/b]

I guess you have a point. I was hoping I could start looking like a 21 year old woman instead of a 13 year old boy, but I guess I'll start with starting on my own. This patience thing kinda sucks sometimes Thanks for all the help! You guys come through every time!