Hi! Can I get some opinions??

Cheryl_W · #1 August 18th, 2009, 11:25 PM

Hi there! I'm from the TTC#1 board, never posted here before but I could use some opinions...

First of all, in my defense (because I know someone is going to mention it!) I know I don't have enough temps for anything to be overly accurate... I focus more on charting CM and occasional temping to see "where I am" in my cycle. I'm kind of hoping I could get some opinions on my past cycle(s) though.

If you look at my chart, I originally had my last two cycles as just one long cycle. CD 29-30 of the cycle that started June 30th, the spotting was heavy (tampon worthy, it was more than just when I wipe) but so much lighter than usual that I didn't consider it a period, even though my BBs were sore and I was kind of PMSy - I just figured it might have been O problems or something.

But now, I look at the few temps I have, the heavy spotting on those two days, the length of this cycle, and when AF is due if I'm close in estimating my O date, and I realized something.

AF would be due on CD56-58, depending on my O date estimation. But that is TWO 28 day cycles!

Now, I haven't had 28 day cycles since I got off BCP, but my LP has consistently been 16 days (I know because other than once or twice, I get O spotting and 16-17 days after O spotting first shows up, AF arrives...)

When it was all one big cycle, that first temp was really, really low compared to post O temps - more than ever. Like 2.5 degrees difference. That was my second tip off, after realizing the 56 divided by 2 is 28 thing...

Looking at my past two cycles on my charting page, do you think that is one cycle? Or is it two? I've divided it into two for now, but I'm not sure...

I guess the deciding factor is whether or not "spotting" that made me wear a tampon should be considered AF or not, even if it was really light flow? It was red, AND brown... Too heavy not to use anything, but not quite heavy enough for a Super tampon (which is what I'm used to having to use...)

Opinions? I'm totally lost, and kind of confused that all of a sudden my body might be (gasp, shock, horror!) acting normally!

Thanks girls, I know my charts are confusing but any opinions - even if they're pure speculation - are welcomed. Going to bring all of my charts into my OB/GYN on Monday anyway, but I want to hear what you have to say!

- Cheryl

P.S. Sorry about the novel... LOL!

CandaceDianne · #2 August 19th, 2009, 04:33 AM

Hey Cheryl!!

Glad you came over to check out the Fertility Charting board!!
Did you come off of bcp 5 cycles ago? (I am guessing from your siggy

). If so, that may be why your AF is short. Your body may have been trying to regulate itself. They say it can take up to 6months to a year for your body to adjust itself after coming off of bcp (I JUST came off prior to this cycle). IF it has only been 5 months/cycles since coming off of bcp, I would consider that 1 heavier AF day the start of a new cycle, that's just my

. Patty or Coley may have more insight, since they are veterans to charting (I am a newbie to it all). GL!

Coley · #3 August 19th, 2009, 04:55 AM

Hey Cheryl!!! I'm so glad to see you over here!!

If I had to give you my speculation, and as you said... there's not much temp info there to go on, I would say based on CM, the fact that the "bleeding" was preceded by all that spotting... My guess would be that you had a 28 day cycle with a very light AF. I had a really light AF back in May that only lasted 2 days... it made me wonder if it was actually an AF... so it does happen.

I would suggest seeing what our guru Patty has to say. She's the one I always wait on when I have questions about my charts!! And she always turns out to be right!!

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #4 August 19th, 2009, 07:21 AM

Guru Patty is here. LMBO. I don't know when I got to be the guru. I need some coffee for this one. Be back in a few with my thoughts.

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #5 August 19th, 2009, 07:35 AM

Okay, I still haven't got my coffee... but I did look at your charts. I agree with your opinion and the other gals. It sure looks like two cycles to me. You can see a biphasic pattern on both charts (even with just the few temps you have). It may not be entirely accurate but I can see where you most likely ovulated on both charts. I think your cycles are just a little wacky because of going off the pill but it looks like they are getting closer to being back on track, minus all the spotting. But, if you look through my charts I have lots of spotting too (just not quite like yours).

I think you may want to add checking your cervix to your routine. I think if you added that with your other fertile signs it would really help with interpretting your chart and wouldn't require you to temp every day. Just pick a consistent time to check it each day and add that data to your chart.

P.S. We would love it if you stopped in more often. We have a lot of gals over here that also post on TTC your first so I think you would like it here.

Cheryl_W · #6 August 19th, 2009, 01:13 PM

Thanks girls! I actually stopped taking BCP in January, I was using a non-hormonal IUD until we started TTC - so it has been 7-8 months off of BCP, and I haven't had a period that light or a cycle that short since. Strange, but I'll welcome 28 day cycles since I thought this was going to be a 60 day one!!

Thanks! Depending on how this cycle goes, I might just have to join you in here!

- Cheryl