How to Chart Spotting
Question
I am trying to keep track of my menstrual cycle in order to be prepared for planning our next pregnancy, but since the birth of my first baby one year ago, my cycle has changed. I now have light spotting on and off for about one week before any regular bleeding starts.
So, does that mean that day one of my cycle now begins on the first day that I notice light spotting or the first day of regular, obvious bleeding. I used to have a period with relatively heavy bleeding and no spotting, which was much easier to chart. I am still breastfeeding my baby two times per day, but I started my period again when my baby was five months old. It’s only in the last 3-4 cycles that I’ve noticed this problem. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Sally
Answer
Last Updated: March 12, 2024
Dear Sally,
What you are experiencing is known as irregular shedding, a sign of luteal phase inadequacy that is usually easily corrected by nutrition. We suggest you consult Marilyn Shannon’s book, Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition, for diet and supplemental suggestions. Day one of your cycle would be the first day of temperature drop to your low temperature level. Any days of spotting at the high temperature level would be counted as part of your previous cycle.
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Answered By:
